As an LA native, I moved back home to La Cañada after college in New York City. Around the same time, my parents decided to trade my childhood home for a beach house in Malibu. I’ve always loved the ocean, so I followed them to the Westside. I spent my early 20s living in Santa Monica, imagining that one day I’d settle down and buy a home in the area.
A few years later, my husband Karl and I started seriously looking for our first home. During that time, I stumbled upon the Palisades Farmers Market—and instantly fell in love with the town. It felt so grounded, beautiful, and community-oriented. It reminded me of what I loved about growing up in La Cañada: everyone was friendly and familiar, it was quiet and safe, and yet close enough to the energy of the city when I wanted a taste of it—just like my college days in NYC.
Not long after that first visit to the market, we found a charming house just two doors down from the fire station and officially became Palisadians. Until the fire in January, I spent 15 years going to the Farmers Market nearly every Sunday. I rarely missed a week. I really miss seeing the amazing farmers and familiar faces—it was such a special part of my routine.
Let’s Share Your Story
Tell us a little about yourself. Where did your story begin, and what led you to the Palisades?
As an LA native, I moved back home to La Cañada after college in New York City. Around the same time, my parents decided to trade my childhood home for a beach house in Malibu. I’ve always loved the ocean, so I followed them to the Westside. I spent my early 20s living in Santa Monica, imagining that one day I’d settle down and buy a home in the area.
A few years later, my husband Karl and I started seriously looking for our first home. During that time, I stumbled upon the Palisades Farmers Market—and instantly fell in love with the town. It felt so grounded, beautiful, and community-oriented. It reminded me of what I loved about growing up in La Cañada: everyone was friendly and familiar, it was quiet and safe, and yet close enough to the energy of the city when I wanted a taste of it—just like my college days in NYC.
Not long after that first visit to the market, we found a charming house just two doors down from the fire station and officially became Palisadians. Until the fire in January, I spent 15 years going to the Farmers Market nearly every Sunday. I rarely missed a week. I really miss seeing the amazing farmers and familiar faces—it was such a special part of my routine.
How long have you lived or worked here — and what do you love most about it?
I’ve lived in Pacific Palisades for 15 years this summer, and there’s so much I love about our beautiful town. I’ve always appreciated the tree-lined streets and the thoughtfully designed homes. I love the small-town feel—and how, no matter where I go, I always run into a familiar face. I’ve loved our schools and how close they are to home. But more than anything, it’s the people who make this community so special.
Tell us about your work or your passion — past, present, or future. What lights you up?
I’ve always been passionate about health and wellness, and I’ve long been fascinated by different forms of movement. In college, as a theater major, I was introduced to a wide range of movement styles—ballet, jazz, tap, tai chi, Tae Kwon Do, yoga, Martha Graham technique, and more. It really opened my eyes to how powerful and expressive the body can be. One summer while I was in college in NYC, I took my very first Pilates mat class at a local gym near campus—and I instantly fell in love. It was such a deep, focused workout. I loved how it challenged both my mind and body, and how I felt afterward—strong, centered, and stretched from the inside out. I was hooked and wanted to keep learning more. A couple of years later, I decided to turn that passion into a full-time career teaching Pilates. It brings me so much joy to help people feel their best—to see someone stand a little taller, gain strength and flexibility, or reach a personal goal they didn’t think was possible. Often I get to see people work their way out of some sort of physical pain and into living with more freedom of movement and joy. Getting to be part of that journey with them is incredibly rewarding, and I feel grateful every day that I get to do this work.
Tell us a little about your family, community or what “home” means to you.
Home, to me, is wherever I’m with the people I love. Pacific Palisades feels like home because I’m surrounded by a community that feels like family—where I feel safe, supported, and deeply connected. It’s not just about the place, but the people who fill it with love.
What’s something unique or special about the Palisades that you’ve experienced firsthand?
What makes the Palisades so special is the mix of natural beauty and strong community. I’ve felt it in everyday moments—surfing weekly at my favorite break just minutes from home, running into familiar faces at the Farmers Market, or walking the dog on our tree-lined streets. After the fire, the way neighbors came together made it even more clear: this isn’t just a beautiful place to live—it’s a true home.
Community Favorites
Is/Was there a local business that makes you feel nostalgic or rooted here?
The Sunday Farmer’s Market and the farmers that I have chatted with over the past 15 years definitely made me rooted in the Palisades. Running into some of the farmers here in Manhattan Beach at their farmers market and occasionally when I can go to the Sunday market in Brentwood, gives me a sense of home.
Who’s the most interesting or inspiring person you’ve met here in the Palisades?
It’s impossible to name just one person who has inspired me in the Palisades. I’ve been inspired every week by the people who come into my studio—committed to taking care of their bodies and minds, showing up and working hard. I’m inspired every time I shop at the Farmers Market, leaving with a cart full of freshly grown fruits and vegetables from farmers who are so passionate about what they do. I’ve been inspired by the parents in our community who show up in big ways to support our schools, and by the teachers who have guided and encouraged my children. This community is full of everyday people doing extraordinary things—and that inspires me all the time.
Fire Reflection
What stands out most from your experience?
What stands out most from the experience is the way our community came together—it’s something we’ll carry with us for the rest of our lives. I’ll never forget the firefighters who, with incredible determination, used an upside-down traffic cone to scoop water off the ground and put out flames on the side of our house. Their selflessness helped save our home. And now, living in Manhattan Beach, I’m equally touched by how this new community has welcomed our family with open arms. The kindness and resilience we’ve experienced—both during and after the fire—have left a lasting impact on all of us.
Was there someone — a neighbor, local hero, or group — that really made a difference for you during or after the fires?
Our next-door neighbor was truly a hero for our family. When he saw our home on fire, he flagged down firefighters and made sure they came to help. He stayed late into the day on January 7, offering to do whatever he could to protect our property. It was such a selfless act of kindness—and because of him, our home survived. We are forever grateful.
What did the experience teach you about the Palisades or about yourself?
What really sticks with me from the whole experience is how our community came together to support each other. That’s something we’ll carry with us forever. I’ll never forget the firefighters who used an upside-down traffic cone to scoop water off the ground to put out the fire on the side of our house—just doing whatever it took to protect our home. Their dedication was incredible. Now that we’re living in Manhattan Beach, I’m also so grateful for how this new community has welcomed us with open arms. The kindness and support we’ve felt, both during and after the fire, have meant the world to us.
A Few Fun Ones
What advice would you give to others — in life, work, or being a good neighbor?
My advice is to remember that change is the only constant and to take the time to really get to know your neighbors. It’s easy to get caught up inside our own walls, but reaching out makes life so much richer. After the fire, I wished I’d known all my neighbors and their names sooner. It’s a reminder not to take our beautiful life in the Palisades for granted—community truly matters. Oh and to feel your best, do Pilates!
What’s something about you that would surprise most people?
Here’s something that might surprise people: in my mid-twenties, I had a brief job giving tours of Hollywood—dressed head-to-toe as Marilyn Monroe and staying in character the whole time. It was such a hilarious experience that definitely taught me a different way to connect with people!
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5 to 10 years, I see our family living again in a thriving Palisades. The streets will be lined once more with their beautiful trees, the schools will be full of kids laughing and playing, and I’ll be back spending my Sundays at the Farmers Market and surfing at Sunset. There will be an even stronger bond with our neighbors and fellow Palisadians—a community that stayed close through the fires and now shares an even deeper sense of connection. I also imagine my humble little Pilates studio thriving again, with me continuing to help more people feel their very best. Honestly, I’m hopeful this evolution will come even sooner than that.
