Trigger Warning: this interview contains mentions of sexual assault and suicide which may be triggering to victims of sexual assault or suicide survivors.

Interview by Emily Hessney Lynch. 

Published June 7, 2018.

Where are you originally from? 

I’m from Rochester originally. I grew up in Churchville and left for college; I attended the New York Film Academy in Manhattan, where I studied acting for film. I lived in Massachusetts briefly after college, but came back to Rochester because I couldn’t see myself living anywhere else.

What is your favorite part of living in Rochester?

Between the food, the environment, and the people, Rochester is the most unique city I've ever been to, and that's why I love it.

Do you have any favorite/secret Rochester spots? 

I love the riverwalk at Corn Hill Landing. Standing on the riverwalk and looking out on the water is so calming. Plus, Mac’s Philly Steaks is right there, so that’s a bonus.

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

It's not really an event, but the coolest thing I've ever done in Rochester is volunteer at the Open Door Mission. I went with my church and we served food to people; a few of my friends even sang to them!

You mentioned that you're a model--what's one of your favorite places to go take pictures when you're modeling? 

I love going to Cobb's Hill. The water towers are by far my favorite spot for photos!

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

I'd take my whole family to the Amerks game. I’ve always gone to Amerks games a lot over the years because my brother is a season ticket holder. I love going even more now because my three-year-old son is a big hockey fan! When we go, we always get meatballs in a cup from one of the stands there and we all really enjoy them.

Do you have a favorite neighborhood in Rochester? 

Corn Hill is my favorite neighborhood--it’s just so beautiful. I also enjoy the Corn Hill Festival; I took my son last year and he loved it.

What's the best place to get a garbage plate?

Steve T's.

What's your personal coping mechanism for cold/gray weather?

Get a pizza from Krony's and have a movie night.

What is your favorite Rochester memory?

When my brother took me to Buttermilk Falls right before I left for college. I had never been before, so we walked around a lot, exploring and taking photos.

What advice would you give to someone who's new to Rochester and wants to get to know the area?

Don't be shy, drive around until you see something you think looks cool, then go check it out. Exploring Rochester doesn't require a game plan, it just requires you to be adventurous.

What makes Rochester unique?

Rochester feels like home, and not just because this is where I grew up. There's just something about this place that makes you feel safe and like you never want to leave.

What do you think could be improved about Rochester?

All the drug overdoses in this city break my heart. I would love to see that change.

What does Rochester mean to you?

Growing up, I developed a lot of resentment towards Rochester. My parents divorced when I was two years old. My mom and I never really got along--that was, until she almost died of a heart attack when I was 17. Our relationship improved after that.

When I was in high school, I was sexually assaulted multiple times. My senior year, I attempted suicide. I came to associate Rochester with pain and suffering, and all I wanted was to get out. After I turned 18, I went to New York City for school. I again experienced sexual assault, then refused counseling and medication. I felt so broken. I finished out the school year then came back to Rochester. I wound up in an abusive relationship, and my mom divorced my stepdad.

Soon after that, I met my now-husband. We moved briefly to Massachusetts in an attempt to leave the pain behind, but I quickly realized that I missed Rochester. Rochester is where my brother is, and my amazing best friend. Despite the pain I’ve experienced, Rochester has helped me heal. It’s also where I met my husband, and it will forever be our home.

If Rochester was an animal, what would it be?

It would be a therapy dog, because therapy dogs are meant to help you recover from whatever trauma you've been through. That's what Rochester has done for me.