I’m a semi retired Occupational Therapist. I’ve been a resident of Monrovia since 1974. I believe in ‘giving back’ – thus, I’m quite involved in many boards and nonprofits in town.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your origin story. Share a little about your childhood and your family.
Born and raised in Chicago – only child.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Semi-Retired Occupational Therapist – spent most of full time career in Mental Health – now working almost exclusively with clients suffering from Alzheimer’s – have private practice called E Z Living.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Thai Thyme. In n Out Burger, Merengue.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? Tell us about your favorite memory or experience living in Monrovia.
I moved here from Chicago in 1974. Danced for 1st All America City celebration. Honored to be past co-president of Monrovia Historic Preservation Group.
Q: None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person you’ve met here in our community who helped you get to where you are or inspired you?
Inspired by Charlotte Schamadan – I appreciated her feedback and mentorship.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Going to Israel soon. Would like to do the South Pacific – especially Tahiti. Love the peacefulness of the islands – and the food!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies of all time? Do you have a favorite TV show or shows?
Favorite movie – Fiddler on the Roof. Enjoy Jeopardy and Dancing with the Stars on TV.
Q: What advice would you give to people? Do you have a Life Lesson quote?
I firmly believe that All Things Happen in their Own Time for a Reason. Get involved in your community. What you give comes back to you multifold.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I enjoy as much of the world as possible with my husband John.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what music to listen to?
Los Angeles Philharmonic!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Dollmakers. Loved the owners and their dedication to the community.
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?
Sonny Giroux – Program Manager of Deep Space Network – Peraton. I want to pick his brain about what he thinks is ‘out there.’ Let’s eat at the new Chinese Garden at the Huntington Library.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Monrovia or something unique about our community that you like?
It’s ‘all America USA’ – values history, yet continues to modernize and move forward. In our neighborhood, people care about each other.
Q: Sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you’ve ever made?
Can’t think of one
Q: Even for friends or family, what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m actually related to Herb Alpert of the Tijuana Brass. I was honored to play in a backup band for Doc Severinsen years ago.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Yosemite Valley – it’s my ‘recharge’ place.
Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Married over 30 years to my husband John. Honored by Occupational Therapy Association of California for promoting OT in a nontraditional manner
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
God’s blessing of my life.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
I’m blessed to be reasonably healthy and have multiple skills. I need to continue to use my skills to better myself and my town.
Q: If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be?
“Love thy neighbor” – it sounds trite, but wouldn’t it be wonderful if people could all get along, even with divergent views that make life rich and challenging?
Q: Finally, what three character traits come to mind when you think of your success in life?
Honesty, caring, giving without desire for recognition.
