Stamford - Jan/Feb 2026

THRIVING THROUGH MENOPAUSE

Smart Strategies for Feeling Your Best

ONE-STOP SHOP Rediscover High Ridge Center

ROAD TRIP

A New Getaway in Litchfield

TOP DOCS 2025 Your Guide to Leaders in Local Medicine

LOCAL FLAVOR JAN/FEB 2026 $6.95

Miguel Leal Cooks Up His Dream Business

THE BEST IN ORTHOPEDICS IS LOCAL IN CONNECTICUT. HSS, ranked #1 in orthopedics, has joined forces with Stamford Health to deliver Connecticut’s most advanced orthopedic care. With top specialists in spine and joint care, sports medicine, pediatric orthopedics, and more, experience orthopedic excellence like nowhere else.

Make an appointment today or learn more at HSS.edu/StamfordHealth

FLY MEDI OF A M

TOP

DOCTORS

2026

STAMFORD | WESTPORT | WILTON | HAMDEN

01029Moffley_HSS.indd 1 COV2_05_STM_TOC_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 2

Most major insurance plans accepted.

12/2/25 9:45 AM 12/10/25 12:24 PM

WHAT’S IN YOUR YARD?

DREW KLOTZ

KINETIC SCULPTURE

203 451 2902

DREWKLOTZ.COM

25 9:45 AM COV2_05_STM_TOC_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 1

12/10/25 12:24 PM

contents JAN/FEB 2026 vol. 17 | no. 1

18 departments

features

42

10 FOUNDER’S LETTER by d onna mof f ly

MIGUEL LEAL BRINGS SOMOS TO STAMFORD’S TABLE

13 STATUS REPORT

BUZZ With her podcast The Rewrite, Wendy Lowy Sloane offers a fresh and uplifting take on starting over.

The Somos Foods cofounder is reshaping how Americans cook Mexican food at home, and he’s betting on Stamford as the next great food innovation hub. by g e orget te yac o ub

46

Snuggles N Cuddles

SHOP A Stamford-based mother who wanted better clothing for her daughter launches a line of children’s sleepwear.

56

DO A Fairfield County entrepreneur says her handcrafted line of botanical remedy sprays bring intention to a wellness routine.

HOW WOMEN ARE REWRITING THE MENOPAUSE NARRATIVE in the thick of midlife say menopause isn’t an ending; it’s

GO Belden House and Mews, a splendidly restored three-acre estate, is one more reason to visit lovely Litchfield, Connecticut.

The Taco Project

a chance to take the helm. by ji l l john son m an n

56

A FRESH SPIN ON SHOPPING IN STAMFORD With neighborhood staples and notable newcomers, High

HOME California Closets opens a new showroom in the Greenwich Design District.

TOP DOCTORS 37 PEOPLE & PLACES

IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY

PAGE 65

Ridge Center is a reinvented

41 VOWS

retail destination.

79 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

by l iz barron

on the cover: miguel leal of somos fo ods

80 POSTSCRIPT

STAMFORD MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026, VOL. 17, NO. 1 // STAMFORD MAGAZINE (ISSN 2153-2680) is published bimonthly by Moffly Media, Inc., 205 Main St., Westport, CT 06880. POSTMASTER: Send address changes (Form 3579) to STAMFORD MAGAZINE, P.O. BOX 9309, Big Sandy, TX 75755-9607.

DOCTOR: JOYFOTOLIAKID - STOCK.ADOBE.COM OTHER PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BRANDS

Local clinicians and women

stamfordmag.com

2

COV2_05_STM_TOC_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 2

12/10/25 12:24 PM

CT037 Sta

©2025 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Each California Closets® franchised location is independently owned and operated.

Local contractor licenses available at californiaclosets.com. CT HIC #0657205.

Create Where You Belong

CALL , V IS IT A S H OWRO OM, OR FIND US O NLINE TO SC H E DULE YO UR COMPLIMENTARY D ES IGN CONS ULTATIO N

Connecticut Westchester

48 W Putnam Ave, Greenwich 16 Saw Mill River Rd, Hawthorne

203.924.8444 914.592.1001

@caliclosetsct

CA L I FO R N I AC LO S E TS . C O M

CT037 Stamford_CWYB_BendHO_9x10.8_1225.indd 1 COV2_05_STM_TOC_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 3

11/25/25 12:22 PM 12/10/25 12:24 PM

digital content & MORE

STAMFORDMAG.com CELEBRATING THE BEST OF WHERE WE LIVE

jan/feb 2026

LET’S BE FRIENDS! Give us a follow on Instagram!

@STAMFORDMAG

For your up-to-the-minute guide to eating, drinking, shopping, playing, living, working and people in our city on the Sound.

Together, we make living here the best!

TO SEE MORE PARTY PICS AND POSTS ON THE PEOPLE AND PLACES WHO MAKE STAMFORD SPECIAL.

Visit our directories for resources

TOP: LESLYE SMITH: BOTTOM: MOFFLY MEDIA’S BIG PICTURE / BOB CAPAZZO PHOTO IN PHONE: VENERA ALEXANDROVA PHONE: SDECORETMOCKUP STOCK.ADOBE.COM

JUMP ONLINE

FOLLOW US ON:

stamfordmag.com

4

COV2_05_STM_TOC_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 4

12/10/25 12:24 PM

A DAY’S WORTH OF SKIING.

BY LUNCH.

U N C R OW D E D S LO P E S A N D U N F O R G E T TA B L E A P R È S .

SKIWINDHAM.COM

COV2_05_STM_TOC_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 5

12/10/25 12:24 PM

Your Family.

Your Business.

Your Charities.

Your Wealth.

Your Legacy.

vol. 17 | no. 1 | january/february 2026 editorial

At Cummings & Lockwood, you receive sophisticated and carefully curated legal advice based on decades of experience and tailored to your specific goals, together with the personalized attention and elevated client experience you should expect from your professional advisors. n Trusts and Estates n Fiduciary and Probate Litigation n Corporate and Finance n Business Litigation n Commercial and Residential Real Estate

editorial director Cristin Marandino–cristin.marandino@moffly.com contributing editors Megan Gagnon–editor, athome Elizabeth Hole–editor, custom publishing Eileen Murphy–editor, new canaan • darien • rowayton Samantha Yanks—editor, westport • weston • wilton copy editors Dave Johnstone, David Podgurski contributing writers Liz Barron, Eileen Bartels, Tom Connor, Carol Leonetti Dannhauser, Hannah Deely, Beth Cooney Fitzpatrick, Megan Gagnon, Elizabeth Hole, Stefanie Horn, Elizabeth Keyser, Joey Macari, Jill Johnson Mann, Jamie Marshall, Georgette Yacoub editorial advisory board Harry Day, PJ Kennedy, Jamie Krug, Michael Marchetti, Arthur Selkowitz, Jami Sherwood, Lou Ursone

art

STAMFORD | GREENWICH | WEST HARTFORD NAPLES | BONITA SPRINGS | PALM BEACH GARDENS

www.cl-law.com

senior art director Amber Scinto–amber.scinto@moffly.com production director Tim Carr–tim.carr@moffly.com assistant art director Lisa Marie Servidio–Lisa.Servidio@moffly.com senior photographer Bob Capazzo

A leading, board certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon, Harrison Linsky, DDS, MD, offers extensive medical & dental experience, unique expertise, and exemplary care.

digital media digital marketing manager Rachel MacDonald–rachel.macdonald@moffly.com digital assistants Lloyd Gabi–lloyd.gabi@moffly.com Jeffrey Garay–jeffrey.garay@moffly.com

marketing executive marketing director Kristina Herman–kristina.herman@moffly.com

Calendar@Moffly.com Editor@StamfordMag.com Weddings@StamfordMag.com

TO SUBSCRIBE, renew, or change your address, please email us at subscribe@stamfordmag.com call 1-877-467-1735, or write to STAMFORD magazine, 111 Corporate Drive, Big Sandy, TX 75755.

U.S. subscription rates: $19.95/1 year, $34.95/2 years; Canada and Foreign, U.S. $40/1 year; $69/2 years.

Prices are subject to change without notice.

FOR QUALITY CUSTOM REPRINTS/E-PRINTS,

1177 Summer Street, 4th floor, Stamford | 203.614.8355 | dearfieldoralsurgery.com

please call 203-571-1645 or email reprints@moffly.com.

All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without express permission of the publisher. ©2026 STAMFORD magazine is a registered trademark owned by Moffly Media. The opinions expressed by writers commissioned for articles published by STAMFORD are not necessarily those of the magazine.

stamfordmag.com

6

06_09_STM_Masthead_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 6

12/10/25 12:03 PM

Boutique Dermatology Office E S TA B L I S H E D 2 0 1 3

The First-Ever Concierge Dermatology Office Committed To: Personalized Aesthetics #NaturalAtNichols Results A 360° Approach to Vitality

Elevated Greenwich Flagship Coming Soon!

2x the size, 3x the offerings, 4x the luxury.

Book an Appointment Today

GREENWICH HARBOR POINT FAIRFIELD

(203) 862-4000

Shop Skincare Now

06_09_STM_Masthead_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 7

info@KimNicholsMD.com 💻💻

@NicholsMD_Dermatology

@NicholsMD_Dermatology

KimNicholsMD.com

12/10/25 12:03 PM

vol. 17 | no. 1 | january/february 2026 publisher

Jonathan W. Moffly jonathan@moffly.com

sales & marketing Gina Fusco publisher, new canaan•darien•rowayton gina.fusco@moffly.com Gabriella Mays publisher, westport•weston•wilton gabriella.mays@moffly.com Jonathan W. Moffly publisher, athome, greenwich, ocean house, stamford jonathan@moffly.com Hilary Hotchkiss account executive hilary.hotchkiss@moffly.com Morgan Howell account executive morgan.howell@moffly.com Liz Norfleet account executive liz.norfleet@moffly.com

BOB CAPAZZO PHOTOGRAPHY (203) 273-0139

Kathleen Dyke partnership and big picture manager kathleen.godbold@moffly.com Brynn John interim partnership and big picture manager brynn.john@moffly.com Lemuel Bandala sales assistant lemuel.bandala@moffly.com Eillenn Bandala business assistant eillenn.bandala@moffly.com

business president

Jonathan W. Moffly editorial director

Cristin Marandino business manager

Elena Moffly elena@moffly.com cofounders

John W. Moffly IV & Donna C. Moffly donna@moffly.com PUBLISHERS OF GREENWICH, NEW CANAAN • DARIEN • ROWAYTON, STAMFORD, WESTPORT • WESTON • WILTON and athome in Fairfield County magazines 205 Main Street, Westport, CT 06880 phone: 203-222-0600 mail@moffly.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Lemuel Bandala 203-571-1610 or email advertise@moffly.com SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES: email subscribe@stamfordmag.com or call 877-467-1735

stamfordmag.com

8

BOGC_Ja 06_09_STM_Masthead_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 8

12/10/25 12:03 PM

Who will be voted All New. All You. THE BEST?

NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL BUSINESSES BESTOFGOLDCOASTCT.COM Nominations End: Tuesday, February 17 Local businesses with the most nominations in each category will advance to the finals.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

9

Scan and Nominate Now!

BOGC_Jan_Feb 2026.indd 1

12/10/25 8:14 AM

06_09_STM_Masthead_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 9

12/10/25 12:03 PM

founder’s page

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 / DONNA MOFFLY

I

“Then there was my friend who married the Greenwich cop who stopped her for a traffic violation.”

n honor of the New Year and Valentine’s Day, for this issue I’ve collected a few more stories about how couples met.

Today, many meet online, of all places— like my godson Doug Herman and Jaime Maloney, on match.com, where they discovered they had much in common. They now have even more in common in Lynnfield, Massachusetts—a pair of 10-year-old twin boys.

Brooke Mifflin met Ralph Gaiss in an elevator in the Wellesley building in New York, where she lived on the 32nd floor. Ralph, the perfect gentleman, held the elevator door open for her, and they chatted on their way up to the 24th floor, where he got off. Later, he asked the doorman for her name and left a handwritten note in her mailbox asking her out for a date.

They’ve been married 10 years and live in Darien with three boys and a black lab puppy.

Stephanie Johnson and Gordon Hinshalwood met at bagpipe camp in Edinboro, Pennsylvania.

Both age 15, he was already a talented player from Montclair; she, a beginner, from Washingtonville, New York. Today, the Rev. Stephanie Johnson officiates at weddings at St. Paul’s in Riverside (where Gordon on special occasions plays the bagpipes).

Molly Brownwood met Brennan Gerster on a chairlift in Stratton when they were seniors in college. They chatted on the ride up and the next day were surprised to find themselves standing next to each other in the long lift line. They started skiing together, he taught her to snowboard, and they now live in Rowayton with their three teen offspring. A certified dietitian, Molly is studying at Yale to become a midwife. Brennan is an exec at the Weather Channel.

Christy Prunier met David Doss when he was looking for a dog sitter. An intern at Primetime, where he was a producer, she had left to look for a full-time job—commuting to

New York from Riverside. David traveled a lot and needed a caretaker for his Whippet-mix, and a colleague suggested Christy. Thrilled to have a place to stay in the city while job-hunting, she refused to be paid. “But I want to do something for you,” he insisted. “Why not just take me out to dinner?” she suggested.

They’ve now been married 26 years, have raised two kids and live—with a dog, of course— across the street from where she grew up.

Then there was my friend who married the Greenwich cop who stopped her for a traffic violation. But I haven’t been able to reach her in time to flesh out the story for this issue.

As for Jack and me, it was a rocky start. At age 23 and just home from a six-month job in New York, I walked into a party in Shaker Heights, spotted an “older” guy who looked familiar, tapped him on the shoulder and asked: “Are you Ed Pendergast?” “No,” he answered, turning his back to resume a conversation.

“Now there’s one rude dude,” I huffed to myself.

Later, upstairs in the loo, I found a friend very sick to her stomach. “Oh, you’re in terrible shape, Martha,” I observed. “Who’s your date?”

“Jack Moffly,” she moaned, adding they’d been to a wedding. “I’ll get him,” I volunteered.

“What’s he look like?” A-ha! I went back downstairs, tapped Rude Dude on the shoulder again, asking, “Are you Jack Moffly?” “Yes,” he said. “Well, your date’s throwing up!” I informed him. “You better take her home.”

But the next day I had a date with one of his roommates at the Bone Pile, playing bridge with—you guessed it—Jack Moffly and some divorcée. It was then I decided he was OK after all. Probably he’d just had a rough night. He called the next day, and the rest is a 59-year history. Oh, he was 33.

Ah, young love. Can’t beat it. Happy Valentine’s Day.

VENTURE PHOTOGRAPHY, GREENWICH, CT

OF MEETING A MATE

stamfordmag.com

10

10_11_STM_Founder's_Donna_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 10

12/19/25 8:57 AM

Senior Living the Whole Family Will Love Ask about our short-term Winter Stays.

at Summer Street

Assisted Living & Memory Care 14 2nd Street, Stamford, CT | 203-883-1510 residencesummerstreet.com

WHATEVER YOUR MOOD, YOUR TABLE IS WAITING

WINVIAN.COM

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

11

10_11_STM_Founder's_Donna_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 11

12/19/25 8:57 AM

Subscribe Subscribe Subscribeto to toMoffly Moffly Moffly Subscribe Moffly Newsletters Newsletters Newsletters& & & Newsletters Get Get GetInsider Insider InsiderPerks Perks Perks Get Perks Win Win Win Tickets Tickets Tickets totoMoffly toMoffly Moffly Media Media Media and and and Invite-Only Invite-Only Invite-Only Local Local Local Events, Events, Events, Win Tickets to Moffly Media and Invite-Only Local Events, such such such asasour asour our annual annual annual Greenwich Greenwich Greenwich Restaurant Restaurant Restaurant Week Week Week Opening Opening Opening Night Night Night such as our annual Greenwich Restaurant Week Opening Night Party, Party, Party, Stamford Stamford Stamford Best Best Best Bartender Bartender Bartender Contest Contest Contest event event event and and and Light Light Light a aFire aFire Fire Party, Stamford Best Bartender Contest event and Light a Fire community community community celebration celebration celebration community celebration Free Free Free Product Product Product Giveaways Giveaways Giveaways selected selected selected bybyour byour our Editors Editors Editors Free Product Giveaways selected by our Editors Early Early Early Access Access Access totoEditorial toEditorial Editorial Content Content Content Early Access to Editorial Content

202420242024 2024

9TH ANNUAL 9TH ANNUAL 9TH ANNUAL 9TH ANNUAL

RESTAURANT RESTAURANT RESTAURANT WEEK WEEK WEEK RESTAURANT WEEK

ToToTo sign sign sign up up up scan scan scan ororor visit visit visit To sign up scan or visit MofflyLifestyleMedia.com/ MofflyLifestyleMedia.com/ MofflyLifestyleMedia.com/ MofflyLifestyleMedia.com/ Newsletter Newsletter Newsletter Newsletter

Winners Winners Winners will will be will be randomly be randomly randomly selected selected selected and and contacted and contacted contacted viavia email. via email. email.

NoNo purchase No purchase purchase necessary. necessary. necessary.

Void Void Void where where where prohibited. prohibited. prohibited.

Winners will randomly selected and contacted viaservice email.

No purchase necessary.

Void where prohibited.

Subscribers Subscribers Subscribers can can cancel can cancel cancel at be at any at any time. any time. time.

ForFor Moffly For Moffly Moffly Media Media Media terms terms terms of of service of service and and privacy and privacy privacy policy, policy, policy, visit visit visit mofflylifestylemedia.com/privacy-policy mofflylifestylemedia.com/privacy-policy mofflylifestylemedia.com/privacy-policy Subscribers can cancel at any time. For Moffly Media terms of service and privacy policy, visit mofflylifestylemedia.com/privacy-policy

Blank_singleAD.indd 12_17_STM_Buzz_Jan_Feb_2026.indd Blank_singleAD.indd Blank_singleAD.indd 1 1 1 12

12/9/24 12/9/24 12/10/25 12/9/24 12:26 12:31 12:26 3:55 PM 12:26 PMPM

buzz STATUS REPORT

TURNING THE PAGE With THE REWRITE, Wendy Lowy Sloane offers a fresh, uplifting take on starting over by beth c o on ey f it z pat rick

W

endy Lowy Sloane began her media career with a dream job working for the legendary talk show host Phil Donahue and produced radio shows for Geraldo Rivera and Danny Bonaduce (of Partridge Family fame) before launching her syndicated talk show What’s Up with Wendy at WGCH in Greenwich.

