Meet a Mom
Meet a Mom: Marisa Sciacca, Teacher at St. Gregory’s
Marisa Sciacca is a dedicated and passionate early childhood educator at St. Gregory the Great Early Childhood Enrichment Program, where she helps shape young minds during their most formative years. With a warm, play-based teaching approach, Marisa creates a nurturing environment where children feel safe, engaged, and excited to learn.
Meet a Mom: Annie Guill Bollet, Chief Operating Officer of ArtStar
Meet Annie Guill Bollet, a Sound Shore mom and the Chief Operating Officer of ArtStar, an online platform making contemporary art more fun, accessible, and inspiring. With a background in the art world and a passion for bringing joyful, colorful pieces into people’s homes, she’s helping redefine the way we experience art.
Meet Amie Pisano, Real Estate Agent at Compass
We’re beyond excited to welcome Amie Pisano to the Sound Shore Moms team as our go-to real estate expert! Amie will be keeping us in the know on everything happening in the local market—from real estate trends and housing updates to insider tips on buying, selling, and making the most of life in the Sound Shore area.
Meet a Mom: Ali Finnegan, Real Estate Agent at Compass
Meet Ali Finnegan, a Rye-based real estate agent, mom of three, and former nurse. Ali shares what drew her to Westchester, her favorite family-friendly neighborhoods, go-to local spots for dining, shopping, and self-care, plus how she balances motherhood with a busy real estate career.
Meet Gwenn Snider, Cofounder of Luxury Family Travel Resorts, Little Gem!
Get to know the mom behind these luxury family-friendly resorts!
An Inside Look at St. Gregory the Great’s Early Childhood Program with Director Robin Hughes
Choosing the right preschool is one of the most important decisions families make in their child’s early years. At St. Gregory the Great Early Childhood Enrichment Program, Director Robin Hughes leads a warm, nurturing program where children feel supported, engaged, and excited to learn.
Meet a Mom: Monica of Monica Chimes Floral
Meet Monica Chimes, the creative force behind Monica Chimes Floral, a Westchester-based floral and event design studio. She started out in a small flower shop in Mount Vernon and has since built a thriving business, bringing beauty to some of the area’s most stunning venues. Monica shares her journey, design philosophy, and expert floral tips for busy moms who want to add effortless elegance to their homes.
Meet a Mom: Melissa Tomlin, Founder of 914PopUps
Meet Melissa Tomlin, the founder of 914PopUps! A Westchester-based entrepreneur with a passion for supporting small businesses, Melissa has built a thriving platform that brings together local vendors through curated pop-up events.
Meet Dr. Kate Chittenden, Psychologist at Clear Mind Psychology
We spoke with Dr. Kate Chittenden, psychologist at Clear Mind Psychology. She shares her insights on supporting children’s mental health, helping them build resilience, and recognizing early signs that therapy may be beneficial. She also provides practical techniques families can use to manage stress together. Read on for her expert advice!
Meet Laura Hersh, Founder of Training with Laura
Meet Laura Hersh, a Certified Personal Trainer (NASM) and Group Fitness Instructor (AFAA), and the founder of Training with Laura. Her journey began with a focus on helping local moms build core strength and has since evolved into a thriving business that empowers her clients to feel strong and energized. Laura shares her story, how she balances fitness and family, her advice for busy moms, and her favorite spots in the Sound Shore area.
Meet Bridget DiDonato, Director of Harrison Pollinator Pathway
Bridget DiDonato, director of the Harrison Pollinator Pathway, is on a mission to protect pollinators and inspire our community to embrace the beauty and benefits of native plants. She shares her journey, the importance of pollinators, and how local families can get involved.
Meet The Owner of Magical Movements School of Dance: Linda Francica Laraqui!
Meet Linda Francica Laraqui, owner of Magical Movements School of Dance. Her passion for dance and love of what she does is truly inspiring! With locations in both Harrison and Mamaroneck, this award winning School of Dance is easily accessible throughout the Sound Shore area.
Meet Kristi Hoffmann, Mom at Saints John and Paul School
Kristi Hoffmann shares how SJP’s nurturing community, strong values, and enriching programs have positively shaped her family’s experience, offering valuable insight for parents exploring this exceptional school for their own children.
Meet a Mom: Ariana Komaroff, Founder of AK Lactation
This week’s Meet a Mom interview is with Ariana Komaroff, founder of AK Lactation (Ariana Komaroff, DNP, Nurse Practitioner in Family Health, PC). Inspired by her work in the Neonatal ICU at Mt. Sinai Hospital, she found her passion for helping new mothers and families, ultimately becoming a doctorally prepared family nurse practitioner and board certified lactation consultant.
Meet a Mom: Lara Thackeray Silvas, Advocate for FRRS1L
In this inspiring Meet a Mom interview, Lara Thackeray shares her journey from friend to fierce advocate for an amazing cause. Lara became involved with Finding Hope for FRRS1L—a nonprofit supporting families affected by a rare genetic disorder—after witnessing the heartbreaking diagnosis of her friends’ son, AJ. Lara has dedicated her time and resources to raise awareness and funds for a potential cure, demonstrating the power of friendship, community, and resilience.
Meet a Mom: Valeria Martinez-Kaigi, CT Army National Guard Captain
Valeria Martinez-Kaigi is a mom, health psychologist and Captain in the CT Army National Guard. She is sharing her experience in the military and ways we can talk to our kids about what Veterans Day means.
Meet a Mom: Laura Anderson, Founder of Daydream Party Rentals
Laura’s stunning designs bring a sense of whimsy and beauty to every event. Her creative vision shines through in each setup, from boho-inspired backdrops and soft play installations to balloon arches and tablescapes.
Meet Dr. Hilary Cooper of Clear Mind Psychology
Clear Mind Psychology is dedicated to providing a supportive and nurturing environment for patients ranging from young children to seniors, often working with entire families to build a strong sense of community. Dr. Cooper shared how her practice also offers couples therapy, teen support groups, and parenting workshops.
Meet a Mom: Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon Dr. Jacqueline Ross
Dr. Jacqueline Ross is a Manhattan-based plastic surgeon and mom to two daughters, Amelia (2) and Oliva (6 months). With a background that includes working as a cardiac ICU nurse before pursuing medical school and plastic surgery residency, Dr. Ross brings a unique perspective to her practice.
Meet a Mom: Kristina Gjokaj, Onwner of Salon K
We had the pleasure of speaking with Kristina Gjokaj in her beautiful salon in Larchmont, NY. Read our interview to find out more about Kristina, how she got started, and the services that Salon K provides.