Roberta was born into a large, loud, sometimes chaotic family that was anchored by a mother who baked delicious bread and craved quiet, order and sufficient sleep. As a girl, she loved reading and weekly visits to her local library, and was grateful to have more time for books in her empty nest years. Roberta’s hard-working father valued education and spirituality. A WW II vet, he spent his young adult years in university studies and then Catholic seminary, preparing for the priesthood. His path changed, and he continued to cultivate his spiritual practice through family and lay life.
Roberta has grown to appreciate time each day for solitude and stillness. She loves good coffee, sunshine, birdsong, visits with friends, long walks and time near lakes, rivers and forests. Roberta celebrates humor and the healing power of laughter. Her central and most fulfilling role is that of mom/ grandma for her children and her grandson (and other precious beings).
Roberta’s professional career spanned 40 years as a public school teacher, a university professor, teacher educator, advocate and consultant. She has been a student of Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh since 2011, and co-founded a local sangha in the Plum Village tradition. Her experience teaching and facilitating mindfulness in community settings includes ongoing offerings in a prison and public library. Roberta is one of eight members of a beloved women’s writing group that has met monthly for over twenty years.She lives in Syracuse, New York where she enjoys time with family, friends and being in nature.