Occupation: I'm managing medical offices in New York City. My company is MK Consulting. I've been doing this since 2001.
Occupation: Iâm managing medical offices in New York City. My company is MK Consulting. Iâve been doing this since 2001.
Family: I have a son, Oleg. He just came back from the army. He served three tours in Iraq and now heâs home. My fiancé, Frank Carr, passed away in May. He was an orthopedic surgeon and we were partners in the business. And I think of Julie and Peter Stern from here as family, who took me into their hearts.
How long have you lived in Newtown? I moved to Newtown five years ago. Before that, I was in Danbury. I moved to the US from Belarus in 1998.
What do you like to do in your free time? When Iâm not stuck in traffic on the way to the City, I read a lot, thanks to Julie. She was my teacher at WestConn. I participate in book clubs, and Iâm trying to keep up with current events, so I go to the discussion group at Mocha every Monday. I love the people there. I do paint, and I believe that fashion is a form of art. I make my own cocktail and evening dresses, and help my friends when they need to attend an event. I like to help a woman venture out of her comfort zone.
Do you have a favorite author? My favorite author is Jane Austen. Iâm true to her. I think she was ahead of her time. And I love Charles Dickens. I love classical literature. My favorite author of all time is Anton Chekhov, not just because of his works, but because of his life: he practiced what he preached. I graduated from Mogilev University with a degree in Russian literature, and from WestConn with a degree in comparative literature.
Do you have a favorite travel destination? Iâve been to Japan and I would love to go back. The culture fascinates me and the country is so beautiful. It is so understated. Itâs an advanced country in terms of technology, but they have managed to preserve their forests and mountains. Itâs amazing.
What is the best thing about Newtown? The people are the best thing. Wherever you go, you will be treated as if you are really welcome here, and they mean it. I encounter it so many times. You feel connected, even to those people you donât know.
Do you have a hero? The Sterns. I have an admiration for Julie and Peter, like a 3-year-old has for her parents. They kind of âadoptedâ me. They do not pretend at all. They are so honest and generous. They have a perfect balance in life.
Do you have a personal philosophy? Erich Fromm wrote an amazing book over 50 years ago, The Art of Loving, that I think everyone should read. It is about how if you want to do something you have to actively love it. You have to be your best person for it. I believe you have to be open and have enough chutzpa to tell people what you think. Whatever you do, you have to make your best effort, whether itâs work or relationships.
Do you have a guilty pleasure? Shoe shopping! Wherever I am, I will have to check out the shoe rack. I donât even know how many pair I own, but they are all with heels. My idea of flats is a stiletto!