Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the area?
I am born and raised in NJ. Love to travel but I always come home.
How old are your Child(ren) and what are their age(s)?
I have 2 children, Boy/Girl 12 year old twins.
Are you involved in a business venture? Can you tell us a little about it?
Yes, I’m the Founder of One Yard at a Time, Inc. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides NFL Experiences to widows and their children, to let them know we’re on their team. One Yard honors my husband Matthew (1978 – 2023) Beloved father, husband, son, brother, and teammate – a 15-year veteran of the New York Jets. He is loved and missed.
One Yard at a Time is about honoring Matthew – and everyone who has lost someone – by teaching our children how to be resilient, strong, and live fully, even when life throws curveballs. It’s about turning around and helping others do the same. Just like the New York Jets helped me find my smile again, we are committed to helping others smile through life’s toughest moments.
Our vision ahead is to bring One Yard to all NFL stadiums with our goal to help widows and their children see the possibilities of turning trauma into post traumatic growth. Where the sky is the limit!
When did you decide you wanted to set up One Yard at a Time?
When I become a widow I was putting one foot in front of the other just trying to survive. I checked my phone, Matthew’s tickets were in my Jets account. No one from the New York Jets said anything they were just there. It was so nice to go to games with the twins, bring friends and family with us that weren’t even necessarily football fans but now they wouldn’t stare at us with nothing to say. We had something to chat about, it was a welcome happy distraction that brought us a little of Matthew, a little smile. The stadium is so big and you are surrounded by so much energy and out of the house, and I didn’t have to pay a dime. I wanted to pay the kindness forward that I was given, and honor my husband in the best way he would want – which is by the twins and I living. He would want the twins to thrive and smile and be successful and giving and love – so that’s where One Yard at a Time came from.
What is the main focus of One Yard at a Time?
When I became a widow it’s a whole new world, I miss Matthew, I miss what he is missing, what the twins are missing, our family life and dreams. Nothing is the same. I’ve found there is nothing out there out for widows except for a few books and therapy, (which are so nice and helpful) but I needed to smile. One, Yard helps to bring that smile.
If someone is looking to get involved?
Please contact us! We would love to hear from you! You can refer a widow and her children on our website: https://oneyardatatime.org
Reach out, donate, volunteer, collab – we would love to hear from you! [email protected]
If you could give one tip to fellow Mom Entrepreneurs what would it be?
Hug your loved ones tight.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
Matthew and I met in highschool.
10 Fun LOCAL favorites – ready, go!
1 – Favorite thing to do with your kids? We love all the farms.
2 – Favorite coffee spot? Maria’s in Chester
3 – Favorite lunch place? Pren in Chester
4 – Favorite farm to go fruit picking? Riamede in Chester
5 – Favorite family night restaurant? Excited to go check out Black Horse Tavern, they just had a big renovation! We love it there.
6 – Favorite boutique? Chester Candle Company, you can make your own candles it’s so fun! Or anything on Main St in Chester, every store and shop is adorable.
7 – Favorite spot to grab a drink? Rebel Sheep Wine Co. At Stony Hill Farms in Chester
8 – Who has the best bagels in town? Chester Bagel
9 – Best slice of pizza in town? New York or Bella’s in Chester
10 – Favorite spot for ice cream? Taylor’s in Chester but also love the sweets at NinaLou and biscotti at Linda’s.
You can learn more about One Yard at a Time on their website or by following them on social media below:
Watch the Podcast, From Grief to Gridiron: A Touchdown of Hope and Healing below:
