Q&A Archives - Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY

Staff Spotlight: Dania

Will Braithwaite — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 17:31:56 +0000

We’re excited to welcome Dania Puerto to the PAWS NY team as our new Foster Administrator, overseeing elements of our foster program such as placing pets in volunteer foster homes, communicating with both foster volunteers and pet guardians, and ultimately reuniting pets with their guardians.

After growing up in rural Colombia with dogs and chickens and rabbits (and more!), Dania is thrilled to work for a place that supports people and their pets. “When I heard about this position, I thought it was beautiful and that it completely resonated with my values,” she said, “PAWS is the perfect place for me.”

Keep reading Dania’s Q&A below to learn more about her hobbies and interests here in NYC, plus her adorable dog Tony!

What has your career been like leading up to PAWS NY? How did you make your way into the nonprofit world?

I made my way around non-profits when I was 11! Freshly out of elementary school, I joined an organization that focused on immigration rights, where I stayed for about 10 years. From there, I dabbled between administrative roles in different medical settings and other non-profits that focused on human rights across the board—police violence, LGBTQ rights, senior housing rights, immigration, and everything in between and beyond.

What about this position and organization attracted you? Why are you excited to be on the PAWS NY staff?

Being born and raised for half of my childhood in rural Colombia, I’ve always had a strong affinity for animals. Horses, donkeys, chickens, ducks, pigs… I think things took a strong turn when I became a furry mom to Tony, and when a dear friend of mine got a service dog, Arrebol, who was also my roommate three years later. At the start of 2021, when people were being asked to return to the office, I began taking care of other people’s dogs, many of which were rescued. The combination of Tony, Arrebol, and the sweet dogs I was caring for made me think of all the pets that, without certain economic resources, would be separated from their owners. I saw firsthand how strong the bond between humans and their pets can be, including my own. So, when I heard about this position, I thought it was beautiful and that it completely resonated with my values. (I was literally looking for positions that would light up my soul and found PAWS!!)

Tell us about your pets, past & present.

There are a lot! Many of the animals I grew up with, I thought of as pets—until they ended up as food back home (mostly the chickens). Here are some of the actual pets:

Rocky: We never knew his breed, but he lived a long, happy life. He was the first dog in my life. He loved coming with my uncle and me to pick flowers because my uncle would indulge him with yummy treats and bread. He also had a habit of killing some neighbors’ chickens when he got bored. But when he wasn’t chasing chickens, he was top-tier!

Kamacho: A Chihuahua mix who LOVED pooping right when the light turned green in the middle of the street. He was a traffic stopper, who also knew exactly when to hop onto the bed without moving as much so my mom wouldn’t scream at us. Unfortunately, my mom grew allergic to him, so we had to give him back to his prior owner, who was also a friend and able to keep him. I also grew up with many bunnies, chickens, and ducks.

Tony: My baby boy, who came from Colombia about six years ago. He became a little Instagram-famous after he got lost in Flushing Meadows Park. He ended up chilling on the bed of the people who found him like nothing happened! I retrieved him the next day, and he hasn’t gotten lost since. Tony is the best pup you could ever meet and we love being lazy and going out together. Here’s a pic of Tony, his cousin Elo, and Arrebol again… because they are too cute!

Did you grow up in NYC? If not, when did you move here? Where do you live now?
I grew up in Colombia until I was about 6 or 7. I try to go back every year since. Queens has been my only home in the States

What is your favorite thing (or things) about living in NYC?
Hm, I do love walking around Midtown at night. I also love that in Jackson Heights, you can satisfy all your cravings in one day. I love that my niece is Colombian, but since she grew up in a mostly Mexican three-family building, her Spanish has a Mexican accent. I love that communities build together regardless of their background. I love that living here means we have the privilege of being in organizations like PAWS, where the mission/vision of this organization is inspiring and doesn’t seem like an impossible reality. I also love the access we have to art and music, and the fact that we’re only a drive away from upstate!

What are your hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time?

I actually love working on my DIY calendars, reading, watching reruns of shows I’ve seen hundreds of times, and trying new sushi spots!

