Interview by Emily Hessney Lynch.

Published July 26, 2018.

Where are you originally from?

I grew up in the Hudson Valley--the town was called Stone Ridge. I’ll tell people it’s near Kingston, and when people don’t recognize that, then I say Poughkeepsie. Most people get that one. I came to Rochester for college; I attended RIT after doing a year at a community college back home. RIT and Rochester are so much bigger than the town I grew up in. We didn’t have a lot of diversity or things to do, and it seemed like coming here, I would find all those things.

When I finished RIT, I felt totally done with Rochester… but as soon as I was gainfully employed, things started to fall into place. My first job out of college was at City Newspaper, which made me fall in love with the city and never want to leave.

What is your favorite part of living in Rochester?

Growing up in a small town, doing anything was a whole day affair. Now, there’s a Wegmans within 10 minutes of wherever I am.

Aside from that, I love that there’s a little bit of everything here--culture, nature, the lake. Charlotte is like having a beach and boardwalk right in your backyard. Plus, you can make friends wherever you go.

What are some of your favorite/secret Rochester spots? 

I probably shouldn’t give this one away, but… Strong Museum on Friday nights as a parent?

The Lollypop Farm Trail behind the building is great; you can see horses and ducks, and bring your kids or pets. The Little is also one of my favorite places. All the movies I wanted to see as a kid that I had no way of seeing without going all the way to New York City--they play those types of movies at the Little.

What's the most unique event you've attended in Rochester? 

Breakfast with Krampus was a really special one, but it only happened once. A group of us held this unique event at the MUCCC. My friend Eric’s brother wore this janky homemade Krampus costume. People donated toys and Krampus would judge you and your toys. We had a craft station, a history station, and a Santa versus Krampus wrestling match. It was such a weird idea and Rochester totally embraced it. Our only goal was to make enough off ticket sales to cover our costs, and we actually ended up having $30 left over! We all went to Old Country Buffet afterwards to celebrate.

What are some of your favorite local nonprofits to support? 

Bivona Child Advocacy Center, definitely. They provide comfort and simplicity in a terrifying process. They take monetary donations, stuffed animals, toys, and blankets. When I rediscovered my Beanie Baby collection, in pristine condition, I donated it to Bivona. They do incredible and difficult work there.

If you had $100 and two hours to kill in Rochester, how would you spend the money/time? 

I’d have breakfast at the Public Market, maybe getting both doughnuts and empanadas. I’d also pick up some Gods N Gladiators Rochester shirts. Then I’d head to ArtisanWorks, and catch a movie at the Little afterwards.

What's your favorite neighborhood in the city? 

I used to live in the Neighborhood of the Arts in an apartment on the corner of Oxford and University. I’d walk to work, and really loved that neighborhood--just the feeling of it, the people, the walkability.

Best place to get a garbage plate? 

My favorite is Empire Hots. I don’t like meat sauce. When I had the Empire Hots plate, I just imprinted on it, and now it’s the only one I’ll eat.

What is your personal coping mechanism for cold/gray weather? 

I try to plan a vacation in early spring when I can. If you ask me about winter as I’m walking from my car into work, it bothers me, but otherwise, I don’t mind. As a parent, winter challenges you to find new things to do and to show a little human how fun it can be. But I must say, hiring someone to plow your driveway is a game changer.

What is your favorite Rochester memory?

My favorite Rochester memory is the first time I was really in Rochester—when I came to RIT for a campus visit. If that hadn't gone as well as it did, I wouldn't have any other Rochester memories. From the moment I set foot on campus, it felt like home. Even though it was so different than what I was used to, I didn't feel like a stranger. I remember getting so nervous during my portfolio review for the design program that I thought I was going to get sick. The drawings in this kind-of-ratty case I toted in seemed just terrible compared to what was displayed in the student work cases. But somewhere, somebody saw some potential. And it's a good thing. I was so enamored with the campus, I didn't apply anywhere else after that, it was RIT or bust.

What makes Rochester unique?

It has all the assets and attractions that a larger city would have, but it’s doable. You can cross the city and the suburbs, stopping along the way for different activities, in a day. We have energetic, vibrant communities, including the LGBT and immigrant communities. We bring what’s special about them and share it with everyone else. There’s an incredible art scene with an audience for everything--like First Fridays, the MAG, Wall Therapy, and local businesses striving to showcase local art. As a designer, it’s so refreshing. I never have to look outside the city for illustration or photography.

What do you think could be improved?

We have a big problem with inequality here, and it’s very disheartening. As a parent, I see some of the best school districts in the country that are driving distance from some of the worst. A good portion of Rochester doesn’t see it as a problem or have washed their hands of it. As a U of R employee, I’m very proud of our involvement in East High School. It shows that there is hope and there is a path to make things better.

What are some small ways we can all contribute to making Rochester a better place?

Support local artists, especially people of color or from different backgrounds than your own. Elevate voices that are historically underrepresented.

And I’ll channel my inner Fred Rogers: be kind. We all get caught up in our heads. Try to err on the side of optimism, and pay it forward with kindness.

What's it like being a parent in Rochester?

I really like raising my kid here. There’s so much here--you don’t have to stretch to find something to do. We’re also big fans of the YMCA. I also take him to the Eastman Community Music School and the Museum of Play--these top-tier institutions--and I would have killed for opportunities like that as a kid.

What advice would you give to someone who is new to Rochester and looking to get to know the area?

Whatever you’re into, there are others who are into it too. Find them. I’ve gotten to know the city through people who have introduced me to cool things, like how my friends Matt and Adam (both I Heart ROC alumni!) have convinced me to attend the next One Take Film Festival. Also, don’t be afraid to explore things for yourself. Some people have written off downtown; take that with a grain of salt.