Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’ve been married 20 years to Alfredo, who is from Italy. We have two daughters, Lena and Francesca. They are 16 and 18. We live on a farm. We have horses and cows and chickens. Duck, dogs, cats- you name it.

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
When I was in my 20’s I was living in New York City, and I was in a band. We were trying to get a record deal. Once I turned about 30 and it wasn’t happening, I started to look for something else to do with my life. Ended up getting sick. The doctors kept giving me antibiotics, but they weren’t fixing me. My friend said you need to see an acupuncturist. I was nervous about someone putting needles in me, but I called this woman and went to see her. It was a great experience. She talked to me for an hour before even doing anything, and we talked about everything- mind, body, spirit. It was so different from a regular doctor; they don’t ask you about anything else going on in your body. She did a treatment on me, and I kept my eyes closed the whole time. On my way home, I kept falling asleep on the subway, and once I got home, I slept for 13 hours. I woke up 90% better. I went back one more time and I was completely taken care of- no drugs or anything, just needles. I thought “this country needs more of this; we need this choice” so I looked into schools of Chinese medicine and ended up in LA for four years. It’s my perfect occupation. I really love the one-on-one relationships that I have with my patients.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Pone E Vino, Gathering Cafe, Black Magic Cafe

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would love to go to Greece. I’ve been there before, and I really loved it and feel like I didn’t spend enough time there.

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Little Miss Sunshine

Q: What advice would you give to people?
My advice would be don’t ever give up.

Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I would like to go zip lining in the rainforest.

Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
The Smiths

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Fulton Five restaurant

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?
Michelle Obama, of course! I’d take her to The Village Barbecue.

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
So, I’m from up North and people definitely talk to each other more here. When you go into the shop you get to know people on a much deeper level.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I am hoping to move over to this side of town over Hollywood way. Hopefully I’m still working here and then I’ll have a shorter commute to work.

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
That I come from an Italian family

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
It would have to be Santorini in Greece.

Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
March, Thanksgiving, December 31st

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Angel Oak Tree

Q: Who inspires you to be better?
The memory of my grandmother

Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Lavender and mint

Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Fragrance of food cooking, horses wandering around outside, lots of loud family members