Welcome to the team, Dania! Be sure to follow PAWS NY on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

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Board Member Spotlight: Rayna Robinson

Will Braithwaite — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 15:31:36 +0000

PAWS NY is proud to welcome Rayna Robinson (she/her) to our Board of Directors!

We sat down with Rayna to pick her brain on all things PAWS. The following are excerpts from our conversation.

So where are you from Rayna?

I’m originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and I’m currently living in Hell’s Kitchen.

Why are you passionate about PAWS NY and our mission of helping people by helping pets?

I grew up with pets and always had a love for animals. I know how important they are to their owners especially during difficult times. Having a dog of my own, I couldn’t imagine her not being around, especially when I needed her the most, so I felt that the PAWS mission hit close to me.

Do you have any pets? Tell us about them!

Yes, I have the cutest mini Goldendoodle. Her name is Nala and she is 3 years old. She’s smart and well behaved. She likes humans more than her fellow dog friends lol and her favorite thing to do is cuddle up on the couch.

Aw she sounds adorable!

I love her so much, she’s my everything.

Tell me about New York, what do you love about living here?

I love it here! There are countless things to do and you’re always meeting someone new with a story or who is passionate about something.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to work out, travel, read, go to dinner with friends, see Broadway shows, concerts, and museums.

Last question – dogs or cats?

Oh, dogs all the way!

Thanks to Rayna for her commitment as a PAWS NY board member and for helping further our mission of helping people by helping pets!

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Staff Spotlight: Will

Will Braithwaite — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 19:55:18 +0000

We’re excited to welcome Will Braithwaite to the PAWS NY team as our new Communications Manager, overseeing all elements of marketing and communications for the organization.

After seeing the strong bond between his grandfather and his dog Dolly, Will is thrilled to work for a place that supports people and their pets. “I knew I wanted to be part of an organization that really makes a difference to animal lovers all over the city,” he said, “and PAWS is the perfect place.”

We have Will’s fiancé Carsen to thank for making the introduction. A PAWS NY volunteer, she introduced him to the organization–and then her PAWS pups Goldie and Muffin Sugar (and their guardian). Keep reading Will’s Q&A below to learn more about his hobbies and interests here in NYC, plus the two rescue cats that he and Carsen call their own!

What has your career been like leading up to PAWS NY? How did you make your way into the nonprofit world?

I actually started my career in the ad tech world, marketing ads for mobile gaming apps. I moved to New York after graduating from Vanderbilt University with a degree in American Studies and did a number of odd jobs including playing guitar for people’s proposals and being an extra on the show Succession. It was my fiancé Carsen who introduced me to PAWS NY; she had been volunteering for years and ended up running the marathon with PAWS in November!

What about this position and organization attracted you? Why are you excited to be on the PAWS NY staff?

PAWS NY’s mission of helping people by helping pets spoke to my heart so clearly. My grandpa is 91 years old and adopted an adorable puppy, Dolly, two years ago. She totally changed his life! I knew I wanted to be part of an organization that really makes a difference to animal lovers all over the city, and PAWS is the perfect place. I also really love the people at PAWS NY; it’s clear they really care about helping others and their love for animals is infectious!

Tell us about your pets, past & present.

I have two adorable cats, Goose and Buffy. Both were rescues (Goose is from the Bronx but he doesn’t have an accent, Buffy’s from Brooklyn). My fiancé actually surprised me one Christmas when I came home and a 6-week-old tabby cat was sitting in my bathroom sink! We’ve been best friends ever since.

Did you grow up in NYC? If not, when did you move here? Where do you live now?

I grew up in the suburbs outside Philadelphia and moved to New York in 2018. I live in Crown Heights, Brooklyn now.

What is your favorite thing (or things) about living in NYC?

I love the music scene of New York! I’m a guitarist and I love that you can see a mind-blowing show any night of the week. This past summer my friends and I saw Lauryn Hill open for the Red Hot Chili Peppers in Central Park (I know, should have been the other way around), and it was such a quintessential NYC experience!

What are your hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time?

Outside of work, I’m a huge comedy nerd. I love performing improv and sketch comedy with my friends around Brooklyn.

Welcome to the team, Will! Be sure to follow PAWS NY on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to see his work in action every day!

