LIVE MOM NEXT DOOR
Dr. Elise Scallan Lalonde By Amanda Miller
OCCUPATION ▪ ENT Doctor HUSBAND ▪ Dr. Jimmy Lalonde CHILDREN ▪ James, 18; Isabella, 15; Sophia, 13; and Amelia, 11 HOBBIES ▪ Riding bikes, exercising, reading, traveling, and shopping A busy schedule is the norm for Dr. Elise Scallan Lalonde, but since the stay-at-home order was put into place, life for Dr. Elise has managed to speed up and slow down, all at the same time. Navigating from appointments with her patients at her office to one child’s activity to the next has been replaced with downtime spent on the couch, helping her children finish school remotely, playing card games, painting, and still making sure she is available for her patients. It has been quite the change, but Dr. Elise takes it all on with a smile on her face and a positive attitude.
Photo credit: Erin Oswald The Front Porch Project
How would you describe raising your children?
What was your latest mom win?
How has parenting changed your work ethic?
E: So far, we’ve had 18 years of fun-filled, busy,
E: We haven’t dressed up since we haven’t had
E: Before I had children, the way I approached
active times. Some times have been more
any places to go, but I do like my family to look
my patients was so different. Now, I see through
challenging than others. We’ve had a huge
nice. So on Easter, everyone came down looking
a different light. I’m way more sensitive, and I’m a
change in pace. All of them are active in sports
presentable and perfectly dressed. I was super
more understanding doctor.
and because of staying at home, we’ve had so
excited about that.
much downtime sitting on the couch.
How do you make time to relax? How has parenthood changed you?
E: Usually at night and the first thing in the
What do you like to do as a family?
E: It took me from being an independent person,
morning. I’ll read and relax, give myself time to
E: We have so many wonderful memories of
and by nature, a more self-centered person and
think a little bit. When I can, a nice vacation and a
vacations together. Going on family trips is very
caused me to put their needs first and find ways
spa treatment.
important to us. However, now, we’ve been riding
to help them succeed. I really matured more than
bikes more than we have in 10 years, playing
I ever imagined.
cards, and painting.
What’s your favorite date night? E: We’re simple people. We will go to a restaurant
What do you love most about your job?
we love and have a drink at the Country Club,
What’s the greatest thing about being a mom?
E: I love the day-to-day interactions with my
then home to watch a movie on Netflix.
E: The closeness and bond I have shared with
patients, from the infants to the elderly. I enjoy
them over the years. I wouldn’t trade it for
helping someone to feel better. It’s great knowing
What kind of mom are you?
anything, even the hard times.
I can do something to help them.
E: I am very involved and active in everything. I
24
B R PA R EN T S .CO M | M AY 2020