A few years ago, the former New Canaan resident switched gears for a more personal broadcast: a divorce-themed podcast, called The Rewrite, which champions personal reinvention after all kinds of major life transitions.

We chatted recently about the upbeat positivity Sloane brings to discussing often tough subjects and her goal of inspiring listeners to rewrite their personal stories and begin again, just like she did.

above: Wendy Lowy Sloane says she’s now living her best life and wants to help others do the same.

MM: The first time we talked, you had just launched What’s Up with Wendy. How did you go from a newsy, entertainment-style program to talking about divorce?

Wendy Lowy Sloane: During Covid I stopped going to the radio station. I was recording from home in New Canaan. My kids were home, and I liked that a lot. And I began thinking, “I’m going to transform this into a podcast.” I had started out focused on newsmakers, authors and celebrities—which was my background

coming from Phil Donahue. But I was also feeling very reflective about some of the things I experienced going through my own divorce [2008]. I wanted to share some of the things I wished I had known, but didn’t. And one of the things that I had learned was that as bad as it can seem when it’s happening, divorce doesn’t suck, which is what we originally called the podcast.

The podcast did well, but I never really loved the name. I realized it really didn’t reflect the conversations we were having.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

13

yicy cy

12:26 49/24 12:31 12:26 PM 12:26 PMPM 12_17_STM_Buzz_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 13

12/10/25 3:55 PM

buzz It wasn’t so much about divorce—and how to do that—it was about healing and the reinvention that can come from reclaiming your story.

MM: What didn’t you know about divorce when your marriage ended?

WLS: Back then, I felt like no one was getting divorced in my town but me.

When this is happening and you have little kids, like I did then, it can feel isolating. I didn’t have a lot of people to turn to, so I didn’t know a lot of facts.

I didn’t gather enough information. I rushed through everything. In every state there are rules about divorce that can really govern the process, and I didn’t know enough about those.

I really didn’t know what questions to ask lawyers when I met with them. And one thing I didn’t realize was that lawyers are only one part of the team that you may need to support you. You need financial advisors and other experts on your side, too.

MM: Are there any particular myths about divorce you want to dispel?

WLS: Just because you’re getting divorced doesn’t mean your life is over. And it definitely doesn’t mean that you’re a failure. Just because your marriage didn’t work—regardless of the circumstances—this isn’t a statement about your personal worth. It means that you are brave.

But there are plenty of women who rush to do it, too. I tell people to learn to be alone. Take the time to reflect on what you’ve learned from your marriage.

I am currently single by choice and have been for a long time. I didn’t pursue relationships when I first got divorced and my kids [son Jake and daughter Summer] were young. I wanted to focus on them. I realize that’s a choice, but it’s one I don’t regret. But for people who want to date, I’m encouraged by what I’m seeing on the dating sites. They are improving. I interviewed someone recently about the positive impact

Just because you’re getting divorced doesn’t mean your life is over.

And it definitely doesn’t mean that you’re a failure.

WENDY LOWY SLOANE

GM: What’s your best advice to anyone considering divorce?

WLS: Don’t stay for the kids. I understand all the reasons why people might do that, but the kids know there is something wrong. They always do. If you focus on reinvention and building a new life for yourself, that can be an inspiring thing for them to see.

MM: What about dating? How do you navigate meeting people today when the dating landscape has changed and so much of the connecting happens on smartphones?

WLS: I always tell people to do all of that slowly. Too many people jump right back in. I find that’s especially true with men; they seem to kind of hate to be alone.

technology and even artificial intelligence is going to have on them. It’s going to be harder to do things like fake a profile.

I’m even encouraged by shows like The Golden Bachelor. It’s sending a positive message that we can find love again and rewrite our romantic stories at any stage of life.

GM: You recently rebranded and changed the name of the podcast. What was behind that?

WLS: We are now focused almost solely on themes of reinvention and healing.

Sure, I may still have on a divorce lawyer or marriage counselor or someone who has gone through a divorce, but it’s

become much less about the how-to of divorce and more about how to move on from what can be a really devastating experience. So, while divorce is still part of the conversation, I’m also thinking about widowers or people who’ve experienced job loss. It’s about healing in a way that could get you to lead your best life and to rewrite your story. It’s about saying, “Okay, I fell down, but I can get back up.”

One of the things that I think sets me apart is that I’m committed to not going to the ugly or bad parts of divorce. They exist, but I don’t want to have this be about messy stuff. I don’t go there. What I’m doing is intended to be uplifting.

Recently, I had on a former Buddhist monk who now works to lead people through deep personal transformations, and he was full of so much wisdom. I’m really hoping to inspire people and give them some tools for really living their best lives.

MM: Who is your dream guest?

WLS: Maria Shriver. She went through this very high-profile divorce from Arnold Schwarzenegger, and she’s built a platform around purpose and reinvention. Through The Sunday Paper, her Alzheimer’s advocacy and her Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement, she has transformed personal pain into purpose. She knows what it’s like to lose a version of yourself and focus on what comes next.

MM: You’ve had your own rewrite.

How would you describe it?

WLS: From my career as a television producer, to a suburban mom, to a single mom, to a radio show host and then relaunching as a podcast host, I have rewritten my story so many times.

And I’m still rewriting it. My kids are off living their best lives and I’m so proud of them. A few years ago, I sold my house in New Canaan and moved to this amazing island community off Norwalk. I didn’t know anyone and it felt kind of scary. But I love it here.

Every day I wake up and I’m happy.

I’m living my best life and I’m trying to help others do the same thing.

stamfordmag.com

14

12_17_STM_Buzz_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 14

12/10/25 3:55 PM

buzz

A FERGUSON FAVORITE CRAFTS HER FIRST NOVEL LINDA AVELLAR’S DEBUT BOOK BRINGS HUMOR, HEART AND A DASH OF BEEKEEPING TO A STORY EARNING CRITICAL ACCLAIM by eliz abeth hol e

HEADSHOT: RICHARD GETLER; BOOK COVER DESIGN BY DAVID KING/BLACK ROSE WRITING

A

familiar fixture at the Ferguson Library, Linda Avellar has released a novel that graces the beloved bookshelves she’s worked alongside for 25 years. Cassie Linden Finds Her Sweet Spot is a story about a woman caring for her ill father—and his bees—while balancing her family, career and love life. The debut novel has been praised by Kirkus Reviews as “smartly observed” with characters who are “charming and relatable.”

Avellar, a self-described “fiction writer by night and library development director by day,” started her career in broadcast news and has “always loved a good story.”

A former Emmy-nominated reporter, she and her husband, who is also in the news business, settled in Stamford 30 years ago and raised their two children here. She started freelancing at the Ferguson Library, doing marketing and communications when her kids were young. She eventually took on the development role.

“Stamford is a wonderful community and a great place to call home,” says Avellar. “The library is such a fantastic place to work. I’m around books all day. What could be better?”

Although she spent her writing career as a journalist, Avellar started to experiment with fiction about 15 years ago.

“I’ve always been a big reader, so I figured I should try a novel.

The first two I wrote will stay in the drawer,” she laughs. For her current book, she has an emotional connection to the subject matter.

could look at the hives. There is a reason the term ‘busy bee’ exists. It is magical.”

Avellar believes in protecting the bee population.

“As a gardener and member of Pollinator Pathways, I know how important bees are as pollinators,” she says. “It is necessary to go pesticide-free, because bees are essential to our environment and the food supply.”

To kick off her book launch, Avellar will do a reading, a Q&A and a book signing at the Harry Bennett branch of Ferguson Library. The event takes place January 14 at 6pm. “I’m so used to helping promote visiting authors in my role here, and we have such a great program,” says Avellar. “This will be funny to be on the other side—a little odd, but kind of fun.”

Her next book signing is January 31 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Stamford Barnes & Noble on High Ridge Road. She will also speak at local book clubs.

The following month, Avellar travels to her native California, where she will appear February 21 at the Fullerton Public Library. Her mother, who lives there, will be in the audience.

“My 92-year-old mother is the most well-read person I know,” says Avellar. “This event will be a nice way to connect with her and so many people in my hometown.”

Avellar pursued the small press route for her novel, which was published by Black Rose Writing in late December. In addition to public libraries, the book is available in local bookstores, Barnes & Noble and on Amazon.

“This novel is kind of a love story to my dad, who passed away two years ago from Alzheimer’s disease,” says Avellar. “My main character’s father has memory issues, and she is afraid she carries the gene mutation and worries what it would do to her life.”

Another important aspect of the story are bees, which she studied extensively for the book. “I did tons of research, watched YouTube videos, read books and took an online course,” explains Avellar. “I also suited up with local beekeepers so I JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

15

12_17_STM_Buzz_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 15

12/19/25 9:15 AM

buzz

SHINING A LIGHT ON EDUCATION AFTER A MAJOR RESTORATION, GREENS LEDGE LIGHTHOUSE IS TRANSFORMING INTO A VIBRANT EDUCATIONAL HUB, WITH A DEDICATED RESEARCH CENTER AND A NEW BOAT TO TRANSPORT STUDENTS by eil e e n m urphy photog raphy by ve n e r a al e x an drova

above and below: Students from SoundWaters Summer Research Intensive Program at Greens Ledge.

12_17_STM_Buzz_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 16

G

reens Ledge Lighthouse is entering a new era, transitioning from a historic restoration project to a vibrant educational hub. The revitalization began in 2016, when the Pettee family of Rowayton purchased the lighthouse and founded the Greens Ledge Light Preservation Society (GLLPS) to save the historic structure.

In 2022, after a comprehensive $2.2 million renovation, the 1902 landmark opened to the public for the first time in its 121-year history.

While the physical restoration of the lighthouse is an ongoing process—currently the focus is on replacing the 25 custom-curved glass panes in the Lantern Room—the educational programming is growing rapidly. The lower level has been transformed into the Tombros Research and Education Center, named in honor of Peter and Ann Tombros, early supporters of both the restoration and the lighthouse’s educational mission.

12/10/25 3:55 PM

N N

buzz left and below: Students from SoundWaters collect plankton to test in the lab after watching preservation videos in the Tombros Center. below right: Mike Bagley, VP of Programs at SoundWaters Summer Research Intensive, and GLLPS board vice president, Alex Pettee

Kindred Spirits A major milestone was reached last summer with the inaugural visit of high school students from the SoundWaters Summer Research Intensive Program. The partnership began when GLLPS board members Chris and Terri Walker connected with the organization, finding them to be kindred spirits. “We found in SoundWaters an incredibly focused, unbureaucratic and enthusiastic organization that welcomed our overture,” says Tim Pettee, president of GLLPS. “I think it's correct to say that Greens Ledge and SoundWaters are two like-minded institutions in terms of education, conservation and preservation in and on Long Island Sound.”

The curriculum at the lighthouse offers a unique blend of marine biology and local history. While the SoundWaters staff leads activities such as water quality monitoring and collecting bottom samples, the Greens Ledge keepers provide a powerful backdrop. Students witness the extensive restoration efforts and learn about the history of the Long Island Sound. They also gain an understanding of off-the-grid living experienced by early keepers—though today the lighthouse is powered by a significant solar array, makes its own drinking water through a reverseosmosis unit and is outfitted with Starlink internet service.

Looking to the Future Greens Ledge hopes to expand its educational outreach by partnering with other local schools and organizations. A key part of this expansion is the acquisition of a new boat—a half-million-dollar,

“greens ledge and soundwaters are two like-minded institutions in terms of education, conservation and preservation in and on the long island sound.”

– tim pettee greens ledge light preservation society

Coast Guard-inspected Munson vessel with beach-landing capabilities. This boat, with a capacity for 20 to 24 people, will be instrumental in transporting students and visitors from various locations to the lighthouse.

The boat has been a long-term priority for GLLPS. As board VP Alex Pettee noted in our 2023 feature on the lighthouse’s restoration: “Having a larger boat will open up a lot of new opportunities. We look

forward to hosting more schools, STEM Clubs and other groups, so they can experience Greens Ledge and learn about the lighthouse.” That dream is becoming a reality, with the vessel expected to be delivered in the spring.

To support its ambitious plans, the organization is actively pursuing education grants. A $50,000 education-specific grant from a local family has provided a strong start, with the goal of

funding educational trips, which are estimated to cost about $1,000 per boatload of students.

Greens Ledge and SoundWaters are working together to install remote sensors at the lighthouse.

This equipment will monitor water quality and wave height, providing marine science students with valuable real-time data. Greens Ledge also recently partnered with Ship 6, a local maritime leadership program for teens, to give its crew more experience in a marine environment.

The lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, with the U.S. Coast Guard maintaining the LED beacon and foghorn. However, with the physical restoration nearing completion and the educational programs gaining momentum, Greens Ledge is poised to fulfill a new role: serving as an invaluable classroom for local students and a living laboratory for the next generation of marine scientists and conservationists.

For more on Greens Ledge Lighthouse and how you can support the organization, visit savegreensledge.org.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

17

12_17_STM_Buzz_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 17

12/10/25 3:55 PM

shop right: Slippers from Snuggles N Cuddles are lined with alpaca fur. below: Jimena Bender and her daughter, Skylar

COMFORT MEETS CUTENESS

S A STAMFORD-BASED MOTHER WHO WANTED BETTER CLOTHING FOR HER NEWBORN WAS INSPIRED TO LAUNCH A LINE OF SOFTER-THAN-SOFT PIECES FOR CHILDREN

hortly after welcoming her daughter Skylar in 2018, Jimena Bender found herself searching high and low for soft, gentle baby clothes and slippers. No matter where she looked, nothing seemed to measure up to the quality she wanted for her newborn. Synthetic and scratchy fabrics were everywhere and none of the products she found were “made from materials sensitive enough for sensitive, newborn skin,” says Bender.

Having recognized this void in the children’s clothing market, Bender felt motivated to

create “something better.” And “better” morphed into Snuggles N Cuddles, an upscale online children’s boutique. With a background in fashion, Bender had the experience, knowledge and passion to power this type of startup.

A native of Lima, Peru, Bender knew that using Pima, “the king of cotton” and Alpaca fur would allow her to offer clothing of unmatched quality. To source the materials, she went to her homeland. The choice, she says, was deeply personal. “By working with generational artisans in Peru I was able to honor my roots

COURTSEY SNUGGLES N CUDDLES

by liz barron

stamfordmag.com

18

18_19_STM_Shop_Jan_Feb 2026.indd 18

12/10/25 1:49 PM

PHOTOS COURTSEY OF SNUGGLES N CUDDLES, ALPACAS @ ANGELINA PROTASOVA STOCK.ADOBE.COM

shop and support traditional craftmanship. It felt like a dream come true,” she says.

Snuggles N Cuddles makes pajamas, bibs and plush toys from Pima cotton. It is gentler than cashmere and cozier than wool, says Bender, yet it is still lightweight. Pima is comprised of fibers that are longer than regular cotton and create stronger threads. As a result, it feels extra-silky, is more durable and more resistant to wear and tear than standard cotton.

“There’s no better material than Peruvian Pima cotton,” says Bender. “It’s hypoallergenic, breathable and known for its extreme softness and sturdiness.”

Slippers from Snuggles N Cuddles are made with alpaca fur lining. Unlike sheep’s wool, alpaca doesn’t contain lanolin, which makes it less likely to irritate skin. The fur lining in Bender’s slippers is breathable and temperature-regulating, which keeps little feet cozy and warm in the winter and cool and dry in warmer weather. While the material distinguishes these children’s booties, Bender says something else sets her slippers apart. “It’s the craftmanship and the heart that goes into every pair, which are handmade by Peruvian artisans. No pair is exactly alike, so each one is truly one of a kind. They are super cozy.”

Bender emphasizes that her products are made from nature’s most remarkable fibers.

“They are light and ideal for anyone with allergies or skin that’s easily irritated,” she says. “There’s something special about the combination of natural materials and timeless design that inspire the brand. The best feeling is seeing children, including my daughter, wearing these pieces and looking so cozy and cute. It makes my heart so full.”

Bender lives in North Stamford with her husband, her daughter and two goldfish. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with family and being outside, fishing, hiking, exploring the great outdoors and going to the beach to collect shells. She also loves visiting antique shops, planning gatherings at her home and celebrating life.

For more information, go to snugglesncuddles.com.

By working with generational artisans in Peru I was able to honor my roots and support traditional craftmanship.

It felt like a dream.

top: Pajamas are made of Pima cotton. above: Slippers are handcrafted in Peru, Bender’s native home.

JIMENA BENDER

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

19

18_19_STM_Shop_Jan_Feb 2026.indd 19

12/10/25 1:49 PM

NEW ORDER

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF FROMENTAL

home

CALIFORNIA CLOSETS DEBUTS ITS FIRST GREENWICH SHOWROOM

Warm wood tones lend a handsome backdrop to this tailored closet. above: A study in light and order in the new Greenwich showroom

PHOTOS: STEFAN RADTKE

C

alifornia Closets has landed in Greenwich with a 2,500-square-foot showroom at 48 W. Putnam Avenue, designed by architect Steven O’Hara. The opening is a milestone for the brand, establishing a point of presence in the Greenwich Design District alongside neighbors like The Shade Store, Waterworks, Visual Comfort & Co., Roche Bobois and The Tailored Home.

Inside, the showroom doubles as both inspiration gallery and design lab.

Visitors can explore a full spectrum of premium finishes and materials while collaborating with California Closets’ professional design team. Vignettes showcase the brand’s range—from wardrobes and dressing rooms to libraries, mudrooms, pantries and home offices with wall beds. Even home bars and entertainment centers get the custom treatment.

The space is designed to demonstrate the full extent of California Closets’ expertise, showing clients what’s possible when functionality meets thoughtful design.

48 W. Putnam Avenue, Greenwich; californiaclosets.com stamfordmag.com

20

20_21_STM_HOME_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 20

12/10/25 12:08 PM

Thank you!

Together, we raised over $100,000 to support PROJECT MUSIC programs at our 11th Annual Gala

“An Evening with The Addams Family Musical” In collaboration with the Tee & Charles Addams Foundation

PROJECT MUSIC provides young musicians access to instruments, mentorship, and life-changing immersive music education. Learn more at projectmusic.org Support PROJECT MUSIC

Get Your Photo Published in Greenwich Magazine!

We are looking for fantastic photos of Greenwich and Greenwich people to feature every month on our new back page. If you would like a chance to be published in Greenwich magazine and win $100 here’s what you should know: • Photos can be whimsical, historical, serene, funny or beautiful but they all must be taken in Greenwich.

• Photos must be submitted digitally to editor@mofflymedia.com and be 300 dpi and 7 inches high or larger.

