Childhood

I grew up in my family’s home in the beautiful Provence countryside, surrounded by the scent of lavender fields and the closeness of family. Charming streets and colorful markets -no shopping malls- fill my childhood memories. The town, Aix-en-Provence, is in the heart of Provence, where one most certainly experiences the “French Joie de vivre”. I was lucky to have that growing up and I delighted in it. Although I love living in the U.S., my heritage, my roots, and my heart will always be in France and I love nothing more to share about my country with anyone who is interested in knowing more.
During my teens, I spent five years outside of Paris in the “Maison d’Education de la Legion d’Honneur”, an all-girl boarding school established by Napoleon for the daughters of his army men. If you’ve ever read the adorable “Madeline” books, then you know just the place! Imagine not 12 little girls in 2 straight lines, but 450 girls in navy blue uniforms, sleeping in 3 dorms with 140 beds in 4 perfect rows! We received a very “old school” education, with a strong emphasis on rigorous work ethics.
Although I’ve always thrived in the arts, I chose a much more formal career path and attended medical school in Paris in “l’Hopital de Cochin Port Royal,” studying to become an OB/GYN. However, life had a different plan for me. I met my love, and moved to the U.S. just as I was about to start my residency. My focus soon shifted to marriage and my own family.
Up until a few years ago I was a legal alien with a green card, married to an American citizen. I was very excited when I finally became an official U.S. citizen. I feel privileged to have had my French upbringing and very proud of my new nationality and feel so blessed to call both countries home.