My name is Robin [Hart] Chicca. I have been in Monrovia since 1981, when my family moved closer to my dad’s work. Under the major influence of my parents, Jan and Dave Hart, I became an educator and developed a passion for serving the community of Monrovia. I love to coach, teach, and play games of all kinds – computer, board, phone, physical…. I consider myself a lover of learning and tend to try out new things, so I’m kind of a jack of all trades, master of none, as they say. Monrovia is the only place I know and cannot imagine living anywhere else.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My parents are long time educators in MUSD. I have one younger sister. I am married to a fellow MHS alumni and we have a 7 year old daughter.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am a physical education teacher at Monrovia High. I love the opportunity that I have to create foundational skills that students will use throughout their life. I get the opportunity to be outside and actually play with the kids. Health and fitness is such a valuable skill set, and I hope to bring a positive experience to every student that enters my class.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
The Diplomat, Gem City Grill, Jake’s, T-Burger, and Las Marias
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in Monrovia since 1981 and currently live in the Mayflower Village area. I started working for the City of Monrovia when I was 14 and then began teaching in the district when I was 24.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I think one of the most interesting people in our community is Barbara Gholar. She is both a light and wealth of knowledge for our community. I love learning from her every time we are together.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would love to visit Greece. I think the coastline is beautiful and seems like a genuinely relaxing place to go.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie of all time is The Sound of Music. I loved watching Nip/Tuck when it was on the air.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be kind. Be genuine. We are all going through our own trials and rather than judge or assume we need to be graceful and loving. I do believe that good people can change the world.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Eat real Italian food in Italy
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Not a band but a playlist of all the music that got me through middle school and high school. I grew up in the 90s and feel like it was such a good decade for music. I connect memories to the songs, so I go straight to my 90s playlist for just about any occasion.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I really miss the Sizzler, the Bob’s Big Boy, and the Haagen Dazs store. I like food…
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to have lunch with Michelle Obama at the Diplomat. We both have a passion for fitness and health. She seems so down to earth and relatable.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Monrovia or something unique about our community that you like?
I call us the Hallmark town. We are small but not rural; we are city, but not busy. We are generational and memorable. I cannot think of a better place to be.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Honestly, in the same place I am now. Maybe a little wiser. Hopefully, a homeowner!
Q: Even for friends or family, what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I don’t like to eat my food out of order. I have to finish one thing before I can start the next.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Eastern Washington state in the fall. Every color of leaf imaginable. Breathtaking.
Q: What is your favorite month? Favorite holiday? And what is the best single day on the calendar?
My favorite month is March. Fave holiday is Christmas because it brings family together and I love to bake. Single best day of the year is March 3, my birthday
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Chocolate chip cookies
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My daughter. She is the reason I focus on growth, even at this stage in my life. I want her to see that life is a continual growing process and that challenges do not make or break us but teach us.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Tahitian Gardenia and jasmine
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Relaxing, Monrovia, family