• We will need: 1 Photographer’s name, address, phone number and e-mail 2 Subject of the photograph (identify people in the photo) 3 Location of the photograph 4 Inspiration behind the photograph 5 Any interesting anecdote about the photograph or featured subject

STAMFORD

80 Brownhouse Road

(203) 961-8000

We can’t wait to see your view of Greenwich!

westy.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

21

20_21_STM_HOME_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 21

12/10/25 12:08 PM

do

this photo: BODYTRAFFIC

Leap Into a New Year of Extraordinary Programs From America 250 celebrations to global voices and groundbreaking performances, FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY’S ARTS & MINDS brings a season designed to inspire every imagination.

GUZMAN ROSADO

by samantha yanks

stamfordmag.com

22

22_31_STM_Do_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 22

12/10/25 1:51 PM

Tuesday, Jan. 27 Inspired Writers Series George Packer 7:30 p.m.

Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts

above: RahbarFlag #59 I don’t trust you anymore

Thursday, Jan. 22 Fairfield University Art Museum For Which It Stands…

Aaron Weinstein, PhD Opening night lecture and reception 5:30 p.m. lecture 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. reception Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, Kelley Theatre, Walsh Gallery, Bellarmine Hall Great Hall, Bellarmine Hall Galleries and streaming Aaron Weinstein, PhD, assistant professor of politics at Fairfield University and exhibition faculty liaison, will deliver a talk introduced by exhibition curator Carey Weber, executive director of the Fairfield University Art Museum, with opening remarks by University President Mark R. Nemec, PhD. Dr. Weinstein’s lecture examines the complex role of the U.S. flag within America’s “civil religion,” tracing how its symbolism and meaning evolve across contexts— shaped by political expression, cultural identity, and personal interpretation. Free; Register at fairfield.edu/museum Sponsored by Aquarion, M&T, and Art Bridges, as well as CT Humanities and WSHU.

A staff writer at The Atlantic, this National Book Award winner and Pulitzer Prize finalist explores foreign policy and social and economic life.

He and Fairfield professor and National Book Award-winning author Phil Klay will discuss America, Packer’s new novel, The Emergency, and how to make sense of modern times. Presented with the John Charles Meditz College of Arts and Sciences MFA in Creative Writing.

Supported by Westport Journal. $35 | Free, Fairfield University student (ticket required) $25 Quick Member Tickets at fairfield.edu/quick

above: Drum Tao, ©TAO ENTERTAINMENT

ensemble has brought its thunderous rhythms and breathtaking choreography to more than nine million spectators around the globe.

This program is made possible through the generosity of Norman and Celeste LaCroix.

Supported by Fairfield Lifestyle. $35 | $5 Fairfield University student $25 Quick Member Tickets at fairfield.edu/quick

Friday, Feb. 20 BODYTRAFFIC 8 p.m.

Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts The talented members of BODYTRAFFIC “are storytellers, dreamers, and athletes all at once” (Stage & Cinema). Led by Artistic Director Tina Finkelman Berkett, this company returns to the Quick with pieces inspired by musician icons Etta James and Peggy Lee. Choreography by the acclaimed Trey McIntire and Matthew Neenan. Supported

by Wealthspire. $35 | $5 Fairfield University student $25 Quick Member Tickets at fairfield.edu/quick

above: George Packer, © Guillermo Riveros

Sunday, Feb. 1 DRUM TAO The Best 4 p.m.

Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts Known for their virtuosity on powerful wadaiko drums, DRUM TAO mesmerizes audiences with dazzling staging, costumes, and spectacular lighting that showcases Japanese tradition in modern context. Led by founder Ikuo Fujitaka, this

Sunday, Feb. 22 Minty Fresh Circus

By Monique Martin 7 p.m.

Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts Named to honor Harriet Tubman (whose nickname was Minty), this all-Black company and creative team playfully reimagine circus and dance that infuses African rituals and traditions. This joyful work celebrates the healing power of Black music combined with acrobatics, juggling, hoop work, and dance to make you want to move and groove.

Supported by Jamie Hulley Arts Foundation, WPKN. $25 | $5 Fairfield University student $15 Quick Member Tickets at fairfield.edu/quick

above: Minty Hoops, © Elsie Management

For a comprehensive listing of all upcoming events and for more information on each, please visit fairfield.edu/artsminds.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

23

22_31_STM_Do_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 23

12/10/25 1:51 PM

do by beth c o oney fitzpatrick

IT JUST MAKES SCENTS

AMBER SCINTO’S FLORAL ESSENCES BRING INTENTION, ENERGY AND OLD-WORLD WISDOM TO MODERN WELLNESS

MM: We’re sitting here with this wonderful view of your flower garden. Was this the inspiration for Lunairia?

AMBER SCINTO: In

MM: How did you realize the flowers could become the basis of healing?

AS: It began while I was starting my graphic design business. I wanted to find something creative. I had spent fifteen years behind the computer, and as much as I love my work—and I do love it—I wanted to do something that was creative and got me away from my desk.

I actually had experience with flower essences.

I first started to do this with my grandmother when I was a little girl.

She used to have

these small antique perfume bottles. She would say ‘Let’s get some flowers, put these in the bottles and put them in the sun.’ I didn’t realize it, but we were making flower essences then.

I started making and bottling them and had this whole apothecary going.

But it wasn’t until I became a Reiki master that I realized this was something I could use in my

practice and share with others.

MM: For those who are unfamiliar, can you explain how botanical remedies are used?

AS: Floral essences have been recognized and widely used by healers going back to the 1930s. There was a traditional doctor [British Physician and homeopath] Dr. Edmund Bach,

above: Amber Scinto in her garden that provide the flowers for her remedies.

CONTRIBUTED; PORTRAIT BY VENERA ALEXANDROVA

B

efore she began harvesting petals in her backyard to create Lunairia, her handcrafted line of botanical remedy sprays, Amber Scinto was an art director, digital editor and creative vision behind many pages of this and other Moffly Media publications.

After a mindful career pivot five years ago, the talented graphic designer planted her professional roots at home in Fairfield. She launched Mariposa Creative Co., her design business, became a certified master of Reiki energy healing and began spending more time on her lush, tranquil property in the woodsy Greenfield Hill section.

That’s how the seeds of Lunairia took root.

Amber’s earthy sprays are now available online and sell well at the Hush wellness studio in Greenwich, Element 50 in Fairfield and Pious Bird in Bridgeport’s Black Rock.

We visited the budding entrepreneur at home to talk about Lunairia’s exciting year of growth.

some ways, it was.

Everything in the line is made with flower essences grown right here on the property.

They can be from the garden, or something wild I discovered that just took root on its own.

stamfordmag.com

24

22_31_STM_Do_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 24

12/10/25 1:51 PM

do

MM: And the creative process.

What goes into that?

AS: It’s all kind of intuitive. I’m one of those people who’s always talking to my flowers. I go near plants sometimes and just feel they are not ready. But when I do think they are ready, I pick a few flowers, just a few petals, I put them in pure spring water. And I bottle them up. Then there’s a distillation process that takes some time. I have a whole apothecary.

I add crystals that correspond with certain chakras and the essential oil, which is where a lot of the fragrance of the essence comes from.

The flower essence itself is the energetic imprint. That’s where the energy and potency come from and what we’re tapping into when we use them. The power really comes more from the plant energy than the scent.

MM: They do smell great. Are these something you can spritz on your pulse points like perfume?

AS: You could if you want to, but that’s not really the intention.

I have had people tell me I should make the scents even stronger,

because they love how they smell and want to wear them, but the idea behind a floral essence is not really to scent your body. It’s to help you set intentions and connect to your well-being.

MM: So how do you hope your customers will use them?

AS: I tell people to just spray them in the air around them, breathe them in and try to set an intention for the moment or the day. They can be great when you’re setting aside some time to de-stress and relax, like you might with a cup of tea.

It’s not something that works the way a Tylenol does when you have a headache.

You can’t just spray and feel better or make something happen. I describe it more like a tap on the shoulder. It’s subtle, but effective. The essence is offering us some energy to help us achieve something we’re striving for.

We’re all kind of stuck on the hamster wheel of life, and these give us permission to say: “This is what I’m going to focus on today.”

MM: And how do you choose a spray?

MM: With your graphic design background, did you create the whole look of the brand?

AS: I did everything.

I created the labels, the boxes, the website. It was a solo endeavor.

When I started, all I did was post on my Instagram, and the next week, I got calls from the people at Element 50 and Pious Bird asking to have them in their stores. And they are selling really well. I’m restocking every few weeks.

And then I got into Hush with the help of a friend. She brought them into an appointment and was spraying them, and the owner said, “What is that? We have to have them here.” And then we were there, too!

The people who come into the studio buy them, but a lot of the practitioners are also buying them to use with their clients. And I love that they are doing wellness work and find them helpful in their practice. It’s wonderful validation for what I’m doing.

A lot of work went into it, but then it’s taken off organically.

left: A few of the beauties in Amber’s garden: Calendula, Echinacea, Angelica, Dahlia

CONTRIBUTED

who developed a line of floral essences to treat his patients, and he had a lot of success with it. But there’s evidence of their use in medicine and healing going back to the 12th century. In this country, we’re a little more conservative, but in other parts of the world they’ve been used in hospitals and trauma wards. They have even been used to treat injured soldiers in Ukraine.

AS: It can be based on what you need in the moment and what you’re looking for to help you accomplish it. For example, Rooted is a spray that’s created to support focus. So, if you need energy and motivation, that can be a good one for you. But I also tell people that if you are drawn to a certain spray, it may be what you need, sometimes even if you don’t realize it.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

25

22_31_STM_Do_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 25

12/10/25 1:51 PM

do

FRESH PICKS Amber Scinto chooses petals to distill for her Lunairia botanical

remedy sprays by pairing the energetic qualities associated with specific plants and flowers and the seven chakras (or energy centers) in our bodies.

Joyful Infused with buds of Pink Yarrow, Marshmallow, Nicotiana and Wild Rose, this botanical infusion is used to open the heart chakra. While it’s probably not going to make an online date go any better (or worse), Amber says the essence can help soften the heart and encourage more loving kindness toward others. “It’s not just about romantic love,” she explains. “I like to use it for people who are working on self-love and acceptance.”

Rooted This popular scent (one of our favorites during a spritz-and-sniff session with Amber) is focused on harnessing positive energy. It’s brimming with Red Clover, Dandelion, the aptly named Self Heal (yes, a plant) and Lady’s Mantle. “It’s great to help with grounding and just setting that intention to get something done,” says Amber. “It’s telling us to stay present and be in the moment.”

If your goal is to have more focus, give it a try.

You can also buy the whole garden.

The Chakra Mist sampler includes all seven handcrafted sprays along with chakra cards explaining their purpose. The giftable set comes boxed with a selenite wand for aura cleansing and a stick of palo santo, a sacred wood that can be lit to invite positivity into any space.

For more information or to buy the products online, visit lunairia.com.

CONTRIBUTED

Radiant This nurturing spritz combines the healing energies of St. John’s Wort, Lemon Balm, Blackberry, Chamomile and Nasturtium to spark confidence and let your solar plexus chakra shine a little brighter. The light but perky citrus blend can even help folks struggling with imposter syndrome, decision-making and motivation to build good habits, says Amber.

“It’s great for anyone trying to step out of their comfort zone.” stamfordmag.com

26

22_31_STM_Do_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 26

12/10/25 1:51 PM

HONORING

André and Michelle Swanston

March 28, 2026 | 6 PM

HYATT REGENCY GREENWICH

RSVP today at give.p2phelps.org/rtb2026

See Who Will Be Joining Us 22_31_STM_Do_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 27

Scan the QR Code to RSVP 12/10/25 1:51 PM

do

b y e il e e n b

a r t e ls

GET A JOB! ING

ITT From BABYSNG, CAMP DI to LIFEGUAR LING COUNSE TABLES, G N I T I A W to

es the payoff gothe way beyond nt bank accou

K

ids who work learn valuable life and money-management skills. Don’t wait until June to rally your teen to start looking for a summer job. Now is the perfect time to encourage them to begin polishing their application skills and research local opportunities. A variety of opportunities await young teens to not only help them build their future resumes, but to learn about their strengths, as well as their likes and dislikes, as they prepare to make big education and career plans. stamfordmag.com

28

22_31_STM_Do_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 28

12/10/25 1:51 PM

do

Skill & Cer tification

GET QUALIFIED

Entrepreneurial Oppor tunities

LADY WITH DOG: PROSTOCK-STUDIO - STOCK.ADOBE.COM; NAMETAG: PSDGRAPHICSCOM - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

BE A SELFSTARTER

Often employers are hesitant to hire students without any previous job experience, so kids may have to start small and build their resumes. Budding entrepreneurs can begin gathering references by taking on local independent jobs such as babysitting, dog walking, detailing cars or various odd jobs.

Smart Greenwich kids have started part-time seasonal businesses hauling Christmas trees to the dump after the holidays or tutoring younger kids in a subject they’re strong in. The goal is to gain references from satisfied customers for future employment.

LEAN IN TO HOBBIES

Students who juggle sports and academics throughout the school year may want a summer that feels like a break, so consider outdoor jobs that have an element of what your child enjoys. Kids who love golf, sailing or a certain sport can look for employment in those areas.

Training now can lead to jobs later.

Lifeguard certification and CPR training are courses students can learn in the winter months that lead to summer employment.

The YMCA of Greenwich offers American Red Cross health and safety training. The latest course curriculum includes Lifeguarding, Water Safety Instructor, First Aid, CPR/AED (for both the professional rescuer and the lay responder) and Connecticut Childcare and Babysitter’s Training.

Classes are open to YMCA members and non-members.

These skills can help with afterschool, weekend and summer jobs. Students may enroll in lifeguarding training as young as 14 but must turn 15 by the last day of the course.

At the Red Cross in Greenwich, budding caregivers aged 11 and over can take babysitting classes and certifications that are valid for two years. The Red Cross Babysitting Basics class prepares students for that first babysitting job. With a focus on choosing age-appropriate activities, child behavior and more, this class is an excellent way to start a babysitting business.

Building on the Babysitter’s Basics class, the Babysitter’s Training course teaches leadership skills, how to develop a babysitting business, tips on how to help children behave and basic first aid. redcross.org; greenwichymca.org

GO CLUBBING

Many local golf, yacht and country clubs offer seasonal and some after-school work in the tennis and golf shops, as well as at camps and pools. Most clubs do not hire members’ children, but some offer Counselor in Training programs for young members to gain experience to work at other clubs as counselors. Clubs communicate with each other, so one program may lead to job opportunities at other clubs.

HAPPY CAMPERS

Summer camp can be the happiest time of kids’ lives.

There is an abundance of summer camps to choose from: sleepaway, sports or daycamp.

Locally and away, camps always need a steady stream of camp counselors. Former campers have a head start by knowing camp life.

Winter to spring is the ideal time to research and reach out to potential employers.

Networking & Community

WORK THE NETWORK

Whether developing a business or looking for a job, networking is important at any age. Encourage kids to make their friends and parents aware that they’re looking for work. It can provide possible job leads. They should also keep their eyes open in the stores they frequent to see if those might be places they’d like to work.

SHOP SUMMERFARE Every summer, Greenwich High School hosts SummerFare, a job and camp fair with over 100 exhibitors in attendance. Many of the exhibitors are looking for employees. Potential employers range from the Greenwich Historical Society and Audubon Center to Greenwich Parks and Recreation and Greenwich Country Day School.

SummerFare is free and open to the public. Check the GHS website for the January 2026 date and details. ghs.greenwichschools.org

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

29

22_31_STM_Do_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 29

12/10/25 1:51 PM

do GIVE BACK WHILE GETTING EXPERIENCE

BUILDING CHARACTER

No young adult will ever view a waiter or store clerk the same way after working in the service industry. Local ice cream shops, cafés, coffee shops and retail stores are often looking for extra summer and after-school help. Stocking shelves, working with customers and eventually managing a sales register are all important skills to develop.

The additional character bonus for young workers is the valuable insight they’ll gain after being on the other side of the counter.

Managing the hiccups Parents need to keep in mind that there may be bumps along the employment journey. Not all jobs work out, and not all teens are model employees. Parents can only do so much to encourage, guide and nurture good habits, but ultimately, an employer is not hiring the parent.

Learning to manage difficult and demanding bosses and accepting responsibility for their own actions is their responsibility alone. It’s very hard for a parent to sit by and watch their teen show up late to work or lose a job. But most parents agree that these are experiences kids have to go through themselves.

The Greenwich Youth Conservation Program (GYCP) makes a real difference in the lives of young teens—enabling them to learn valuable skills and experience the pride of a first job while making a meaningful contribution to the community.

For more than 40 years, this unique public-private partnership has worked towards providing young workers with valuable experience while creating a greener Greenwich. Students 14 and 15 years old may obtain applications to the program from their school guidance counselor or the Greenwich Department of Human Services at Town Hall.

Participants work in areas of environmental and conservation programs and benefit from speakers and skills training.

During breaks and lunchtime, speakers share information on a range of topics from marketable job skills to managing personal finances, budgeting, finding and keeping a job and making a good first impression. greenwichct.gov

Though it may sound basic, remind kids of the foundations of being a good employee.

BE A WORKER— STAY BUSY One job often leads to the next, thus good references are important.

DRESS NEATLY

Appearance matters and reflects how workers feel about themselves and the business they represent.

PUT THE PHONES AWAY

Someone is paying for their time, so they need to stay off phones or laptops unless specifically told it is OK while waiting for customers. However, even then, encourage young workers to look for tasks to do instead.

Time on the job moves faster when busy. In any workplace there is usually extra work to be done, whether organizing or cleaning a workspace.

Know the Rules

PLAY BY THE RULES

There are certain restrictions for minors to work in Connecticut.

Those younger than 16 generally cannot work during school hours, before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m., with an exception between June and Labor Day. Minors 16 and 17 cannot work more than six hours a day or after 11 p.m. A work permit may be required for some positions. Your school can provide the guidelines for how to obtain one.

WORK AS IF YOUR BOSS IS WATCHING

In today’s surveilled workplace, cameras are often onsite for the safety of customers and inventory. Remind kids that even when babysitting or pet sitting, some homes have cameras to keep everyone safe. Young workers should behave at all times as if they’re being watched by a

supervisor. This isn’t paranoia but a smart business skill.

BRING A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

Whether they're stocking the shelves or escorting young campers to cars at pick up time, courtesy and professionalism are key. Eye contact and a friendly demeanor go a long way. For kids who are used to staring at their phones all day, these are excellent muscles to develop with lifelong benefits.

G

I s b

P

BE EARLY AND STAY LATE

Your young workers don’t need to give away their time, but they should be at work early enough so that when they are officially on the clock, they can fully engage. No one is excited about an employee who runs in still tucking in a shirt with a flurry of frenetic late energy. The same rules apply for when the shift ends: They have a right to expect to leave when it’s over, but if a task is still unfinished, a good employee will stay for an extra few minutes to wrap up.

LUISMOLINERO - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Service & Retail Jobs

THE ROAD TO SUCCESS

stamfordmag.com

30

22_31_STM_Do_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 30

12/10/25 1:51 PM

Coming up at the Playhouse!

JAN 23 - 26 Come on, admit it! The villains get all the good songs.

Featuring three talented Broadway performers, Broadway’s Bad Boys gives audiences a chance to spend some time with the Phantom from The Phantom of the Opera, the Beast from Beauty and the Beast, and a little Harold Hill in between!

FEB 18 - MAR 8 Good fences make good neighbors... or do they?

In this outrageous comedy, cultures clash and bad behavior reigns as two sets of well-intentioned neighbors become feuding enemies in a backyard battle for the ages.

Production Supporter: Cherie Flom Quain

BY KAREN ZACARÍAS

MAR 25 - APR 12 A mix of irresistible charm and backstage antics certain to leave you breathless with laughter.

It’s 1948, and the brightest names on Broadway have descended upon a glamorous Newport mansion for a weekend of romance, chaos, and more than a few misunderstandings.

BY PAUL SLADE SMITH DIRECTED BY MARK SHANAHAN

adapted from Ferenc Molnár’s “Play at the Castle.”

2024/2025 Season and Programming Sponsor:

Barbara Streicker

WESTPORTPLAYHOUSE.ORG 203 227 4177 All dates, times, titles, and artists are subject to change.

22_31_STM_Do_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 31

Media Sponsors:

Scan for a full list of events!

12/10/25 1:51 PM

go THE SUITE LIFE

A historic mansion is reborn, perfectly blending the craftsmanship of yesterday with the indulgence of today

above: The penthouse bedroom below: The sun-filled living room off the main entry

32_35_STM_Go_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 32

W

hen it comes to the perfect post-holiday getaway, Litchfield County strikes all the right notes. For one thing, it’s within easy driving distance from Fairfield County. For another, it’s sophisticated and laid-back. Outdoorsy and cultural. There are fine restaurants, charming cafés and cozy coffee spots. Travel a few miles in any direction, and you’ll find enchanting villages to explore, glorious trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, a lake for ice skating, even local ski hills.What they lack in elevation, they make up for in customer service and a relaxed vibe. Throw in a stay at the newly opened Belden House and Mews in the historic town of Litchfield, and your getaway is complete.

READ MCKENDREE

by jami e ma rsha ll

12/10/25 12:10 PM

TOP ROW BY JIM HENKENS; BOTTOM BY READ MCKENDREE

Once home to a prosperous doctor, the 1888 Colonial Revival/ Queen Anne Victorian and adjoining Mews (built in 1959) is the latest luxe offering from the folks behind Troutbeck in Amenia (see greenwich magazine October 2025). Spurred on by that property’s success, owner Anthony Champalimaud and his investor group bought Belden House in 2022. Together with his mother’s firm, Champalimaud Design, they spent the next three years transforming the property, returning it to its former Victorian glory—and then some.

“It’s both a retention and a restoration of original details wherever possible,” says Champalimaud, who lives a few doors down with his wife, Charlie, and their two children.

“We focused on maintaining an authentic narrative that is reflective of a local sensibility to preserve, respect and reanimate these historic structures.”

Located on North Street, home to many of the town’s historic mansions, and within walking distance of the village green, the three-acre estate features 31 guest rooms and suites—ten in the main house and 21 in the adjacent Mews.

A gracious front porch leads into an inviting foyer. To the right is a cozy wood-paneled and booklined library. To the left, a living room with curved bay windows, fireplace sconces and a silver chandelier that are original to the house. A lightfilled dining room opens into a snug bar painted an eye-catching green (Richmond Green by Benjamin Moore, to be precise).

“It was an opportunity to have fun, to not take it all too seriously,” says Champalimuad. “A bit glamorous, a little mischievous, and it looks great in that light.” This chic jewel box is a wonderful spot to perch before dinner, sipping one of Michele Alfonso’s signature cocktails—a house favorite is the passionfruit negroni. Upstairs there are a variety of rooms, Including several suites, and a 2,100-square-foot penthouse on the third floor. A fun perk—butler service is available for all of the rooms 16 hours a day.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is the Mews—the standalone building behind Belden House with a distinctly California midcentury vibe. The rooms have a

32_35_STM_Go_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 33

above: The locally sourced cuisine of Chef Tyler offers something for every palate. below: The beautifully appointed library is a perfect place to unwind.

12/10/25 12:10 PM

Zen-like ambience, all blonde wood and neutral tones. Some have their own little garden terrace, while others have balconies, some of which overlook the lawn and the property’s spa called Belden bathhouse. This inviting spot features a compact gym— complete with a Pilates reformer— and two treatment rooms for massages and facials that incorporate Wildsmith products, a sustainable and clean line from the U.K. There is also a sauna, steam and a 225-gallon Japanese Ofuro tub for hydrotherapies and cold plunges—or hot soaks.

With its attention to detail and discreet hospitality, it’s no wonder Belden House was recently awarded one Michelin Key. “It’s a huge honor, especially considering we have been open less than a year,” says Champalimaud. “We are one of two Connecticut hotels to receive the key.”

One of the things that makes Belden House stand out is the wonderful amalgamation of historical accuracy, modern comfort and exquisite—often whimsical—details.

Who can resist trying to decipher the writing etched into the stone of the original fireplace in the front hall? (Here’s a hint— it’s a famous quote from Macbeth.)

Or taking in the way the library shelves are perfectly illuminated by the small bulb lamps by local ceramicist Charles Dumais? (You’ll find his handiwork in the guest rooms as well as the work of other local artisans.) Or admiring the fish sconce in the living room, which was done by a friend of the Champalimaud’s in Malta?

Don’t even get me started on the hanging pendants in the bar with their jaunty fringed shade, the glazed tilework that surrounds the downstairs hearth’s grasscloth wallcoverings edged with elaborate swirls meant to evoke the Victorian love of pattern.

Just as at Troutbeck, it’s easy to slip into the rhythm of the place, which is precisely the point. For some that may mean doing little more than staking out a spot on a sheepskin-covered chair near the fireplace and whiling away the hours between meals with a good book and a hot toddy. For others, it may mean enjoying time outdoors.

(Check out the Explore section of the website, which features guides

Historic details with modern accents enhance the charm at Belden House.

The penthouse guest room

Keeping the fires stoked

READ MCKENDREE

go

stamfordmag.com

34

32_35_STM_Go_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 34

12/10/25 12:10 PM

to all the nearby villages.) Join the locals who flock to nearby Bantam Lake for ice skating (or stick to the public rink behind town hall).

Skiers will want to head to Mohawk Mountain in Cornwall for skiing and tubing or Butternut Mountain just over the Massachusetts line in Great Barrington. Book tickets and rental gear in advance, as both tend to be busy on weekends.

The White Memorial Conservation Center has miles of trails that are open for crosscountry skiing and snowshoeing— or hiking, depending on snow cover. Or take the time to meander through the many enticing lifestyle and design shops.

For starters, there’s Privet House, Pergola, Plain Goods and J.Seitz in New Preston. Nearby Washington Depot is home to George Home with is beautifully curated selection of midcentury, antique and vintage finds. In Falls River you’ll find Bunny Williams’ eclectic shop, 100 Main, and John Robshaw Home with its gorgeous collection of textiles and bedding.

Don’t miss a trip to Arethusa Farm Dairy, founded in 1999 by two former Manolo Blahnik executives. One taste of the ice cream, and it’s pretty obvious it is the byproduct of very happy cows. (Next door is the farm’s restaurant, Arethusa al Tavolo.)

There are many fine restaurants

Penthouse dining room

The Mews

in the area, including Community Table in New Preston and closer to home West Street Grill in Litchfield. But given a choice, I’d stick close to Belden House, where Chef Tyler, a Connecticut native who spent several years as sous chef at Troutbeck and in some of NYC’s most celebrated restaurants, does a terrific job of bringing out the best in the mostly locally sourced ingredients. My personal favorites are the pumpkin seed bisque and the fettuccini with bottarga and peekytoe crab.

Come morning, it’s all about the buttermilk pancakes. They are the perfect way to fuel up for a day spent doing a whole lot or not much at all. beldenhouse.com

READ MCKENDREE

there is also a sauna, steam room and a 225-gallon japanese ofuro tub for hydrotherapies and cold plunges—or hot soaks.

Belden Bathhouse

32_35_STM_Go_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 35

12/10/25 12:10 PM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: BOB CAPAZZO, KRISTIN HYNES, MELANI LUST & MARSIN MOGIELSKI

PHOTOGRAPHY

VIDEOGRAPHY

SOCIAL MEDIA

Moffly Media is one of the leading providers of professional event photography and marketing services in Fairfield County.

We capture compelling, high-quality images of individuals and groups at meaningful events. With our wide range of capabilities from video to social media, Moffly will customize a marketing program that’s just right for you.

LEARN MORE! CONTACT KATHLEEN GODBOLD AT KATHLEEN.GODBOLD@MOFFLY.COM OR 203.571.1654

36_39_STM_People & Places_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 36

12/10/25 12:12 PM

people&PLACES by eliz abeth hole

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LESLYE SMITH 1

2

4

5

3

6

7

8

SILVERSOURCE 2025 ANNUAL GOLF OUTING / Rockrimmon Country Club

Teeing Up Support

E 9

very swing at the annual SilverSource Golf Outing in October helped local seniors in need.

The sold-out event brought together community and business leaders for a fun day of golf at Rockrimmon Country Club, followed by an evening celebration with dinner and awards. SilverSource honored cardiologist Dr. Ed Schuster of Stamford Health for his important work developing the EMS system and implementing defibrillator use throughout the city. Thanks to proceeds from the benefit, the nonprofit can “assist older adults in navigating tough times and building brighter futures.” Services include financial assistance, meal delivery, healthcare and outreach. silversource.org »

10

1 Tournament Champions Tom Cingari, John Cingari, Gerard Sweeney 2 Michele Piskin, Chris Westfahl, Richard Hofmann, Eileen Westfahl, Gail Hofmann 3 SilverSource CEO Kathleen Bordelon, Bob Goldstein and Honoree Dr. Ed Schuster 4 Jeff Alexander, Natalie Alexander, Rose Schuster, Ed Schuster, Dana Koplad, Michael Schuster 5 Les Klein, Ed Schuster, Angelo Mallozzi 6 Bradd Harris, Nick Pasyanos, Tom Van Riper, Simon Langdon 7 Liz Longmore, Ellen Komar 8 Bob McGrath, Pat, McGrath, Ellen Bromley, Tom Gizicki 9 Mark Hellman, Ed Laux, Steve Garnett 10 Sharon Feighery, Kathleen Bordelon, Tom Cingari, Joanne Salvatore, Ellen Zalk JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

37

36_39_STM_People & Places_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 37

12/10/25 12:12 PM

people 1

2

3

5

4

6

8

7

9

PROJECT MUSIC / GE CoCreate Space

Stage Presence 11

T

12

1 Liam Gelling as Gomez Addams, Eliza Heaton as Morticia Addams 2 Addams Family ensemble with Liam Gelling as Gomez, Eliza Heaton as Morticia, Rachel Potter as Wednesday, Henry Tate as Lucas Beineke 3 Broadway star Rachel Potter reprises her iconic role as Wednesday Addams 4 Garrett Mendez, Russell Jones 5 Angelica Cantlon, Bud Prenovost, Richard Weidlich, Emmy Award winner Anna Holbrook, Joyce DiCamillo, Shivani Chitalia 6 Florie Munroe, Jim Dean, Jim Boardman, Hsiao-Lin Boardman, Ginny Waters, Bill Waters 7 Deborah and Michael Golden 8 Bob Graef, Cheryl Graef, Jeff Stein 9 Pattie Tucciarone, James Penney, Daniel Penney, Andy Tucciarone 10 Gloria Sinaguglia, Malcolm Hoffmeister 11 Allison Lindemeyer, Megan Tyre 12 Rachel Morrow, Frank J. Gaudio

BOB CAPAZZO

10

o commemorate Project Music’s 11th anniversary, a talented cast performed at the gala, presenting An Evening with the Addams Family Musical. Actors included Liam Gelling, Eliza Heaton and Broadway’s Rachel Potter. In collaboration with the Tee and Charles Addams Foundation, the benefit will help fund Project Music’s after-school program. The audience cheered on the cast and a special cameo by students.

Guests also enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, wine, a Barrelsmith cocktail tasting, and dessert.

The $100,000 raised will to go toward access to instruments, music education and mentorship. projectmusic.org »

stamfordmag.com

38

36_39_STM_People & Places_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 38

12/10/25 12:12 PM

people 1

2

3

4

5

7

8

6

WOMEN’S MENTORING NETWORK / Indian Harbor Yacht Club

Community Impact

MOFFLY MEDIA’S BIG PICTURE / BOB CAPAZZO

9

T

he Women’s Mentoring Network (WMN) hosted an inspirational benefit to honor the nonprofit’s mentors and to share heartwarming success stories. Commemorating the 35th anniversary, WMN celebrated with guests during a lively evening of dinner, cocktails, conversation and entertainment by the Mesha Steele Band.

Proceeds from the fundraiser, held at the Indian Harbor Yacht Club in Greenwich, provide educational and employment resources to women in need. Since 1990, the organization has helped low-income women and their families achieve “economic empowerment.” wmninc.org

10

1 Diana Stemm, Lana Gifas, Karyn Palladino, Lauren Shea 2 Bianca Bucci, Maggie McGinn, Roma Nayak, Valerie Lazarri, Lauren York 3 Therest Billouin-Roberts, Anny Polanco, Nadia Itwaru, Tonya Williams, Katrina Warren 4 Greg Riché, Vanessa Lecorps, Lisa Pollack, Leah Fortunato, Uliana Michaelis, Dana Randell 5 Board of Directors: Shirley Hu, Romana Mocan, Loredana Britka, Lana Gifas, Vanessa Lecorps, Prudence Pitter 6 Kendel Joseph, Elissa Williams, Stephanie Cornell, Bobby Hagan 7 Bury Barbier, Georgette Kelly, Ricardo Auguste, Chadd Hunt 8 Linda Williams-Dunn, Millie Walton, Simone Morris 9 Maria Bassallo, Galina Bacon, Kathleen Reilly, Fanny Guerra, Bruna Memaj, Rose Gannon 10 Anna Kinney, Mikaela Gobeille JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

39

36_39_STM_People & Places_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 39

12/10/25 12:12 PM

•

•

Our Mission The mission of Breast Cancer Alliance is to improve survival rates and quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer through better prevention, early detection, treatment and cure.

To promote these goals, we invest in innovative research, breast surgery fellowships, regional education, dignified support and screening for the underserved.

To learn more visit breastcanceralliance.org Breast Cancer Alliance, 48 Maple Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830 info@breastcanceralliance.org Yonni Wattenmaker, Executive Director

breastcanceralliance

@BCAllianceCT

@breastcanceralliance

CELEBRATE YOUR WEDDING We welcome wedding announcements together with candid photographs. Weddings should have a current Stamford family connection and must be submitted within three months of the wedding day. Regretfully, we are unable to run every wedding submitted.

Send Information to: editor@stamfordmag.com Stamford Magazine 205 Main Street Westport, CT 06880 STOCK.ADOBE.COM

stamfordmag.com

40

40_41_STM_Vows_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 40

12/10/25 3:55 PM

vows by alison nichols gr ay

REMY ISABELLE ADDONIZIO & KEVIN WILLIAM MERCURIO 1

4

2

5

6

PHOTOGRAPHS BY LOUIS LOUIS GRANT

8

3

R

emy and Kevin were coworkers at Turner Broadcasting for a year before the timing was right, and Kevin asked Remy out for a drink.

One drink turned into a comedy show and a night full of sparks. Four years later, while on a trip to Puerto Rico as the sun was setting, Kevin asked Remy to marry him. Remy’s family was there to celebrate with dinner on the beach.

Michael Pease, the couple’s friend and former coworker, officiated at the ceremony at Florentine Gardens in New Jersey, where the reception followed.

The bride’s parents, owners of the wildly popular Aux Délices restaurants, made the cake for the reception—obviously.

The bride, daughter of Debra and Gregory Addonizio of Greenwich, graduated from Greenwich High School and Tulane University. Remy is in advertising sales for Warner Bros. Discovery in New York City.

The groom, son of Raymond Mercurio of Dallas and Patrica Mercurio of New Jersey, graduated from Saint John Vianney High School and West Virginia University. Kevin works in advertising sales for Premion in New York City.

The newlyweds honeymooned in Italy before returning home to Stamford.

7

9

1 Remy with her bridesmaids 2 The newlyweds 3 Here comes the bride! 4 Sealed with a kiss! 5 Cole and Debra Addonizio, Remy Mercurio, Greg and Gray Addonizio 6 The wedding party 7 The first dance 8 Aerial view of the guests 9 Kevin and Remy having the time of their lives JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

41

40_41_STM_Vows_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 41

12/10/25 3:55 PM

Miguel Leal applies his culinary and business expertise to a brand of packaged Mexican fare.

Miguel Leal Brings SOMOS to Stamford’s Table T H E S OM O S F O O D S CO F O U N D ER I S RES H A P I NG H O W A MERI C A NS C O O K MEX I CAN FOOD AT HOME , A N D HE ’ S B E T T I N G O N S TA MFO RD A S TH E NEX T G REA T FO O D I NNO V ATION HUB by georget te yac oub

O

n Saturdays, after visiting his grandfather’s relatives in Mexico’s Nuevo Laredo, Miguel Leal piled into his mom’s Chrysler station wagon alongside his brother and sister. They’d cross the bridge into Texas, and make the stop that Leal looked forward to the most: the American grocery store.

At the time, it was common for Mexican families to buy food staples in Laredo, Texas, where Walmart and H-E-B offered an assortment that didn’t exist at home. “To keep us busy, my mom would tell each of us we could pick one thing, anything we wanted,” he says.

While she shopped, Leal disappeared into the

aisles for hours, stunned by the sheer range of options. In Mexico, cereal was cereal. In Texas, it filled an entire aisle—Lucky Charms, Cookie Crisp, boxes plastered with mazes and cut-out games, even Hot Wheels buried inside. The freezer cases were stocked with fish sticks and corn dogs, food that didn’t exist where the Leal family came from.

“In Mexico, you got what they had, and that was it. But in the U.S., I felt like I was a king with $5 to my name,” he says. “I basically had all the options I could want, so I felt this power of being a consumer, something I didn’t have in Mexico.”

That feeling of abundance and choice stayed with him. Decades later, it shaped his vision for SOMOS, the company he cofounded to

combine the flavors of his Mexican childhood with the accessibility of the American grocery store aisle.

Before creating SOMOS, with headquarters in Stamford, Leal built a career inside a few high-profile food brands—first at Kettle Chips, then at KIND and later at Cholula—and helped shepherd them through successful acquisitions.

Over time, he saw a widening divide in the world of Mexican food.

In restaurants, Mexican cuisine had undergone a renaissance. Regional dishes that once required a passport to enjoy were being prepared with care and authenticity in cities across the U.S., everything from birria and molé, to tacos from Puebla, Veracruz and Tijuana. But

stamfordmag.com

42

42_45_STM_Feature_SOMOS_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 42

12/10/25 3:55 PM

taught him what authentic, regional Mexican food should taste and feel like. The combination of the two sparked the SOMOS concept of ready-to-eat foods that honor Mexico’s culinary traditions.

Today, SOMOS offers the consumer-first experience Leal remembers discovering in those Texas grocery aisles. But unlike the items he marveled at as a kid, SOMOS products pair clean-label ingredients and authentic flavors.

The brand’s lineup—cooking sauces, heat-andeat rice and beans, and ready-to-build meal kits—lets home cooks get a real Mexican meal on the table in under 10 minutes. “We wanted to give people the same confidence they have making pasta and sauce,” Leal says. “Something delicious, something real, something that respects the food, but fits into your life.”

SOMOS products are now in more than 11,000 stores nationwide, including Walmart, Target and Whole Foods. But the brand’s home base remains in Stamford, where Leal first planted roots while working on Cholula. It proved to be the ideal place to build again.

“During the pandemic, so much talent moved to this area,” Leal says. “Young people, people starting families, people who didn’t want to commute but still wanted to build something meaningful.”

Stamford, he realized, had the rare combination of energy, diversity and community support that a food startup needs.

above and right: SOMOS products make quick work of creating easy, healthy and flavorful meals.

the grocery aisle hadn’t evolved at all.

“When you walked the Mexican aisle, it still looked like it did 10 or 15 years ago,” Leal says. “The same taco shells and seasoning packets, the same Monterey Jack cheese.” For mainstream consumers—including his own family—there were no authentic, clean-label options to match what they saw in other parts of the store.

The idea for a new business crystallized in an unlikely place: a law firm conference room late at night, as KIND’s leadership team, including Leal and Daniel Lubetzky (who you may know as one of the sharks on Shark Tank), prepared for an exit. “It was one of those nights where you start asking, ‘OK, what comes after this?,’” Leal remembers. They tossed ideas back and forth until Leal floated a version of the concept that would eventually become SOMOS. Leal hadn’t set out to build a brand about identity. “It was more chicken-and-egg,” he says.

But in that moment, he realized the power of pairing his lived experience with his professional one. His years in consumer-packaged goods taught him how to scale products; his childhood

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

43

42_45_STM_Feature_SOMOS_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 43

12/10/25 3:55 PM

above: The SOMOS cofounders Rodrigo Zuloaga (left) and Daniel Lubetzky (right); left: Leal as a child in Monterrey, Mexico

Stamford had something else: constant inspiration. On Leal’s three-mile drive to his home in Greenwich from the SOMOS Harbor Point office, he passes four bodegas, each stocked with the staples that shaped his childhood. “There’s a new Mexican restaurant opening practically every month,” he says. “I can stop in, see what people are cooking, what flavors they’re chasing. That keeps us sharp.”

When he needs a place to think, he slips into Bonjo Coffee Roasters on Elm Street. When he needs to take meetings out of the office, he heads to the Roost cafe. For a taste of home, he takes visiting friends to Casa Villa. “It’s as real as you can get on this side of the border,” he says.

As SOMOS grows, Leal hopes the city grows with it. “There are already amazing food entrepreneurs here—Indian CPG brands, Latin founders, so much young talent,” he says. “I’d love for Stamford to become known as a real hub for food innovation. And if SOMOS can be one of the originals that helped make that happen, even better.” stamfordmag.com

44

42_45_STM_Feature_SOMOS_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 44

12/10/25 3:56 PM

QUICK DISH WITH MIGUEL LEAL Q: You were raised in Monterrey, Mexico. What are some of

your earliest food memories?

Leal: I come from a big family—I’m the oldest of 32 cousins. We

spent weekends at both of my grandparents’ homes. Saturdays we’d eat at one, Sundays at the other. There were all these rituals around meals: what was served, who sat at the kids’ table. My grandma would even rank how much she loved her grandkids by how much of her food they ate. It was all love, family and culture.

Those are my favorite memories.

Q: What brought you to the United States?

I came to the U.S. for graduate school. I had a scholarship to study at Wharton. I never planned to stay. My identity was rooted in Mexico. But during my second year, I met my wife, who’s from the Midwest. One thing led to another, and I ended up staying.

This country gave me an education, a family and opportunities.

I realized I didn’t have to give up my culture to live here. Fifteen years ago, I became a U.S. citizen. I’m still Mexican, but now I’m also American, and I’m very grateful.

Q: How did you end up in Fairfield County?

We originally lived in San Francisco, and I was working at Kettle Chips. After we sold the company, I got an opportunity with KIND that brought us to this area. We had friends here and loved being near the water. It felt comfortable. Then I worked on the Cholula brand, and we built the team in Stamford. When it was time to start SOMOS, we didn’t even look anywhere else. We had fallen in love with the area, and Stamford has a lot to offer—talent, community and, surprisingly, a small but growing food scene.

Q: What inspired the name SOMOS?

It means “we are” in Spanish. We started the company four years ago during a time of tension around immigration and Mexican identity in the U.S. Our hope was to play a small role in bringing these two cultures together. Mexican food is now the most popular ethnic food in America. It’s a $68 billion market.

We wanted to challenge the idea that it has to be greasy or complicated. We’re building a community through food.

Q: What excites you most about the future of SOMOS?

We’re building strong partnerships with retailers that embrace the vision we have for this category. I’m passionate about helping more people—especially those who didn’t grow up with a Mexican abuela—learn to cook delicious meals at home.

Q: Where can people find SOMOS?

We’re in 11,000 stores nationwide, including Walmart and Target.

And our products are at Whole Foods in this area.

Q: If you could put one SOMOS dish on every dinner table

tonight, what would it be?

A burrito bowl—our sweet corn rice, our black and pinto beans, and our new birria cooking sauce, which just recently launched at Whole Foods.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

45

42_45_STM_Feature_SOMOS_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 45

12/10/25 3:56 PM

ROUNDEX - STOCK.ADOBE.COM; ANN_SEREDA - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

by jill johnson mann

stamfordmag.com

46

46_55_STM_FEATURE_Menopause_Nov_Dec_2025.indd 46

12/10/25 12:43 PM

by jill johnson mann

        ’    ,           .

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

47

46_55_STM_FEATURE_Menopause_Nov_Dec_2025.indd 47

12/10/25 12:43 PM

KOSTIANTYN - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

They are confronting hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, joint pain, loss of libido and other exasperating symptoms that can turn menopause into a blur. But unlike their mothers and grandmothers—who may have only spoken of this life transition in a whispered reference to “the change”—women today are talking about it, taking charge of their health and finding ways to feel better.

Even so, the information out there can be confusing.

Women still find themselves blindsided by symptoms they didn’t expect—arriving sooner than they anticipated or lasting longer than they ever imagined.

Or they think they are too far past menopause to benefit from the hormone therapy that has been a game-changer for women looking to age powerfully. So we turned to the doctors and experts in Fairfield County that women of a certain age are raving about and asked them to share their insight on menopause, the evolving approach to treating it and how this phase of life is getting a much-needed makeover.

We are also bringing you a candid roundtable with women who get real about how much menopause can truly suck—but they also reassure us that there is no way they will settle for a mentally hazy, emotionally crazy, sleepless, sweaty, achy existence. And neither should you.

stamfordmag.com

48

46_55_STM_FEATURE_Menopause_Nov_Dec_2025.indd 48

12/10/25 12:43 PM

RIBALKA YULI - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

WHAT IS IT?

Although “menopause” is often used as a blanket term for this entire chapter of life, it is actually just one page—specifically, the 12-month mark after a woman’s final menstrual period. At that point, she is unlikely to have any more periods or to ovulate. The average age of menopause for American women is 52.

Perimenopause refers to the years leading up to menopause, when symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep issues, brain fog, anxiety and mood swings can begin. For most women, this occurs in their late 40s and early 50s, but signs can begin as early as the 30s. Post-menopause begins after menopause and lasts the rest of a woman’s life—though with healthy lifestyle choices and the help of modern medicine, the unpleasant symptoms don’t have to.

“Perimenopause, as I like to joke, is the best seven to ten years of your life,” says integrative medicine physician Dr. Katie Takayasu (“Dr. Katie”), founder of Wellness Insights in Darien. “What makes it so challenging is that it can be so variable. For some women, it is extreme and difficult to handle; others have very little symptomology. It’s also not a smooth decline. It’s this up-and-down roller coaster. You can feel normal one day and then two days later feel like a totally different person, then a month later, feel back to normal again and so on. Even if you have significant PMS or painful periods or tender breasts around ovulation, it’s predictable. That’s the tough part about perimenopause; you go from these predictable patterns to a period of unpredictability.”

Dr. Katie explains that symptoms can “literally be from head to toe.” She lists brain fog; memory and concentration difficulties; insomnia; headaches; mood changes (irritability, anxiety, depression); changes in eyesight; dental changes (dry mouth, gingivitis, cavities, loose teeth); changes in hearing and tinnitus; cardiovascular changes (high cholesterol, palpitations, irregular heartbeat); temperature irregularity (hot flashes, night sweats or “just feeling slumpy and warm”); body odor changes (either from sweat or microbiome irregularities); weight gain (especially around the middle); joint aches; loss of bone density; digestive issues (bloating, constipation, diarrhea); dry or dull skin and a lack of elasticity; bladder issues; and sexual challenges (vaginal dryness, loss of libido, changes in or difficulty achieving orgasm).

Sleep disturbances—especially waking up and not being able to fall back asleep—are among the first complaints Dr. Katie often hears. While typically this happens in a woman’s 40s, signs can appear sooner. “If you are having symptoms in your mid- to late-30s, it’s not too early to consider the possibility that perimenopause might be the reason,” says Dr. Katie.

But the good news is that, today, women have more options than ever to manage their symptoms, feel like themselves again and move through this transition with strength and confidence.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

49

46_55_STM_FEATURE_Menopause_Nov_Dec_2025.indd 49

12/10/25 12:43 PM

information in the context of the patient’s medical history, symptoms and risk factors.

“When a woman is hesitant about starting hormone therapy, we explore what’s behind that,” says Dr. Goldberg-Berman. “Hormone therapy is absolutely contraindicated for women with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast or endometrial cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding, active liver disease or a history of spontaneous clotting.

Then there are relative contraindications that don’t necessarily rule out therapy but require careful consideration and monitoring. These can include migraine with aura, controlled hypertension, high cardiovascular risk and a strong family history of breast cancer or gallbladder disease. In some cases, I involve a cardiologist to assess risk.”

A 2002 study by the World Health Organization, which linked HRT to an increased risk of stroke, blood clotting and breast cancer, fueled widespread fear. Dr. Carol Fucigna, Vice Chair of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Stamford Hospital and a menopause specialist, explains: “Although that data showed an increase in risks of breast cancer (eight in 10,000) and deep vein thrombosis, the risks were very small. Also, the average age of the participants was 63, which is well beyond the average age of menopause,

BRETT JORDAN - UNSPLASH.COM

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY OR “HRT”—ALSO CALLED MENOPAUSAL HORMONE THERAPY (MHT)—IS A HOT TOPIC. In November, the FDA announced the removal of most “black box” warnings from HRT products, citing outdated science and encouraging, updated data. (The warning of an increased risk for endometrial cancer if taking estrogen without progesterone remains.) Social media blew up, with many in the medical field touting the benefits of HRT and accusing the FDA of waiting way too long to make this move, and others asserting caution.

Women are still left wondering: Is it safe?

When should I start? Which hormones do I need? Are synthetic or bioidentical hormones better? Like now… who can help me NOW (shrieked from a pool of sweat at 3 a.m., with the rage of the Stranger Things Mind Flayer).

We have answers! Not all of them, but enough to help you dry your brow and establish a plan.

Dr. Donna Hagberg, a gynecologist with Yale New Haven Health at Greenwich Hospital, says, “I take the 'R' out of ‘HRT’—hormone therapy versus hormone replacement therapy. This is where my philosophy may differ from other physicians: I’m not replacing hormones; I’m optimizing them.

So I’m working with patients' own hormone production from within their body and giving a little bit more. I am trying to optimize their hormones throughout the rest of their lives to make sure that everything functions appropriately without suppressing any of their own glands. The majority of organs are affected by the loss of estradiol. The pros of hormone therapy are taking away a lot of the unpleasant symptoms women feel and potentially improving their longevity and overall health.” The cons are relevant to two groups, says Dr. Hagberg: “The patient who

already has a cancer or who has an increased risk of blood clotting. But for the majority of women, there are many more pros than cons.

We always have to consider the potential side effects in addition to those contraindications.

As soon those are evaluated and screening is done, we can talk about options and dosing. There are so many choices now: oral, transdermal, transvaginal.”

If a woman has more complex hormonal issues, she may turn to an endocrinologist, such as Dr. Judith Goldberg-Berman at Greenwich Hospital. “I typically become involved when there are intersecting hormonal issues that require a broader endocrine evaluation,” says Dr. GoldbergBerman. “For example, if a woman is experiencing menopausal symptoms along with thyroid dysfunction, bone loss or metabolic changes, I help tease out the different contributing factors. I work closely with their gynecologist and primary care physician to guide decisions.”

Dr. Goldberg-Berman has noticed a trend in women being more informed and proactive about their health: “Women are often coming in after doing their own research or talking with their peers. They are reading books, listening to podcasts and following experts online.” It is then her job to interpret this

stamfordmag.com

50

46_55_STM_FEATURE_Menopause_Nov_Dec_2025.indd 50

12/10/25 12:43 PM

NL - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

and the study was done at a time when we were using different forms of both estrogen and progesterone.”

The alarm bells have quieted with more recognition of HRT’s benefits and cautious prescribing of hormone therapy to women who would have been declined a decade ago.

Jane Hurzy*, a 50-year-old Weston resident, lost her sister to breast cancer and her mother also had the disease. Her doctor was hesitant about prescribing HRT. But after suffering from insomnia and brain fog for a year, she returned to her annual exam armed with recent reassuring studies and a persuasive personal argument. “My relatives with breast cancer had a history of heavy smoking and drinking. I live a very healthy lifestyle,” says Hurzy. She started hormone therapy and almost instantly felt like her old self.

Studies indicate that starting HRT sooner—within ten years of menopause— tips the balance toward more benefits than risks. Dr. Hagberg sometimes prescribes HRT past that time frame. “Many women beyond that ‘window of opportunity’ are still interested in hormone therapy for things like bone health, or now that they’re learning about research suggesting it’s actually potentially improving cognitive and cardiovascular health.

The adrenal gland can often continue to make hormones in the menopausal patient, so we can add on to that.

When women come in and they’re 10, 11, 12 years into menopause, we just want to make sure that there are no contraindications from a cardiovascular or cancer standpoint. Then, since receptors haven’t seen hormones for years, we start at a more conservative and careful dosing.”

Dr. Katie comments, “I’m so on board with menopausal hormone therapy—not replacing but supporting the body’s hormone balance. As soon as you notice irritability, sleep changes, menstrual changes, have a conversation with your provider, so that you’re not suffering but actually being proactive about how you want this next stage of your life to go.”

How quickly do most women feel relief?

“Often just a few days to a few weeks later, women are saying, ‘Oh my gosh, I feel like myself again!’ That’s the whole point,” says Dr. Katie. “It’s not to make you superhuman; it’s just to make you feel like yourself again.”

THERE IS A LOT OF CHATTER ABOUT “BIOIDENTICAL” HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY, or BHRT. Dr. Hagberg explains, “Bioidentical means it’s identical to the biological hormones that the body makes. They are more natural and tolerated beautifully. The non-bioidentical ones have been well researched. These are a bit more chemicalized. Premarin, as an example, is made from the urine of a pregnant mare. It is not a natural hormone for women, so it’s sometimes not well tolerated—although it is well researched and prescribed by many physicians. Some of my patients are on it for various reasons.”

Dr. Fucigna says, “The most commonly used hormones now are a transdermal estradiol and a micronized progesterone.

Studies have shown a decrease in breast cancer risk with these forms of estrogen and progesterone, which are the same chemical structure as the hormones made by our bodies. The transdermal estradiol patch, which is absorbed through the skin, does not increase the risk of blood clotting as oral estradiol does.”

Doctors have differing opinions on which type of hormones are safer or “better.”

Some defend synthetic hormones that have been studied thoroughly and question some bioidentical hormones (made from plants)—namely those made at “compounding pharmacies.” These may be described as “natural” but aren’t as well researched or regulated.

“There are bioidentical options that are made by pharmaceutical companies.

For example, a lot of the patches are bioidentical and available at your local pharmacy,” explains Dr. Hagberg.

“Compounded is a different term. These are bioidenticals, but they’re compounded and made in a specialty lab. If it’s a reputable lab, they do it well, and the hormone can be more customized for the patient. If the patient’s not tolerating what she’s picking up at her local pharmacy, we can customize it and adjust the dosing.”

Because compounded BHRT falls under a

regulatory exemption for patient-specific prescriptions, it is not FDA-approved.

Esther Blum, an integrative dietician and hormone coach based in Weston, comments, “You can get estrogen in a patch from your pharmacy that’s covered by insurance and comes in four different dosages. If you want something compounded, a hormone-literate provider will compound what’s called Bi-est cream for you, which is estriol and estradiol.

Most doctors will put women on birth control pills, which is not approved for menopause care. Those are synthetic estrogens and progestins and carry a higher risk of clotting and stroke. Whereas even if you have a clotting disorder, it is safe to use transdermal estrogen, and you can get what’s called Prometrium, an oral micronized progesterone that is bioidentical. I get mine for $4 a bottle at the pharmacy.”

Blum administers a urine test with her clients to assess adrenal function and how their bodies are metabolizing hormones, and a stool test to see how the gut is detoxing estrogen. She then helps patients develop a personalized plan, educating them with information on menopause “that doctors aren’t learning in med school. I have a national directory of hormone literate providers in all 50 states,” says Blum.

Westport resident Kristin Purcell was 43 when perimenopause hit her like Hurricane Sandy hit her Compo neighborhood. “My youngest was three years old then and just this lovely soul. I found myself screaming,” she recalls. “My girls looked at me like, ‘Who are you?’ I’m a nice person. I had never yelled at my children. I thought, ‘What is going on?’ This rage just came out of me.

That’s when I started chasing down any options I could find.”

Her OB suggested birth control pills.

Purcell recalls, “I said, ‘Listen, even when my ovaries were working, I didn’t want birth control because it made me a subset of who I am as a human.’”

Purcell then discovered Dr. Sobo in Stamford. “He looked at my blood work and said, ‘We just need to supplement you a little bit.’” She applies a cream daily to her wrist—a combination of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone—that is dispensed by a compounding pharmacy.

“It was a night-and-day experience for me,” she says. “We’ve tweaked it many times over ten years. It has been life changing. I’ve seen my obstetricians since before I had both babies. They’ve been amazing—I do my annuals and all that with them—but they are not plugged into the value of this other component of my female personal care that I find essential.”

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

51

46_55_STM_FEATURE_Menopause_Nov_Dec_2025.indd 51

12/10/25 12:43 PM

fix—she felt too good.

Darien resident, Sandy Fulton* comments: “My doctor really managed all of that.

There was not the crazy hypersexual drive—he just brought me back to my normal.”

Blum, whose slogan is “Make menopause your b*tch” and who authored the trailblazing menopause book See ya later, Ovulator, is frustrated by the FDA’s feet-dragging regarding testosterone for women. “Women can get the men’s testosterone prescribed, but that basically comes in a ketchup packet or a tube, so it’s really hard to regulate the dosage

for women,” explains Blum. “I tell women, to make your life easier, pay for it through a compounding pharmacy. But their doctor has to be willing to prescribe it.”

A growing trend for diehard testosterone fans involves having “pellets” inserted under the skin—but most experts do not endorse this. “If you’re not absorbing topicals, you can do injections, which leave your body in a week,” says Blum, “whereas with pellets, it’s like six months. You are stuck, and it’s a surgical procedure every time.”

Dr. Hagberg agrees: “I don’t support pellets for two reasons. One, they can lead to infections and abscess. Two, they raise the levels higher than a typical male testosterone level. It’s a steroid. We have no long-term data on these high levels. I do prescribe testosterone for many women, often for libido or for bone support or energy, but in the right dose.”

ADDICTIVE STOCK - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

TESTOSTERONE HAS BECOME SO POPULAR AMONG MENOPAUSAL WOMEN—and so controversial among doctors—that the hormone has muscled its way to its own section. While typically associated with men, testosterone is also important for female development and sexual function. Men start off with ten times the testosterone as women and it dwindles slowly over their lifetime. Women’s testosterone levels, by contrast, drop by half from age 20 to 60. Dozens of testosterone-boosting products have been developed for men and approved by the FDA—but none have been approved for women. With female health issues significantly underfunded and underresearched, many women are not waiting around for an official okay before reclaiming their lost libido.

A recent New York Times article, “I’m on Fire” by Susan Dominus, chronicled the surge in energy, productivity and libido among middleaged women who swear by the latest mother’s little helper (and by most accounts, their partners aren’t complaining either). But in some cases, women are being prescribed levels of testosterone comparable to those of men—or even a teenage boy.

Side effects can include aggression, unwanted hair growth in certain places and hair loss on their head, acne, a deepened or raspy voice, enlargement of the clitoris and libido that is too high. One woman was injured from hurried sex in a car; another lost half her hair but wouldn’t give up her testosterone

stamfordmag.com

52

46_55_STM_FEATURE_Menopause_Nov_Dec_2025.indd 52

12/10/25 12:44 PM

VESOVIC - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

FOR MOST AGING WOMEN, HORMONES ARE ONLY PART OF THE FEEL-GOOD EQUATION. SO, WHAT ELSE CAN— AND SHOULD—WE BE DOING? Dr. Hagberg emphasizes the value of eating a Mediterranean diet and says that “exercise is hugely important.” Getting enough sleep

to protect cognitive function, reducing stress and taking vitamin D supplements for bone health are also on her menopause musts list.

Westporter Jill Jaysen, an acting teacher and executive coach, used positive thinking to power through her hot flashes. “I heard someone on a talk show suggest reframing hot flashes as ‘power surges,’” she recalls.

“Reframing a negative as a positive is something I do all the time in my coaching. It helped.”

Blum takes a mind-body approach in her work. “My book teaches women how to master menopause with nutrition, hormones and self-advocacy,” says Blum, whose previous four books—including Eat, Drink, and Be Gorgeous—focused on nutrition. She analyzes clients’ microbiomes to identify bacterial overgrowth and imbalances. "The healthier your gut is going into menopause, the better you will function and the more resilient you will be,” she explains. “I have had women whose hot flashes completely resolved when we corrected the nutrient imbalances and rebuilt their microbiomes.

Diet is ground zero for transformation.”

Blum also addresses the constipation, bloating, food intolerances and inflammation that can increase during menopause. From there, she develops customized diets that help to improve sleep, energy and lean muscle, and adds in supplements like vitamins, probiotics and herbs.

“I always joke, there's a light at the end of the vaginal tunnel! We've got to bring these women back to life, and not sit and wait for medical schools to change their paradigm,” says Blum. “We are the Gen Xers and alchemists who are not going to sit here suffering. But we also need a roadmap. I love giving women their lady boss—you know, here's your education. Take this to your doctor. When they advocate and have the knowledge, they always get what they need.”

Dr. Katie practices integrative medicine, so she addresses the body, mind and spirit.

“We think a lot about stress management,” she says. “The way you fuel your body with food, the way you sleep every night, the way you move every day and the way you pay attention to your spiritual self—to stillness, to your sense of groundedness—are incredibly important. If you don't fuel, move, sleep and have some stillness in your life, it's almost like no amount of hormones is going to make a big difference because those keystone pieces have to be in place.”

She sometimes refers patients to a health coach to establish sustainable routines or to a psychotherapist to do cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. In her book, Plants First, Dr. Katie highlights the importance of fiber (most women eat less than half of what they need, she notes); whole, unprocessed foods; and nutrition that optimizes digestion and hormone balance while reducing diseasecausing inflammation. She also recommends acupuncture, meditation and herbal remedies to help with menopausal symptoms.

“We really try to listen to each individual story and come up with the best plan for that person,” she says. “It’s not just one silver bullet—it’s all these tiny beautiful choices that amount to more significant change over the course of time. People are really embracing this new chapter in their lives. I always joke with patients, what will Katie 3.0 look like?

It's not just about empowerment around perimenopause, but it's empowerment of: What do I want from my life? What is this next chapter going to look like? This time of change becomes a real catalyst for new opportunities, which is really, really exciting.” *Some names have been changed.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

53

46_55_STM_FEATURE_Menopause_Nov_Dec_2025.indd 53

12/10/25 12:44 PM

MOUSE FAMILY - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

stamfordmag.com

54

46_55_STM_FEATURE_Menopause_Nov_Dec_2025.indd 54

12/10/25 12:44 PM

"unPAUSED" podcast with Dr. Mary Claire Haver "The Midlife Realignment" podcast with Weston’s Esther Blum See Ya Later, Ovulator book by Esther Blum

Expert-led education on menopause and midlife health Helpful resources for managing symptoms and improving well-being A supportive space to ask questions and connect with others Free sessions at Norwalk Public Library, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.:

stripesbeauty.com Naomi Watts’ menopausefocused beauty line adomanisleep.com Greenwich-based sleepwear designed for hot flashes sipasunny.com New Canaan-based THC-CBD infused seltzer (no more menopause hangovers!)

SASHA CHANGALI - UNSPLASH.COM

@justbeingmelani and the We Do Not Care Club midlife humor and empowerment

46_55_STM_FEATURE_Menopause_Nov_Dec_2025.indd 55

JANUARY 21 “SEX: Talking About” FEBRUARY 18 “And the Beat Goes On: Heart Disease and Menopause” MARCH 18 “Sticks and Stones Can Break Your Bones” APRIL 15 “Sleepless in Menopause City” MAY 20 “Bladder Matters— Urinary Concerns at Menopause” For more info, contact Norwalk Hospital OB at (203) 852-3073.

Comedian Leanne Morgan, "I’m Every Woman" Netflix special

12/10/25 12:44 PM

BREAD @JACOB LUND STOCK.ADOBE.COM, DRY CLEANER @H_KO STOCK.ADOBE.COM, FACIAL @RIDO STOCK.ADOBE.COM, THE TACO PROJECT/JULIA D’AGOSTINO, WONDER AND MILKSHAKE CONTRIBUTED

A FRESH SPIN ON

IN STAMFORD With neighborhood staples and notable newcomers, High Ridge Center is a reinvented retail hub and go-to spot for FOOD, FASHION, WELL-BEING + FUN

I

f you haven’t spent much time in North Stamford recently, be prepared for things to look and feel a whole lot different the next time you’re at High Ridge Center. In addition to old favorites like Peter Suchy Jewelers and Trader Joe’s, High Ridge is now

home to new boutiques, eateries and wellness offerings. This conveniently located hub just off Exit 11 on the Merritt Parkway has something for everyone. From tacos and milkshakes to books, wardrobe refreshes and even a Botox boost, an afternoon of retail therapy is just around the corner.

by L I Z B A R R O N

//

phot0gr aphs by D A V I D P O L L A R D

stamfordmag.com

56

56_63_STM_Feature_High Ridge_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 56

12/10/25 1:50 PM

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

57

56_63_STM_Feature_High Ridge_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 57

12/10/25 1:50 PM

BREAD @JACOB LUND STOCK.ADOBE.COM, DRY CLEANER @H_KO STOCK.ADOBE.COM, FACIAL @RIDO STOCK.ADOBE.COM, THE TACO PROJECT/JULIA D’AGOSTINO, WONDER AND MILKSHAKE CONTRIBUTED

SAVORIES, SWEETS + SIPS From tasty takeout to sit-down meals—and even a fan-favorite grocery store— High Ridge serves up a full menu of dining choices

THE MILKSHAKE FACTORY

This confectionery café opened in November, but it’s part of a company franchise that’s been in business for over a century. It was founded in 1914 when Greek immigrants Charlie and Orania Sarandou opened a chocolate shop and soda fountain in Pittsburgh. In 2003, the name MilkShake Factory was coined to highlight the company’s take on a variety of inventive shake flavors. The shop at High Ridge is the first location in Connecticut, specializing in hand-spun milkshakes and small-batch premium chocolates. There are creative sundaes, too—with ice cream flavors like Campfire S’mores and Confetti Frosted Cupcake. “Stamford is the perfect place for MilkShake Factory because families, students and neighbors are out and about every day, and there’s been a real gap for premium ice cream and handcrafted chocolates,” said Stamford MilkShake Factory General Manager Norissa Weston. “High Ridge is a vibrant hub. We’ll be everyone’s go-to spot for a sweet treat.”

VITALITY BOWLS

Motivated by their daughter’s severe food allergies, Roy and Tara Gilad, co-founders of Vitality Bowls, created a menu packed with superfoods and antioxidants, yet free of fillers and artificial preservatives. Originating in San Ramon, California, in 2011, Vitality Bowls has since opened more than 100 locations, including one at High Ridge, which began serving customers in September. The health-food café specializes in açaí bowls, smoothies, salads, wraps, grain bowls and more. Whatever you order, you’re sure to leave feeling more nourished than when you walked in. Bill and Gabriela Neblock own the location.

The couple lives in Westport but say Stamford is the perfect spot for the business. “We felt Stamford was ripe for our concept,” Bill told Stamford Patch last fall.

CRUMBL

Two cousins joined forces with the mission

FAMILIAR FAVORITES

of creating the perfect chocolate chip cookie: the quintessential ratio of flour, sugar and chips. The first official location for Crumbl opened in Logan, Utah, in 2017. The cookies found a following when Crumbl went viral on TikTok. Since then, the franchise has expanded its locations across the nation and abroad and grown its menu significantly. The Stamford location lures cookie connoisseurs with a wide variety of flavors in big portions.

The company is also known for its limitededition “drops” of new cookie flavors, often featuring collaborations with influencers and personalities – mostly recently with Martha Stewart.

WONDER

Here, you’ll find fast(er) food and more convenience than ever. Wonder partners with local restaurants (20 to date) to provide delivery, take-out and dine-in options. It’s a nice alternative for groups looking to share a meal, just not the same meal from the same kitchen. Wonder describes itself as a “new kind of food hall,” a multirestaurant concept offering several cuisine styles under one roof.

Founded in 2018 in New York City, it has been expanding throughout the tri-state area. With the ability to place just one order and satisfy the appetites of your whole party, the simplicity that diners find at Wonder can’t be beat.

There are new places to eat at High Ridge, and some that have been on site for years with a loyal fan base. Among them is Chopt, where grabbing a salad on the go is a snap. The menu is packed with plant-powered options, so if you’re looking for a healthy boost, it’s impossible to go wrong. Choices range from custom-built salads to warm veggie bowls with protein, wraps and seasonal soups. Spices, sauces and dressings add bold flavor to all-natural ingredients.

Rye Ridge Deli has been a Stamford staple since 1983 and is one of the most coveted kosher-style delis in the area.

It’s a great option for those who want to sit and enjoy a meal, pick up a sandwich to go or even cater an event.

At Cobs Bread, there are fresh, fluffy and crusty breads galore, from muffins and pastries to hearty loafs. It’s a carb lover’s dream and a must-visit for anyone who appreciates quality baked goods.

Then there’s Trader Joe’s. An anchor location at High Ridge, it’s the grocery store with seasonally inspired treats, adventurous private label finds and friendly prices.

stamfordmag.com

58

56_63_STM_Feature_High Ridge_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 58

12/10/25 1:50 PM

left: The colorful dining room elevates the upbeat atmosphere at Taco Project. right: Margaritas and tacos are staples on the daily menu.

THE TACO PROJECT/JULIA D’AGOSTINO

THE TACO PROJECT The Taco Project—Stamford is the chain’s first Connecticutbased location, with five other establishments in New York.

It opened a few years ago, but not all locals are familiar with the location’s vibrant colors, jovial atmosphere and mouthwatering aroma of homemade Mexican food. It’s impossible to walk through these doors without instantly craving a margarita. “We chose Stamford—specifically North Stamford—because it truly reflects the kind of community The Taco Project is built for. It’s a familyfocused area with great energy, strong local pride and a growing demand for high-quality, chef-driven fast casual dining,” says Sebastian Aliberti, one of the three owners. “It’s the perfect blend of a neighborhood feel and accessibility.”

In addition to their in-house dining, The Taco Project also operates a truck, available to come to you to add fun and spice to any event or party.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

59

56_63_STM_Feature_High Ridge_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 59

12/10/25 1:50 PM

“Seeing clients leave brighter, both inside and out, is why we do this.”

left: Face Foundrié owners Lisa and Cavan Pohlschroeder

FACE FOUNDRIÉ/TORY WILLAIMS PHOTOGRAPHY

CAVA N P O H L S C H RO E D E R , OW N E R , FACE FO U N D RI É

stamfordmag.com

60

56_63_STM_Feature_High Ridge_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 60

12/10/25 1:50 PM

HEALTH, BEAUTY + BALANCE High Ridge hosts everything from high-energy workouts to restorative treatments, offering effortless access to a healthier you

TRIED AND TRUE

above: Personalized and prescriptive products at Serotonin.

SEROTONIN

FACE FOUNDRIÉ

“Stamford is a community that values health, ambition and longevity. I chose to open a serotonin anti-aging center here to help people feel energized, balanced and confident as they pursue their best lives—inside and out,” says owner Chris Rotondi, who opened the doors in Stamford in May 2025. His professional career began with a local startup transaction processing company. But after 21 years there, Rotondi—who has had a lifelong interest in health and wellness and owning his own business—explored franchise opportunities and connected with Serotonin. At this location, the staff comprises licensed medical practitioners and personal health coaches that work one-on-one with members to design personalized prescriptive health plans. Services focus on hormone restoration, medical aesthetics (Botox, fillers, etc.), medical weight control programs and immunity, to help optimize the health and happiness of members, according to the company.

Created to help clients keep up with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Face Foundrie’s personalized skincare solutions help clients look and feel their most beautiful with services ranging from 40-minute facials to brow tinting, lamination and waxing services, all available for same-day bookings. “I love being in Stamford because High Ridge has that perfect neighborhood rhythm,” says owner Cavan Pohlschroeder, who opened the location with wife Lisa in September.

“There are people popping in after a Trader Joe’s run, parents stopping by after the school dropoff, and professionals here on their lunch hour.

It’s the ideal spot to make expert skin care feel easy, upbeat and welcoming.” Pohlschroeder says the staff is passionate about making professional and luxury skin care approachable, accessible and affordable. “No intimidation, just real results and care,” he says. “Seeing clients leave brighter, both inside and out, is why we do this.”

One of two Orangetheory locations in Stamford, the High Ridge group fitness center opened in 2019, and still offers a fast-paced, heart-pounding, muscle-burning workout. The studio’s signature 60-minute class combines strength and cardio through treadmill work, rowing machines and strengthtraining intervals. By focusing on heart-rate zones, fat burning and oxygen efficiency are maximized, leaving clients feeling and looking stronger.

When you’re actively working on your health, what you wear on your feet matters. Step up your game with footwear and sports apparel at Athletic Source. From running and hiking to cross-training and tennis, this shop has all the gear and accessories needed to bring your performance to the next level.

Then there’s Restore Hyper Wellness. With services ranging from cryotherapy and red-light therapy to infrared saunas, compression, mild hyperbaric oxygen treatments and biomarker assessments, this studio has many sciencebacked therapies for health, recovery and performance.

Customers have been taking advantage of these services since the location’s opening in 2017, and have enjoyed results that include less inflammation, better sleep, more energy and more youthful looks.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

61

56_63_STM_Feature_High Ridge_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 61

12/10/25 1:50 PM

above: Accessories at Love Bella right: Rack at Roundabout and good reads at Barnes & Noble.