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Staff Spotlight: David

Kimberly Green — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 13:17:03 +0000

David with Harpo and Quasi

The PAWS NY team is growing, and we recently hired David Merrell as our Institutional Giving Manager, focusing on grants and other forms of institutional support.

After working in both banking and creative writing, David eventually ended up working as a grant writer, which combines fundraising and writing—and helping others! A proud dog guardian, David has had pets all his life and understands the value they bring to our lives. He’s excited to bring it all together in this new role at PAWS NY, and we’re glad to have him helping us raise more money to help even more New Yorkers and pets.

Read more about David and his two pups in his full Q&A below!

What has your career been like leading up to PAWS NY? How did you make your way into the nonprofit world?

I have a background in banking and creative writing, two completely different worlds! In banking I learned customer service and sales skills, but ultimately wanted to explore my creative side and help people. After graduating from New York University with a degree in Creative Writing and Literature, I wrote various pieces while also working as a dog walker and sitter for dozens of canines over New York City. Having volunteered for various nonprofits in the past, as well as working as a grant writer for a nonprofit that breaks cycles of poverty, I am now excited to be working for PAWS NY, an organization that helps people and animals.

What about this position and organization attracted you? Why are you excited to be on the PAWS NY staff?

I have been passionate about animals my entire life, having grown up with dogs and cats. I also know how important and valuable pets are as a wonderful support to humans. Throughout the years I have witnessed individuals going through life circumstances that make it difficult for them to take care of their own pets. When I learned about PAWS and what they offer, my heart sang. I am thrilled to join the PAWS NY team and help vulnerable New Yorkers and their pets!

Tell us about your pets, both past & present.

I am a proud guardian of two dogs, Harpo and Quasi. I met them fifteen years ago at a rescue event. I learned they are brothers who were found on the streets alone and had stuck together. They immediately jumped in my lap, and I adopted them both, as I didn’t want to separate them. They have been my wonderful support ever since! They are about to turn 16 years old. I also grew up with two dogs, Puppins and Coco, and a cat named Frisco, who lived to be 21!

Did you grow up in NYC? If not, when did you move here? Where do you live now?

I grew up in Seattle, Washington. I moved to New York nine years ago and live in Midtown Manhattan.

What is your favorite thing (or things) about living in NYC?

The arts and creativity! I love the various museums, musicals, plays, shows, dance, opera, and experimental art that the city holds. Never a dull moment, I see art on just about every corner of this incredible city that has so much diversity and inclusion, where artists from all over the world, from different ages, race, and gender identities tell their story.

What are your hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time?

I love pop culture! Movies, music, concerts, tv, books, I love a good story. One of my favorite things to do is binge watch a great show with my two dogs by my side.

Anything else you’d like to share with the PAWS NY community?

I am so excited to join this incredible organization and fantastic team! My two dogs are thrilled as well, and hopefully they’ll come in to work one of these days!

We can’t wait to meet Harpo and Quasi in person and are thrilled to have you on board, David!

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Staff Shoutout: Adrianna

Kimberly Green — Mon, 22 May 2023 13:15:51 +0000

PAWS NY is thrilled to showcase another new staff member: Adrianna! She joined PAWS NY last month as our Foster Administrator and will help manage our ever-growing foster and emergency care program.

Growing up in NYC, Adrianna has always been passionate about helping animals and worked at the ASPCA for many years. She is now working towards a master’s degree in veterinary social work, and two years ago, she rescued a petite pit bull named Pringlez.

Learn more about Adrianna and her favorite things to do in the city by reading her Q&A, and let’s welcome her to the team!

What has your career been like leading up to PAWS NY? In addition to this part-time role, what else do you do?

I began working with shelter animals when I was just 15 years old. From there, I worked across different sectors of animal welfare and ended up at the ASPCA for the past eight years. I also trained as a victim advocate and crisis counselor for New York Presbyterian Hospital’s Victim Intervention Program. I am currently entering my second year of graduate school at the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s online program, where I am working towards a master’s degree in veterinary social work.

What about this position and organization attracted you? Why are you excited to be on the team?

