Home: Brooklyn, NY. Profession: Teacher, first and always. Significant other: My high-school and still sweetheart, Phil Cohen. Alma mater: Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary.
Current project: Supporting families. Latest accomplishment: 100% success rate for all kids in the Resilient Reader program! Hobbies: Drumming, yoga, Prospect Park. Last book read: The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation, by Anna Malaika Tubbs (fantastic).
Moral compass: You don’t have to do everything, but you have to do something. How do you define a perfect friendship? Mutual support and admiration. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Mutual support and admiration. What is your greatest joy? Baby giggles and a room full of women drumming. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Books + nature.
What book have you repeatedly read? Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, by Tom Robbins. Who has had the greatest influence on your life? My mom. What is the best advice you received growing up? You’d rather be the one giving the tip than needing the tip, so tip well (my great-grandfather, to my grandmother, to my mom, then to me). What is your go-to source of news and information? The City.
What is your big idea?
Treat kids like they’re people.
What change would you like to see in the world? More connection and calm, less stress. What mega-trend most excites you? Connection via technology. What mega-trend most concerns you? Disconnection via technology.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in Heaven? My amazing mom. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A teacher. What object would you save first from your burning home? Photo albums. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Dance, drum, teach, play, snuggle. What advice would you give your younger self? There will always be work. Be with your loved ones now.
Personal mission: Foster calm, connected households for kids to grow up in. Personal motto: Change one, change the world.
