How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
I have four children. Ages 23, 21, 16 and 15.
Two girls and two boys. One just graduated from Middlebury college, another is junior at Middlebury college and two at Summit High School, a junior and sophomore.
How long have you lived in (your town)? What made you decide to live here?
I have lived in Summit (gulp) for 25 years. I moved here from Philadelphia when I married my husband. He grew up in New Providence, just around the corner from our home in Summit.
What’s your favorite family activity Chatham, Madison or Summit?
Walking our dogs in the woods down by the Clearwater Swim Club. Anytime we need to “talk” or catch up we head out to the walking paths with our kids.
Where’s your favorite place to eat and/or shop Chatham, Madison or Summit?
My favorite place to eat is Roots Steakhouse in Summit. A special place to celebrate birthday’s with my family. West Elm in Summit has a great clearance section in their basement. I frequently pass through on my way home from my office to look for bargains.
I love Drew University’s campus. It is so beautiful and open to the public. They have a small arboretum with a pond that you can walk around, they have great programs with interesting speakers and the campus has a labyrinth that you can walk for contemplation.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
While raising four small children I went back to school. I am a graduate of Drew University’s Theological School with a Master’s Degree in Ministry, and a Certificate in Spiritual Formation. A few years ago a graduate of the Advanced Spiritual Direction Intensive Program at Moravian Seminary in Bethlehem PA.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
New to Summit and without family nearby, I felt lonely as a new mom. Joining a moms group right after I had my first child was such a gift. This supportive community helped me through many early phases of parenthood and eventually inspired me to go back to school after I started leading my own moms groups. They saw something in me that I didn’t quite see in myself, It was during our time together that my gifts were called forth. I am forever grateful for their support and encouragement. Many of the women from my first moms group still meet regularly as we navigate the teenage years and beyond.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
As a certified spiritual director I meet with moms for one on one support at my private practice in downtown Summit. I also lead several women’s circles in and around Summit. I give talks on a variety of topics, including The Power of Words, Insightful Parenting and How to Create More Joy, Stillness and Clarity in Your Life.
I am the Founder of Lifestyle Brand Talking Joy. Launched in the fall of 2019, The Talking Joy Podcast features, thoughtful, real conversations with a group of seven women (all from Summit) who explore the spiritual life together. During the podcast, I invite my team to discuss surprise topics or questions. Each conversation that unfolds is spontaneous and authentic, guiding listeners on a spiritually deepening journey. https://www.talkingjoy.org
Also, I am the Co-Founder of Meredith’s Jars of Joy, LLC with my oldest daughter, Meredith, and has spent the last decade helping readers to spiritually connect through this simple tool. Our jars are filled with inspirational quotes from great thinkers, writers, and poets. Each jar contains 30 slips of paper, waiting to be picked from once a day.
“I think when you read a quote, you are offered a little window of wisdom. It isn’t The Answer you are looking for, but it is the road that takes you there.” ~Meredith Robertson
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
The support of the Summit community, especially Central Church has been instrumental in my success as a local thought leader. Central Church supported my continuing education and the community showed up by attending my moms groups, hiring my to speak in local schools (Kent Place, LCJSMS, CPC Weekday Nursery School) and local businesses carry Meredith’s Jars of Joy (all proceeds donated to local charities- Family Promise, The Other Fellow First and Operation Smile).
What’s your favorite form of self care?
We have several new podcasts out about self-care, which is a very important practice for me!
Every morning I get up before my family and go to my sunporch to read, pray and set my intentions for the day. I know that I cant drink from an empty cup, and no one else is going to fill my cup for me. It is up to me. I started this practice when my kids were young and it has been a real lifesaver.