I have always been passionate about addressing the systems that prevent people from being unable to care for themselves and their pets. For years I’ve witnessed what people are willing to do to secure the safety of their pets, and I want to help break down the barriers that inhibit them from doing so. PAWS NY does just that! They are such a brilliant organization that makes a powerful impact on NYC’s most vulnerable communities. I love their mission and connect deeply with their core values. I am honored to be a part of this fantastic team, tiny but mighty!

Tell us about your pets, past & present.

My dad is allergic to cats and dogs, so growing up I had rabbits, and they were all lovely companions. We had Baby, a Dutch mix bun that loved to lick toes and eat dandelions, for 11 wonderful years. I even got a tattoo to commemorate her. After moving into a new place to live alone for the first time two years ago, I met the current light of my life, a petite pit bull named Pringlez. She came into the ASPCA as a cruelty case, emaciated and suffering from a traumatic brain injury from unknown trauma. Despite this, she smiled at us with her tail wagging. I instantly fell in love and officially adopted her on May 9, 2021.

Did you grow up in NYC? If not, when did you move here? Where do you live now?

I was born in Florida but came to New York to start preschool, so I consider myself a New Yorker. I grew up in the Bronx, lived in East Harlem for a bit, and now currently live in Brooklyn.

What is your favorite thing (or things) about living in NYC?

One thing I love NYC for is being the fashion hub of the world. It is impossible for me to walk past any thrift store without running inside. Shopping is one of my favorite things to do and I don’t think there’s a better place to do it than here.

What are your hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time?

I must be honest when I say that my pit bull, Pringlez, is my entire personality. Any free time I have I am spending it at home, just staring at her in all her glory. Since we live only a block away from Brighton Beach, we also like to go for walks on the beach together and chase the seagulls. I also love to spend time with my partner and friends. You can usually catch us bowling, eating sweet treats, or singing karaoke.

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Staff Shoutout: Elia

Kimberly Green — Tue, 09 May 2023 14:00:42 +0000

PAWS NY welcomes Elia as our new part-time Intake Coordinator, working on the Program Team to help connect PAWS with more New Yorkers who need our services.

Growing up in the Bronx, Elia always had pets and her career has focused on serving her community in many ways. Read her Q&A below to learn more about her creative hobbies, favorite activities in NYC, and more!

What has your career been like leading up to PAWS NY? In addition to this part-time role, what else do you do?

My career leading up to PAWS NY has been an array of roles that have all centered around serving community, and hopefully making their lives better in some way! I am currently working part-time in the Spring cohort of analysts at Centri Tech, a foundation that works to address digital inclusion.

What about this position and organization attracted you? Why are you excited to be on the team?

As someone who has a deep love for animals, I was touched to learn about PAWS NY’s mission. Pets are our families and lifelines, and I’m excited to be contributing to work that keeps them in their home!

Tell us about your pets, past & present.

I was lucky to grow up with a very bratty corgi, two kitties, tons of fish, and a hamster. Sadly, I recently lost my 22-year-old kitty named Chiruza, but I am grateful for the time we spent enriching each other’s lives! She was the cuddliest and the best.

Did you grow up in NYC? If not, when did you move here? Where do you live now?

I grew up in Riverdale, in the Bronx! Since then, I’ve lived in Brooklyn, Chinatown, Harlem, and now Inwood.

What is your favorite thing (or things) about living in NYC?

Honestly, I love everything about living in NYC! I love that we have so much culture and excitement at our fingertips. I especially love those days where you have no set plans and end up on a day-long adventure to a faraway borough or discovering something new in your very own neighborhood.

What are your hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I love to do all things creative! I love to dance, sing, write, draw—really anything that gets those creative wheels turning!

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Runner Spotlight: Saree

Kimberly Green — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 14:30:07 +0000

Today’s Runner Spotlight is Saree, who was so inspired by the TCS NYC Marathon (and one of our PAWS NY runners!) that she signed up to run the 2023 United Airlines NYC Half!

Even though Saree didn’t do so great at cross-country in middle school, she is excited to run her first-ever long race with the Half and support PAWS NY–and we’re thrilled to give her a shoutout today!

Saree and Onny

Read Saree’s full Q&A below to learn about her pet family members Onny and Cody, where she likes to run in NYC, and more!

Why did you decide to run the 2023 United Airlines NYC Half? Have you participated in long races in the past?

