Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in Schenectady and went to small private schools there before moving “all the way” to Loudonville to attend Siena. After graduating, I worked in fundraising for a local nonprofit for 16 years before stepping away from the 9-5 routine to support our family business. These days, most of my time revolves around being a mom to my two kids, Hannah and James. Like many families, we juggle school, activities, and family time, but because of their food allergies, we’ve also had to learn how to navigate daily life a little differently.
What are your favorite local activities to do with your kids?
We love spending time together doing things that don’t revolve around food. You’ll often find us exploring local playgrounds, going on hikes, visiting museums, seeing shows, or letting the kids burn off energy at indoor gyms.
What inspired you to start the Capital District Teal Pumpkin Party?
When my kids were little, I realized how challenging holidays – especially Halloween! – could be for families like ours. Trick-or-treating is supposed to be fun, but for children with food allergies, it can be stressful or even unsafe. I wanted to create a place where kids could celebrate FULLY without the worry of food getting in the way. In 2022, our allergist, Certified Allergy & Asthma Consultants, made the first donation towards creating the event. The Capital District YMCA Greenbush Branch also welcomed me with open arms and has since become a key partner in organizing and hosting the event.
What is the event, and why is the teal pumpkin important?
The Capital District Teal Pumpkin Party was inspired by The Teal Pumpkin Project®, a nationwide initiative spearheaded each year by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). The teal pumpkin has become a national symbol for food allergy awareness. If you see one outside a home on Halloween, it means they’re offering non-food treats that all kids can enjoy.
Our event takes that idea and brings it to life in a BIG way. Instead of just one house with safe options, we’ve created an entire celebration where families living with food allergies don’t have to worry about safety or exclusion. Every game, prize, and activity is designed to be fun and inclusive for all children.
What impact have you seen from the event so far?
Each year, we’ve welcomed over 200 kids and their families. Parents often tell me it’s the first time their child has been able to fully participate in a holiday event without feeling left out. One mom shared that her child said, “I finally feel normal here.” Those moments remind me exactly why this event matters. It’s not just about Halloween – it’s about inclusion, safety, joy, and creating happy memories.
What’s your favorite part of the celebration?
I love seeing the kids come in their costumes, running from activity to activity without hesitation. There’s so much laughter and excitement in the room! But honestly, my favorite part is watching parents relax. For once, they don’t have to hover or say “no” over and over. They can just enjoy the moment alongside their children.
Are you looking for donations or volunteers, and how can people get involved?
Yes! This event is free to attend, but it only happens thanks to generous community support. We welcome both volunteers and donations to help cover supplies, prizes, and activities. Anyone interested can visit https://www.
What do you hope the public can learn about the daily lives of families managing food allergies?
Food allergies affect nearly every part of our daily lives – from school lunches, birthday parties, playdates, even something as simple as grabbing a snack on the go. For many families, it means constant label-checking, carrying emergency medication, and teaching kids from a young age to ask questions before eating anything. It can be exhausting, but it’s also necessary to keep our kids safe.
When is the Capital District Teal Pumpkin Party?
Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Capital District YMCA – Greenbush Gymnasium
Click here to see all the details about the event.
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