I consider myself somewhat of an entrepreneur, an all-around problem solver, and a lover of all things art and music. I have made it my goal in life to try and be of service to those in need, and to always lend a helping hand. I also try and incorporate my personal and moral beliefs in all that I do. Social Justice issues are very important to my family and I. I have always tried to create opportunities for others in all that I do whenever I can. I obtained my BA in Human Development at Pacific Oaks College with a Social Change Specialization. I do come from a long line of small business owners, and take pride in keeping that tradition going in my family. I enjoy road trips with my husband and daughter, and will never turn down an opportunity to head somewhere up the coast of California. You can most likely find me listening to some new artist or album while cooking new recipes with my chef husband. And on most Sunday afternoons, you can find our family of 9 all together having dinner & drinks at one of our homes.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Alex and I have been married for 20 years. We have an incredible 16 year old named Sophia. I am very close with my parents, and I have only one younger brother named Jason. His wife Sarah and their two sons Leo & Massimo complete our very close-knit family. Being Italian and Greek, family always comes first.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Over the years, I have always worked in some kind of support setting. I have also taught preschool, and children with Special Needs/Learning Disorders. Most recently, my husband and I have owned and operated the Market Grill here in Monrovia. I am currently a Personal Assistant to a couple that are in the Entertainment Business. All very different positions, but always being of service to others. That’s what I love the most about my various jobs.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I’d be a fool to not mention The Market Grill, which is getting ready to re-open very soon! We also enjoy Baja Mar for Mexican, Zelo for pizza, Gem City Bar for a great cocktail and wings, and 38 Degrees for their awesome Beer list and Poutine. I could go on…..
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My family has lived in Monrovia for almost 18 years. We have worked in this community for just as long.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Gosh, there are so many amazing people we’ve met over the years with owning a little sandwich shop. Steve Baker was very helpful in educating us about our old building on Shamrock. And an incredible woman by the name of Kat told us first hand about the time The Doors played at the High School. I’d have to say, anyone that’s been born and raised and stayed in this town has some really wonderfully interesting stories to share. I think that’s what makes Monrovia so great. There’s this history and energy here that you don’t find very often.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Italy. Hands down. I mean, art and history and pasta and Cannoli and wine and olives and cheese and….you see where this is going.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie is The Shining. There’s this whole psychological component to it that I find fascinating! And any Wes Anderson film for sure. As for TV, Jeopardy has always been on at 7pm. But over these past 5 years, we’ve been tuning into NHK; the Japanese station. It’s interesting to get a global perspective of the news and current events here and abroad.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
I have found in my 43 years on this planet that a lot of people don’t really want advice. They usually just need an empathetic ear to listen to them, and a kind hearted person to make them feel heard and seen. But I will always remind young people, specifically teens, that life does get better. And that the tough times come and go. It’s not necessary to have all of the answers, but it is important to keep your eyes and ears peeled for the clues to a happy life.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
As simple as it seems, I would like to travel to the towns in Greece and Italy where my ancestors originated. I would also really like to visit La Casa Azul in Mexico where Frida Khalo lived. She’s my favorite.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Bob Marley. Always.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The first small piece of art my husband ever bought me was from a little store on Myrtle with New Age kind of things and amazing artisan goods. I can’t remember the name, but it was awesome.
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 invite Henry Rollins to a picnic lunch provided by The Market Grill and a stellar bottle of wine from The Saltner. We would discuss the importance of preserving and protecting towns like Monrovia by getting the next generation interested in business ownership. There’s nothing more punk rock than financial independence and self-sufficiency.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I have always been intrigued by the architecture of the houses here. I also love the old boulder walls and foundations of some of the oldest homes in town. I also love how centrally located we are here. I can get anywhere in about 30 minutes.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself where I see myself now; living my best life and appreciating and enjoying friends and family. Everything else is a bonus!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m a pretty open book, but most of my friends and family know me very well. But my most interesting quality is that I know A LOT about music. Lyrically, musically, imstrumentally, I can name either the band or the song within a few seconds of hearing it. I really love music!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Big Sur. Hands down.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
June is wonderful because me and my Mom’s birthday are only 2 days apart, and my two nephews are also born in June. That’s a big month for cake in our family. My favorite holiday is Halloween, but it’s truly a lifestyle in my spooky little family, not just one day to celebrate. The best single day on the calendar is the day my parents were married, because my brother and I would have never been born, nor would we have met our partners and had our amazing children. Ok; and now I’m crying.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A 3 finger pour of Basil Hayden or Elijah Craig enjoyed with my brother and my dad.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Definitely my daughter Sophia. She is my greatest creation and my reason for never giving up.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
A foggy redwood forest on the coast of California, and my mom’s lemon bars.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family traditions, old photos, love.