After cheering on my friend at the TCS NYC Marathon, I impulsively signed up because of how inspiring the day was. The 2023 United Airlines NYC Half will be my first long race.

What is your connection to PAWS NY? Why is this cause important to you?

I saw someone running for PAWS NY during the TCS NYC Marathon. I had been following PAWS NY for a while, and when I received an email asking for volunteers for this year’s Half, the timing was perfect.

Do you have any pets of your own? Did you grow up with pets?

Saree with Cody

I have a kitten named Onny, who I rescued this past summer. I grew up with animals my whole life. Special shout-out to my parent’s dog / my brother Cody the Goldendoodle.

How long have you been running? What are some of your favorite places to run?

I have been running since I impulsively registered for the Half! I love running in Central Park or wherever my legs take me.

What do you do in your free time (besides run)?

In my free time, I like relaxing with my cat Onny, going to Pilates, listening to podcasts, and trying new foods with friends.

Share 2-3 fun facts about yourself! What should we know?

This summer I am going to Paris with my Grandma.
I am left-handed.
In middle school, I was kicked off of my cross-country team because I couldn’t run!

Saree, we know you can prove that cross-country coach wrong this year!

Click here to donate to Saree’s fundraising page and support the other runners on Team PAWS NY!

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Runner Spotlight: Kyle

Kimberly Green — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 15:01:25 +0000

Today’s Runner Spotlight is Kyle, who is no stranger to long-distance races or PAWS NY. This Long Island resident ran the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon on Team PAWS NY and even though he already has guaranteed entry to the 2023 United Airlines NYC Half, he wanted to fundraise on our behalf this year as well! Thanks Kyle!

Read Kyle’s full Q&A below to learn more about the dogs in his life, his favorite places to run, and some exciting family news!

Kyle, his wife, and their two dogs!

Why did you decide to run the 2023 United Airlines NYC Half? Have you participated in long races in the past?

I have done three marathons and probably more than 10 half-marathons. I ran the 2021 TCS NYC Marathon on behalf of PAWS NY, and the 2022 NYC Half.

What is your connection to PAWS NY? Why is this cause important to you?

I love pets and I understand how important it is to have a pet. Sometimes your pet may be the one that helps you when you are having a rough day.

Do you have any pets of your own? Did you grow up with pets?

I do! I have a nine-pound Chihuahua name Joy. She was originally my grandmother’s dog, but when my grandmother passed away, my wife and I took care of her. I also grew up with dogs, specifically Great Danes. When our dog passed last year, my grandma’s dog Joy helped us get through it.

How long have you been running? What are some of your favorite places to run?

I have been consistently running for approximately five or six years. I recently moved out of NYC but when I lived on the Upper East Side, I loved running at Carl Schurz park. When I moved to Rego Park, I loved running at Flushing park.

What do you do in your free time (besides run)?

Read, relax, hang out with my dog!

Share 2-3 fun facts about yourself! What should we know?

I am an avid Knicks fan. Also (and possibly more important), my wife is expecting so I am going to be a dad!

What are your goals for this race?

My ultimate goal is to run it in under 2 hours.

Congrats on the family news, Kyle! We’re so excited to cheer you on and know you can reach your two-hour goal!

Click here to donate to Kyle’s fundraising page and support the other runners on Team PAWS NY!

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Runner Spotlight: Marisa

Kimberly Green — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 16:20:17 +0000

PAWS NY has a team of 17 runners participating in the 2023 United Airlines NYC Half while fundraising for our organization, and today we have the pleasure of introducing you to one of them: Marisa!

This newlywed Manhattanite was planning to run the 2020 United Airlines NYC Half before it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She completed the 2022 Brooklyn Half and is looking forward to finally tackling the NYC Half this year–and supporting PAWS NY along the way.

Marisa at the finish line of the Brooklyn Half!

“I grew up with two dogs and they made my childhood so rich,” she said. “The connection between humans and pets is vital and such an amazing part of life.” Read Marisa’s full Q&A below to learn about her favorite spots to run in NYC and her goals for the race this year!

Why did you decide to run the 2023 United Airlines NYC Half? Have you participated in long races in the past?