STYLE + STOP-INS

Retailers brings books, toys, jewelry, dressy looks and casual wear together in one convenient stop

BARNES & NOBLE

LOVE BELLA

It is still the No. 1 book retailer in the U.S., so now that a two-story location has moved into the corner plot of High Ridge Center, local book lovers are buzzing. You can browse the massive aisles of this superstore and take in the intoxicating aroma of freshly inked pages. Or just grab a coffee and pastry at the café. It’s hard to imagine not being able to find what you’re looking for here. While Barnes & Noble is well-known for being in the business of books, this store offers more than reading material. There’s a section of toys and games for children, stationary for a digital detox, a section of curated small gifts, music and even movies.

There are in-store events, too, ranging from book release parties and author conversations to signings, meet-and-greets and children’s story times. The bookseller has expanded significantly over the last year, opening more than 60 new stores, with Stamford now home to two of them.

With its fourth location having opened in High Ridge Center, “expanding to Stamford just made sense,” says owner and founder Ellie Zieminski, a Stamford resident. “It’s home, and it deserves great shopping.” She opened her first women’s clothing boutique in 2003, based on the premise that women can look beautiful and feel comfortable in their own skin regardless of their age or size. She quickly developed a following with her ability to style clients and ensure they walk away happy. “At Love Bella, our team isn’t made up of salespeople. We’re experienced stylists you can trust. It’s never about just making a sale. It’s about finding pieces that flatter you.” Love Bella carries everything from basics to eveningwear.

There’s holiday attire and accessories, as well. If you don’t need anything for your own closet, it’s the perfect place to pop into when you’re looking for a gift for a friend.

stamfordmag.com

62

56_63_STM_Feature_High Ridge_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 62

12/10/25 1:50 PM

ROUNDABOUT RESALE COUTURE

TO DO’S

Established in 1989 by Laurie Perren, Roundabout Resale Couture is not only a local favorite, but an original purveyor of luxury resale. There are three locations in Fairfield County, and each one offers a different selection of clothing.

Perren has described the Greenwich shop as a Bergdorf Goodman, Westport as a Barneys and Stamford’s High Ridge shop as an Anthropologie.

The selection of women’s clothing is extensive, although designer handbags are fan favorites and fly off the shelves as quickly as they land there. But, depending on the season, anything from leather and shearling outerwear to evening dresses can become top sellers. Racks are filled with closeout items from other boutiques, which is why the stores never have a shortage of great finds on sale.

High Ridge Center is also a great place to knock out those weeekly errands and appointments.

Fashion Nails Manicures, pedicures and waxing are on the menu. And you can enjoy all three services without breaking the bank.

The salon is open every day except Sunday and walk-ins are always welcome.

Sea Breeze Cleaners This location spiffs up clothes without the chemicals.

All-natural and non-toxic cleaning methods keep you looking and feeling fresh.

Cost Less Wine & Liquors This package store offers a wide array of domestic and international wines, beers and spirits at value prices.

DON’T MISS

“It’s never about just making a sale. It’s about finding pieces that flatter you.”

ELLIE ZIEMINSKI, LOVE BELLA, OWNER/FOUNDER

At PETER SUCHY JEWELERS, there’s a glittering selection of beautiful vintage, antique and estate pieces on display.

Suchy, who had always dreamed of launching his own line, officially brought it to life and now also sells his own handcrafted pieces that include a variety of gems used to make pendants, rings and earrings. Suchy’s store is the only one to consistently win the “Best of the Gold Coast for Estate Jewelry” Award from Moffly Media.

LM Salon This family-run salon has been based in Stamford for decades and specializes in curly hair, balayage and hair extensions. Make an appointment for a free consultation or hair analysis.

Referral programs and discounts are available.

Optimum Stamford residents can pop in for discounts on TV, mobile and internet services. Plus, this location even features a full-service cellphone store for your wireless needs.

UPS Store You can take care of all your business and personal administrative errands right here. Ship, print, shred and then slide those stamped envelopes into the mailbox.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

63

56_63_STM_Feature_High Ridge_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 63

12/10/25 1:50 PM

A TOP DOCTOR PERFORMS YOUR SURGERY. A TOP TEAM SUPPORTS YOUR RECOVERY.

DANBURY

GREENWICH

HARRISON

STAMFORD

WILTON

Same day ortho appointments available. | Most major insurance plans accepted.

64_77_STM_Top DOCS_Jan-Feb 2026.indd 64

12/10/25 1:50 PM

TOP

DOCTORS

2026

F

inding a trusted physician for you and your family is essential, whether you need someone for emergencies or simply for everyday health and wellness. In Fairfield County,

we are fortunate to have so many leading practitioners in our area.

Our Top Doctors directory streamlines your search for the right

BONGKARN - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

one. Thanks to the experts at DataJoe Research, we have an indispensable guide of specialists working in highly ranked

Scan here to view our digital TOP DOCTORS LISTING!

hospital systems throughout the county. The firm evaluated everything from skills and credentials to peer-voting and public perception to select this year’s crop of experts. For 2026, our muchanticipated directory features more than 600 top doctors. »

TOP DOCTORS 2026

FFLY MEDIA MO

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

65

64_77_STM_Top DOCS_Jan-Feb 2026.indd 65

12/10/25 1:50 PM

TOP DOCTORS

2026

ALLERGY IMMUNOLOGY

ANESTHESIOLOGY

Aimee AltschulLatzman

Francisco J. Brea

Allergy & Asthma Consultants of Fairfield County 140 Sherman St, Fairfield 203-955-1461

YNHH|Greenwich Anesthesiology Associates PC 5 Perryridge Rd, Greenwich 203-863-3390

Kenneth S. Backman

Mark Chrostowski

Allergy & Asthma Care of Fairfield County LLC 55 Walls Dr, Trumbull 203-259-7070

Jonathan B. Bell

Jonathan B. Bell MD 107 Newtown Rd, Danbury 203-830-4700

Katherine A. Bloom

Allergy & Asthma Care of Fairfield County LLC 55 Walls Dr, Fairfield 203-259-7070

Leslie R. Coleman

Allergy And Asthma Assoc. of Stamford PC 144 Morgan St, Stamford 203-324-9525

Yogen A. Dave

Advanced Specialty Care PC 901 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield 203-830-4700

Philip H. Hemmers Allergy Center of Connecticut 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-870-8731

Paul S. Lindner

Greenwich Anesthesiology Associates PC 5 Perryridge Rd, Greenwich 203-863-3390

Gendai Echezona

Premier PCW Aesthetics 40 Cross St, Norwalk 203-956-0022

Richard A. Hughes Nuvance Health Medical Practice 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2276

Robert Koorn

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2276

Fairfield County Allergy Asthma and Immunology Associates PC 80 Mill River St, Stamford 203-838-4034

Agnes Matczuk

Fairfield County Allergy Asthma and Immunology Associates PC 2 1/2 Dearfield Dr, Greenwich 203-838-4034

Joseph Sproviero

Fairfield County Allergy Asthma and Immunology Associates PC 148 East Ave, Norwalk 203-838-4034

YNHH|Cardiac Specialists 999 Silver Ln, Trumbull 203-292-2000

Robert M. Moskowitz

John Novella

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County 32 Knight St, Norwalk 203-845-2160

Alexander Delvecchio

Mina Owlia

Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-348-7410

Maria C. Pavlis

Yale New Haven Health Heart and Vascular Center 500 W Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-863-4210

Nuvance Health 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-739-7155

Michael R. Pittaro

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County 32 Knight St, Norwalk 203-845-2160

Ram Y. Gordon

YNHH|Cardiac Specialists 999 Silver Ln, Trumbull 203-292-2000

Ari Pollack

Cardiac Specialists 1305 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-292-2000

Jeffrey Green

The Heart Center 215 Stillwater Ave, Stamford 203-674-1810

Brian Pollack

Christopher Howes

Cynthia Twu

David H. Hsi

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2276

Stuart Zarich

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 28 East Ave, New Canaan 203-855-3680

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-739-7155

Greenwich Anesthesiology Associates Pc 5 Perryridge Rd, Greenwich 203-863-3390

Lucia E. Vigna

Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-348-7410

David J. Lomnitz

Murali Chiravuri

Ira Galin

Greenwich Anesthesiology Associates Pc 5 Perryridge Rd, Greenwich 203-863-3390

Wayne H. Miller

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 40 Cross St, Norwalk 203-855-3680

Nuvance HealthCardiology Danbury 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-739-7155

Linda Casale

Edwin Oh

Alfonso Tagliavia

Arshad M. Yekta

Michael A. Logue

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County 425 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-254-2452

YNHH|Cardiac Specialists 1305 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-292-2000

YNHH|Greenwich Anesthesiology Associates Pc 5 Perryridge Rd, Greenwich 203-863-3390

Charles Landau

Eric L. Alter

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 24 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-739-7118

Paul B. Sygall

Lawrence Fisher

CARDIOLOGY

Garrett D. Nguyen

Mark D. Litchman

Robert Winslow

Northeast Medical Group Cardiology 112 Quarry Rd, Trumbull 203-333-8800

Mitchell Driesman

YNHH|Greenwich Anesthesiology Associates Pc 5 Perryridge Rd, Greenwich 203-863-3390

Aymeric E. Louit

Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-276-2321

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 24 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-739-7118

Karl J. Kulikowski

Ashton Lai

YNHH|Cardiac Specialists 1305 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-292-2000

Sandhya Dhruvakumar

Yale New Haven Health Heart and Vascular Center 500 W. Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-863-4210

Allergy And Asthma Center of Stamford 1275 Summer St, Stamford 203-978-0072 Fairfield County Allergy Asthma and Immunology Associates PC 2 1/2 Dearfield Dr, Greenwich 203-838-4034

CARDIAC ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY

YNHH|Cardiac Specialists 25 Germantown Rd, Danbury 203-794-0090

YNHH|Heart and Vascular Center 500 W Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-863-4210

Adam Schussheim Cardiac Specialists 1305 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-292-2000

Stamford Health Medical Group 32 Strawberry Hill Ct, Stamford 203-276-2323

Jared G. Selter

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County 425 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-254-2452

Robert L. Labarre

Richard Taikowski

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County 1177 Summer St, Stamford 203-353-1133

YNHH|Cardiac Specialists 1305 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-292-2000

YNHH|Cardiac Specialists 25 Germantown Rd, Danbury 203-794-0090

YNHH|Bridgeport Hospital 267 Grant St, Bridgeport 203-384-3844

CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY Michael I. Ebright Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-276-4404

William A. Jakobleff, Jr.

YNHH|Cardiac Specialists 25 Germantown Rd, Danbury 203-794-0090

Cardiac Specialists 1305 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-292-2000

Francis J. Neeson

Yale New Haven Health Heart and Vascular Center 500 W Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-863-4210

Suhash Patel

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County 425 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-254-2452

Specialty Surgeons of Connecticut 1455 E. Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-787-4366

Ronald J. Raymond

Richard J. Kaplon

Northeast Medical Group Cardiology 112 Quarry Rd, Trumbull 203-333-8800

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-739-6950

Robert E. Michler Specialty Surgeons of Connecticut 1455 E. Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-787-4366

David D. Yuh

Heart and Vascular Institute 29 Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-276-4400

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE Venu Channamsetty

Cardiac Specialists 30 Prospect St, Ridgefield 203-438-9621

Alon Ronen

Robert D. Sackstein

Connecticut Heart and Vascular Center 112 Quarry Rd, Trumbull 203-333-8800

Edward H. Schuster Stamford Health Medical Group 32 Strawberry Hill Ct, Stamford 203-276-2323

Aparna Srinivasan Integrated Pain Solutions 32 Knight St, Norwalk 203-845-2160

Joseph J. Tiano

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County 2979 Main St, Bridgeport 203-683-5100

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County 115 Technology Dr, Trumbull 203-445-7093

Joonun Choi

Anja Wagner

Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-348-7410

Evelyn J. Cusack Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-348-7410

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County 2979 Main St, Bridgeport 203-683-5100

Craig S. Werner

Northeast Medical Group Cardiology 112 Quarry Rd, Trumbull 203-333-8800

stamfordmag.com

66

64_77_STM_Top DOCS_Jan-Feb 2026.indd 66

12/10/25 1:50 PM

TOP DOCTORS

2026

CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY Deborah S. Lipschitz

Deborah S. Lipschitz MD 21 Sherman Ct, Fairfield 203-256-9926

Joan F. Poll

Joan F. Poll MD 16 Bushy Ridge Rd, Westport 203-222-1186

COLON & RECTAL SURGERY Stuart E. Bussell

Nuvance Health 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-739-7131

Marc J. Casasanta Nuvance Health 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-739-7131

Marilee L. Freitas

Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-323-8989

Peter B. McWhorter

YNHH|Northeast Medical Group Surgical Specialists 5 Perryridge Rd, Greenwich 203-863-4300

CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE Sandra K. Wainwright

Stamford Health Medical Group 5 Perryridge Road, Greenwich 203-863-4505

DERMATOLOGY Beth A. Buscher

Sarah E. Dolder Greenwich Point Dermatology 20 E. Elm St, Greenwich 203-764-2230

Rhett Drugge

Rhett J. Drugge MD 50 Glenbrook Rd, Stamford 203-324-5719

Kenneth J. Egan

Advanced Specialty Care PC 488 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-830-4700

Kimberly M. Eickhorst Dermatology Associates of Western CT PC 170 Mt. Pleasant Rd, Newtown 203-792-4151

Robin Evans

Rhonda Q. Klein

Robert J. Patrignelli

Modern Dermatology 1032 Post Rd East, Westport 203-635-0770

Robert J. Patrignelli MD 17 Church Hill Rd, Trumbull 203-261-0800

Adam Welber

Specialty Imaging 2 Riverview Dr, Danbury 203-426-3002

Northeast Medical Group Endocrinology 112 Quarry Road, Trumbull 203-371-7048

Jeffrey D. Knispel

Debra Pruzan-Clain

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Judith C. GoldbergBerman

Charles L. G. Halasz

Jeremy Moss

Omar A. Ibrahimi

Richard C. Connors MD 1 Perryridge Rd, Greenwich 203-622-0808

Connecticut Skin Institute 2777 Summer St, Stamford 203-428-4440

Elle de Moll

Michael Jacobson Advanced Dermcare 25 Tamarack Ave, Danbury 203-797-8990

Elizabeth C. Smith

Fairfield Dermatology 1305 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-259-7709

Debra S. Weissman

Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut 148 East Ave, Norwalk 203-538-5682

Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut 260 Long Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-969-0123

Jason C. McBean

Lynne Haven MD PC 5 Oak St, Greenwich 203-869-4242

Greenwich Med Spa 1285 E. Putnam Ave, Riverside 203-637-0662

Elizabeth R. Marsh

Greenwich Dermatology 40 West Elm St, Greenwich 203-661-7546

Lynne M. Haven

Mitchell J. Ross

Graeme M. Lipper

Fern E. Mayer

Dermatology Center of Stamford 1290 Summer St, Stamford 203-325-3576

Modern Dermatology 1032 Post Rd East, Westport 203-635-0770

Schweiger Dermatology Group 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-810-4151

Henry C. Gasiorowski

Dermatology for the Family 149 East Ave, Norwalk 203-349-8228

Deanne M. Robinson

Steven Andrew Kolenik III

Long Ridge Dermatology 1051 Long Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-329-7960

Michele E. Gasiorowski

The Dermatology Center of Stamford 1290 Summer St, Stamford 203-325-3576

Dermatology Associates of Western CT PC 170 Mt. Pleasant Rd, Newtown 203-792-4151

Rena Fortier

Severine M. Chavel

Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut 425 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-292-9490

Danbury Radiological Associates 24 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-739-7532

Dermatology Center of Stamford 1290 Summer St, Stamford 203-325-3576

Rebecca Ross Hall

Richard C. Connors

Anna S. Mah

Robin Gail Oshman MD 101 Long Lots Rd, Westport 203-454-0743

Advanced Dermcare 25 Tamarack Ave, Danbury 203-797-8990

Dermatology Associates of Western Connecticut PC 170 Mt. Pleasant Rd, Newtown 203-792-4151 Dermatology Center of Stamford 1290 Summer St, Stamford 203-325-3576

Robin G. Oshman

Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut 425 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-292-9490

Southern Connecticut Dermatology 1275 Summer St, Stamford 203-323-5660

Greenwich Dermatology 40 West Elm St, Greenwich 203-661-7546

ENDOCRINOLOGY, DIABETES & METABOLISM

Brett Andrew King

Rand L. Werbitt

Advanced Specialty Care PC 1290 Summer St, Stamford 203-830-4700

Fairfield Dermatology 1305 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-259-7709

Jonathan R. Zirn

Advanced Dermcare 25 Tamarack Ave, Danbury 203-797-8990

Integrated Dermatology of Bridgeport 7 Cambridge Dr, Trumbull 203-374-5546

Ellen S. Naidorf Ellen S. Naidorf 22 Long Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-964-1103

Kim M. Nichols

NicholsMD 50 Old Field Point Rd, Greenwich 203-862-4000 Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists PC 160 Hawley Ln, Trumbull 203-377-0639 Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists PC 160 Hawley Ln, Trumbull 475-265-5350

Sally S. Chao

Nuvance Health|Bauer Emergency Care Center at Norwalk Hospital 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2281

Virginia A. Collier

Nuvance Health|Bauer Emergency Care Center at Norwalk Hospital 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2281

Christopher M. Davison

Greenwich Hospital – Department of Emergency Medicine 5 Perryridge Rd, Greenwich 203-863-3632

Jason A. Fischel

Nuvance Health|Bauer Emergency Care Center at Norwalk Hospital 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2281

Jason A. Greenman

DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY Richard R. Culver

Rykiel Levine

Norwalk Radiology Consultants One Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-276-2663

Nuvance Health|Bauer Emergency Care Center at Norwalk Hospital 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2281

Christopher P. Fey

Brian R. McGovern

Linda LaTrenta

Mark I. Oestreicher

Nuvance Health|Bauer Emergency Care Center at Norwalk Hospital 34 Maple Street, Norwalk 203-852-2281

Nuvance Health|Bauer Emergency Care Center at Norwalk Hospital 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2281

Greenwich Radiological Group 49 Lake Ave, Greenwich 203-861-2381

Michael P. Noonan

Robert J. Capodanno

Nuvance Health|Bauer Emergency Care Center at Norwalk Hospital 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2281

Greenwich Hospital – Radiology 5 Perryridge Rd, Greenwich 203-863-3952

Timothy D. Shub

Ron Lee

Richard J. Teitell

Norwalk Radiology Consultants 148 East Ave, Norwalk 203-276-4311

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2281 YNHH|Bridgeport Hospital 267 Grant St, Bridgeport 203-384-3566