I was signed up to run the 2020 United Airlines NYC Half, but it was canceled due to the pandemic. It has been weighing on me that I wasn’t able to run it and now that I am recovered from a knee injury, I needed to accomplish this goal. I ran the Brooklyn Half last year and while it was a lot of work and the race was HOT, it was beyond worth it. I am so excited to be running the NYC Half this year and cannot wait to hear everyone cheering in NYC!

What is your connection to PAWS NY? Why is this cause important to you?

Animals have always been so important to me. I think the connection between humans and pets is vital and such an amazing part of life. PAWS NY is such an amazing organization that is able to help those who are in danger of losing their animals for either financial or physical reasons and I am honored and inspired to be part of that charge.

Do you have any pets of your own? Did you grow up with pets?

I grew up with two dogs and they made my childhood so rich. I do not have pets right now, but my husband and I dogsit all of our friends dogs which is probably our favorite thing to do. We will eventually (fingers crossed) get our own pup over the next few years!

How long have you been running? What are some of your favorite places to run?

I’ve been running seriously since 2019, but had to take some time off in 2020 due to a knee injury. I love running in Central Park – the hills are challenging (hello Harlem Hill!) and I love feeling the heartbeat of the city. There are also always people there cheering you on or fellow runners that help inspire and push you to keep going. I LOVE seeing parents running with their animals and/or their running strollers – such an inspiration!

What do you do in your free time (besides run)?

I love working out, especially Tracy Anderson (the only other workout that I do besides running), dog sitting, and going to concerts!

Share 2-3 fun facts about yourself! What should we know?

I got married in December 2022, and just got back from my honeymoon which was in South Africa and Mozambique. A big part of our trip was a safari, which was an incredible experience.
I am a certified fitness instructor and used to teach a cardio boxing class!
I work at Estee Lauder Companies for the amazing, global brand Clinique.

What are your goals for this race?

I would love to run the race in 2 hours flat. I ran the Brooklyn Half in 2:03, and I would love to shave off those 3 minutes. Not sure if I can hit it due to the hills and overall complexity of the course, but fingers crossed!

We’re so excited to cheer you on, Marisa, and know you can reach your two-hour goal!

Click here to donate to Marisa’s fundraising page and support the other runners on Team PAWS NY!

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Staff Shoutout: Simone

Kimberly Green — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 14:35:08 +0000

PAWS NY welcomes Simone as our new Individual Giving Manager! She is currently working towards earning her M.S. in Nonprofit Management from Columbia University and has experience working with several nonprofit organizations, including The Chapin School.

Currently living in New Jersey, Simone grew up with lots of pets, including dogs, cats, and frogs, and she loves crocheting, reading mystery novels, and listening to True Crime podcasts. Read her full Q&A below and welcome Simone to the team!

What were you doing before joining PAWS NY?

Prior to joining PAWS NY, I was in the process (and still am until 2023) of getting an M.S. in Nonprofit Management. As a result, I was searching for a career that best aligned with my future master’s degree. Additionally, I had prior work experience in the nonprofit sector as working as the Campaign Coordinator for The Chapin School.

What about this position and organization attracted you?

As someone who had previously worked as a Campaign Coordinator, I was seeking a position within a nonprofit role that would afford me the opportunity to expand my fundraising skills.

Tell us about your pets, past & present.

I was raised in a household surrounded with pets. I was fortunate to give and receive love from my dogs, fish, and cats. Currently, I don’t have pets as my condo doesn’t allow them, but I’m grateful to give and receive love from my pets at my family home.

Did you grow up in NYC? If not, when did you move here?

I didn’t grow up in NYC and I still don’t live in NYC. Rather, I live in New Jersey. My philosophy is that real New Yorkers live in New Jersey and commute to NYC.

What is your favorite thing (or things) about living here?

Although I don’t live in New York City, I love working in and visiting the city. Although I’m fortunate enough to have lived in numerous major cities in the world, none of them are as magical as New York City. I love how New York City is the city that never sleeps. There’s always something to do and see in the city. That’s amazing and magical.

What are your hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time?

I love crocheting, reading mystery novels, and listening to True Crime podcasts. When I was in high school, I used to make and sell crochet scarves to my fellow classmates and teachers.

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