Sandi-Jo Galati

Judith GoldbergBerman MD 75 Holly Hill Lane, Greenwich 203-622-9160

Ranee A. Lleva

Endocrinology Associates of Greenwich – Northeast Medical Group 2015 W. Main St, Stamford 203-863-3750

Charles X. Ma

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 36 Old Kings Hwy S, Darien 203-852-2270

Bismruta Misra

Stamford Health Medical Group 292 Long Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-276-7213

Antonio Pantaleo

Endocrinology Center of Stamford LLC 80 Mill River St, Stamford 203-359-2444

Nancy Rennert

Nuvance Health Medical PracticeEndocrinology Wilton 249 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-852-2270

Robert R. Savino

Nuvance Health Medical PracticeEndocrinology Danbury 25 Germantown Rd, Danbury 203-794-5620

Debra Schussheim

Riverside Endocrinology 225 Main St, Westport 203-429-5300

Glenn Siegel

Soundview Medical Associates LLC 50 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-838-4000

Randi D. Tomasulo

Post Road Metabolic Consultants 246 Post Rd E, Westport 914-260-5016

Linda S. Werner

Hartford Healthcare Cancer Institute 115 Technology Dr, Trumbull 203-372-7200

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

67

64_77_STM_Top DOCS_Jan-Feb 2026.indd 67

12/10/25 1:50 PM

TOP DOCTORS

2026

Yi-Hao Yu

Danbury Radiological Associates 2015 W. Main St, Stamford 203-863-3750

FAMILY MEDICINE James K. Ahern

Copps Hill Family Medicine 77 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-431-6342

Steven T. Benaderet

Northeast Medical Group Family Medicine 327 Riverside Ave, Westport 203-221-3030

Jennifer Bendl

Lawrence D. Leibowitz Matrix Personalized Medicine LLC 45 Grove St, New Canaan 203-920-1772

Angelo Mallozzi Stamford Health Medical Group 90 Morgan St, Stamford 203-276-7215

Sejal H. Parekh Nuvance Health Medical Practice 249 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-762-3353

David Pazer

Stamford Health Medical Group 1500 Post Rd, Darien 203-655-8701

ProHealth Physicians Gastroenterology 96 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-438-0874

Marc E. Brodsky

Seth M. Sullivan

Stamford Health Medical Group 75 Holly Hill Ln, Greenwich 203-276-4777

Shanthi Devaraj

Shanthi Devaraj MD LLC 1400 Bedford St, Stamford 203-323-8700

Douglas Duchen

Northeast Medical Group Family Medicine 112 Quarry Rd, Trumbull 203-372-4065

Alan T. Falkoff

Hartford Healthcare Medical Group Primary Care 30 Buxton Farm Rd, Stamford 203-322-7070

Joseph Feuerstein Elite Concierge Physicians 45 Singing Oaks Dr, Weston 203-979-5798

Cosmo Filiberto

Northeast Medical Group Family Medicine 112 Quarry Rd, Trumbull 203-372-4065

Carol-Ann Galban

Copps Hill Family Medicine 77 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-431-6342

Concierge Care of New Canaan 173 East Ave, New Canaan 203-972-4215

Henry Yoon

Stamford Health Medical Group One Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-276-2270

GASTROENTEROLOGY Charles J. Adelmann Soundview Medical Associates LLC 50 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-838-4000

David Barenberg MD Nuvance Health 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-739-7038

Henry G. Beecher Connecticut GI 32 Strawberry Hill Ct, Stamford 203-348-5355

Steven Brandwein Nuvance Health Medical Practice 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-739-7038

Bryan Burns

Stamford Health Medical Group 5 High Ridge Park, Stamford 203-276-4644

Northeast Medical Group Gastroenterology 888 White Plains Rd, Trumbull 203-459-4451

Nina S. Karol

Gena M. Cobrin

Joshua B. Herbert

Concierge Physicians of Westport 333 Post Rd West, Westport 203-571-3000

Connecticut GI 425 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-292-9000

Robert M. Dettmer

Alan E. Selkin

Kevin M. Dwyer

Joseph Fiorito

Ajay Singh

Craig L. Floch

William B. Hale

Julie Spivack

Connecticut GI 32 Strawberry Hill Ct, Stamford 203-348-5355

Center For GI Medicine of Fairfield & Westchester 15 Valley Dr, Greenwich 203-489-6900

Nuvance Health 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-739-7038

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 40 Cross St, Norwalk 203-852-2278

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 40 Cross St, Norwalk 203-852-2278

Connecticut GI 425 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-292-9000

Stuart Waldstreicher Diagnostic Endoscopy Center 778 Long Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-428-4643

Reid L. Hopkins

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 40 Cross St, Norwalk 203-852-2278

Thomas P. Whelan

Sarah A. Kahn

Stamford Health Medical Group 1351 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-276-8490

Nuvance Health Medical PracticeGastroenterology Danbury 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-739-7038

Neda Khaghan MD

Felice R. Zwas

Center For GI Medicine of Fairfield & Westchester 15 Valley Dr, Greenwich 203-489-6900

Center For GI Medicine of Fairfield & Westchester 15 Valley Dr, Greenwich 203-489-6900

GENERAL SURGERY

Chunwang Lam

Northeast Medical Group Gastroenterology 888 White Plains Rd, Trumbull 203-459-4451

Netanel Alper

Nuvance Health Medical PracticeBariatric & Metabolic Surgery Danbury 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-739-7131

Gordon S. Latzman GI Health Specialists 888 White Plains Rd, Trumbull 203-459-4451 Nuvance Health Medical Practice 40 Cross St, Norwalk 203-852-2278 Nuvance Health Medical Practices – Gastroenterology Norwalk 30 Stevens St, Norwalk 203-852-2278

Kenneth R. Mauer Gastroenterology Associates 425 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-292-9000

Anthy Demestihas

Hartford Healthcare | St Vincent’s Medical Center 2800 Main St, Bridgeport 203-576-6000

Darlene S. Negbenebor Stamford Gastroenterology 90 Morgan St, Stamford 203-998-7400

Patrick Thomas Dolan Nuvance Health Medical Practice – Bariatric And Metabolic Surgery Norwalk 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-852-3050

Neal J. Schamberg

Center For GI Medicine of Fairfield & Westchester 15 Valley Dr, Greenwich 203-489-6900

Jill B. Watras

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 30 Stevens St, Norwalk 203-852-2406

GERIATRIC MEDICINE

Royd Fukumoto

Mithil Choksey

Nuvance Health 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-739-7131

Alexandria M. Gallagher Nuvance Health Medical Practice 30 Stevens St, Norwalk 203-852-2406

Alyssa Gillego

YNHH|Smilow Breast Cancer Services of Greenwich 77 Lafayette Pl, Greenwich 203-863-4250

Mandy S. Greenberg Stamford Health| Surgical Breast Care of Norwalk 148 East Ave, Norwalk 203-846-8885

Lillian Huang

Peter A. Ingraldi

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 30 Stevens St, Norwalk 203-852-2406

Yale Medicine Surgery 5 Perryridge Rd, Greenwich 203-863-4300

Amber Brody

YNHH|Greenwich Hospital 5 Perryridge Rd, Greenwich 203-863-4300

Walter M. Cholewczynski

Philip R. Corvo

Athanassios Petrotos

Neil Robert Floch

Nuvance Health 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-846-8885

YNHH|Park Avenue Medical Center 5520 Park Ave, Trumbull 203-384-3890

Rakhee Mangla

Nuvance Health Medical Practice – Bariatric And Metabolic Surgery Danbury 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-739-7131

Stamford Health Medical Group Breast Surgery 32 Strawberry Hill Ct, Stamford 203-276-4255

Jeanne S. Capasse

Suma S. Magge

Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-276-5959

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 40 Cross St, Norwalk 203-852-2406

Andrew S. Kenler

Andrew S. Kenler MD FACS 5520 Park Ave, Trumbull 203-373-9015

Kathleen A. LaVorgna

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 30 Stevens St, Norwalk 203-846-3338

Kevin D. Miller

Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-276-5959

Jeraldine S. Orlina

Nuvance Health 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-739-7131

Nuvance Health Medical PracticePrimary Care Wilton 249 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-762-3353 Yale New Haven Health – Center For Geriatrics 112 Quarry Rd, Trumbull 203-384-3388

Harsha Naik

Yale New Haven Health – Center For Geriatrics 112 Quarry Rd, Trumbull 203-384-3388

Anna Pankratov

Hartford Healthcare Medical Group 111 Beach Rd, Fairfield 203-696-3560

Alan M. Radin

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 100 Redding Rd, Redding 203-852-2494

GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY Leslie Andriani

Nuvance Health Medical Practice – Gynecologic Oncology Danbury 24 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-739-4900

David Doo

Nuvance Health Medical Practice – Gynecologic Oncology Danbury 24 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-739-4900

Karen Nishida

Gynecologic Cancer Care LLC 1290 Summer St, Stamford 203-998-0848

HAND SURGERY Matthew B. Cantlon

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 6 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-869-1145

stamfordmag.com

68

653768_T 64_77_STM_Top DOCS_Jan-Feb 2026.indd 68

12/10/25 1:50 PM

Nuvance Health is joining Northwell

Top docs, top tier care Congratulations to our physicians recognized as Top Docs® Nuvance Health proudly applauds the members of our medical staff recognized as 2025 Castle Connolly Top Doctors®. You not only improve the well-being of our patients, but also the lives of people across our communities. We commend you for this well-deserved achievement.

Danbury Hospital • New Milford Hospital • Norwalk Hospital • Sharon Hospital

653768_Top Docs_Moffly_9x10875_F_1125.indd 1

12/2/25 2:15 PM

64_77_STM_Top DOCS_Jan-Feb 2026.indd 69

12/10/25 1:50 PM

TOP DOCTORS

2026

Joseph DiGiovanni Ortho Connecticut 2 Riverview Dr, Danbury 203-797-1500

Adam Jacoby

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 333 Post Rd. W, Westport 203-221-0059

Haik Kavookjian MD Stamford Health Medical Group 40 Cross St, Norwalk 203-846-0040

Paul D. Protomastro Ortho Connecticut 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-845-2200

Thomas A. Rago

The Surgical Center of Connecticut 3101 Main St, Bridgeport 203-374-5892

Ross J. Richer

Orthopaedic Specialty Group PC 305 Black Rock Tnpk, Fairfield 203-337-2600

Brandon Shulman Ortho Connecticut 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-845-2200

Mark A. Vitale

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 5 High Ridge Park, Stamford 203-869-1145

David Wei

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 6 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-869-1145

HEMATOLOGY Daniel E. Boxer

Smilow Cancer Hospital 5520 Park Avenue, Trumbull 203-502-8400

Lisa Phuong

Nuvance Health Medical Practice – Hematology/Oncology Norwalk 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-845-4811

HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE MEDICINE Vijay V. Desai

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2665

Jeanine S. Famiglietti Nuvance Health Medical Practice 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-739-6662

Heather Sung PalliMD PLLC 128 East Ave, Norwalk 203-451-7212

INFECTIOUS DISEASE Nabeela Khan

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-852-2280

Maher Madhoun Stamford Health Medical Group 292 Long Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-323-4458

Gavin X. McLeod

Frank A. Ciminiello

Northeast Medical Group Internal Medicine 112 Quarry Rd, Trumbull 203-374-6162

Infectious Diseases Consultants Of Greenwich PC 5 Perryridge Rd, Greenwich 203-869-8838

Ralph J. Cipriani

Paul Nee

Nuvance Health 33 Germantown Rd, Danbury 203-739-8310

Glenville Medical Concierge Care 7 Riversville Rd, Greenwich 203-531-1808

Michael F. Parry

Joseph V. Costanzo Stamford Health Medical Group 292 Long Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-348-9455

Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-353-1427

Allen F. Davis

Paolo A. Pino

ProHealth Physicians – Western Connecticut Primary Care 164 Mt Pleasant Rd, Newtown 203-270-1016

Nuvance Health Medical Practices – Infectious Disease Norwalk 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-852-2280

Jill G. Denowitz

Asha Shah

Concierge Physicians of Westport 333 Post Rd W, Westport 203-571-3000

Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-353-1427

Bryan E. Dorf

John G. Stratidis

Northwell Health Physician Partners 945 Summer St, Stamford 203-327-9321

Nuvance Health 33 Germantown Rd, Danbury 203-739-8310

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Vernetta D. Gallop Stamford Health Medical Group 555 Newfield Ave, Stamford 203-359-4444

Benesa S. Baby

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-3019

Sarah M. Gamble

David H. Baum

Greenwich Pure Medical 15 Valley Dr, Greenwich 203-869-2800

Concierge Physicians of Westport 333 Post Rd West, Westport 203-571-3000

Steven Glazer

Steven Glazer MD/ Internal MedicineNorwalk 128 East Ave, Norwalk 203-852-1300

Thomas V. Cigno

Thomas Cigno MD 10 South St, Ridgefield 203-244-7848

JOYFOTOLIAKID - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Danielle Greenman

Richard G. Huntley

Ada K. Obidike

Shara P. Israel

Craig H. Olin

Summit Health 542 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-845-4800 Stamford Health Medical Group 51 Schuyler Ave, Stamford 203-327-1187

Melanie Kelton

Melanie S. Kelton MD 8 West End Ave, Old Greenwich 203-637-5406

MD² Old Greenwich 1700 E. Putnam Ave, Old Greenwich 203-712-5550

Steven E. Phillips

Steven Phillips MD 944 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-544-0005

Ioana S. Preda

True Care Medical 49 Lake Ave, Greenwich 203-869-2304

Northeast Medical Group Internal Medicine 112 Quarry Rd, Trumbull 203-374-6162

Jasmina Krstic

Jeffrey S. Puglisi

Nazanine Khairkhah

Nova MD Wellness Clinic 148 East Ave, Norwalk 203-684-2050

Satesh Kumar

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 24 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-739-6959

Ted E. Listokin

Westchester Health Northwell Physician Partners 945 Summer St, Stamford 203-327-9321

Faria Mahmood

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 100 Redding Rd, Redding 203-739-8255

Elizabeth J.R. McKinnis

Glenville Medical Concierge Care 7 Riversville Rd, Greenwich 203-531-1808

David M. Radin David Radin MD 144 Morgan St, Stamford 203-359-4888

Maria C. Restrepo Stamford Health Medical Group – Primary Care 372 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-276-3366

Remi M. Rosenberg Stamford Health Medical Group 5 High Ridge Park, Stamford 203-276-4644

Nuvance Health Medical Practice – Primary Care Westport 333 Post Rd W, Westport 203-226-0731

Burton R. Rubin

Charles Miner

Jaime Ruszkowski

Stamford Health Medical Group 1500 Boston Post Rd, Darien 203-655-8749

Greenwich Medical Partners 75 Holly Hill Ln, Greenwich 203-661-2596

Sandra Mini

Amiad Harow

Dana Murphy

Concierge Physicians of Westport 333 Post Rd. W, Westport 203-571-3000

Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists & Primary Care 439 Mill Hill Ave, Bridgeport 203-334-2100

Matrix Personalized Medicine LLC 45 Grove St, New Canaan 203-920-1772

Peter G. Hasapis

Northeast Medical Group Internal Medicine 112 Quarry Rd, Trumbull 203-374-6162

New Canaan Medical Group 173 East Ave, New Canaan 203-972-4255

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-3019

Ken J. Nori

Burton R. Rubin MD 8 West End Ave, Old Greenwich 203-637-5406 Comprehensive Care of New Canaan PC 173 East Ave, New Canaan 203-972-4244

James Samuel

Summit Health 542 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-845-4800

Craig D. Serin

Nuvance Health Medical Practice – Primary Care Wilton 249 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-762-3353

Richard A. Singer Nuvance Health Medical Practice 497 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-852-3494

stamfordmag.com

70

64_77_STM_Top DOCS_Jan-Feb 2026.indd 70

12/10/25 1:50 PM

TOP DOCTORS

2026

Frederick B. Slogoff Personal Physicians of Connecticut LLC 5 High Ridge Park, Stamford 203-968-9500

Chelsea M. Smith

Marc Z. Krichavsky Cardiac Specialists 25 Germantown Rd, Danbury 203-794-0090

David P. Lorenz

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 249 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-762-3353

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County 32 Knight St, Norwalk 203-845-2160

Frank Spano

Victor M. Mejia

Fairfield County Medical Group 15 Corporate Dr, Trumbull 203-459-5100

Maura Sparks

Stamford Health Medical Group 372 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-276-4015

Stephen H. Strong

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 333 Post Rd W, Westport 203-226-0731

Shiela V. Subramanian New Canaan Medical 173 East Ave, New Canaan 203-972-4205

Joseph Tortorello

Yale New Haven Health 112 Quarry Rd, Trumbull 203-374-6162

Shira B. Vadel

Stamford Health Medical Group 51 Schuyler Ave, Stamford 203-327-1187

Julia Voytovich

New Canaan Medical Group 173 East Ave, New Canaan 203-972-4255

Richard E. Westfal

New Canaan Medical 173 East Ave, New Canaan 203-972-4203

Lu Yu

Stamford Health Medical Group 32 Strawberry Hill Ct, Stamford 203-977-2566

Eva R. Zimmerman

Nuvance Health – Primary Care Westport 333 Post Rd W, Westport 203-226-0731

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY Robert F. Fishman

Cardiac Specialists 1305 Post Road, Fairfield 203-292-2000

Northeast Medical Group Cardiology 112 Quarry Rd, Trumbull 203-333-8800

Thomas J. Nero

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County 1177 Summer St, Stamford 203-353-1133

Boris V. Sheynberg Westport Cardiology 32 Imperial Ave, Westport 203-226-1760

Sumit Tickoo

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-739-7155

Mark K. Warshofsky Nuvance Health 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-739-7155

Dimitry Zilberman

Coastal Obstetrics and Gynecology LLC 999 Summer St, Stamford 203-353-9099

Steven Laifer

NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY

Anthony Gulati

Hematology Oncology PC One Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-276-2695

Ramon A. Batson

Elite Brain & Spine of Connecticut 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-853-0003

Paul L. Weinstein

Hematology Oncology PC One Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-276-2695

Andrea F. Douglas

Stamford Health Medical Group 75 Holly Hill Ln, Greenwich 203-661-3333

Richard Scott Zelkowitz Hartford Healthcare Cancer Institute 2800 Main St, Bridgeport 203-874-3830

Jonathon J. Lebovitz Nuvance Health Medical Practice 33 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-792-2003

NEONATAL-PERINATAL MEDICINE

Joshua Marcus

Elite Brain & Spine of Connecticut 33 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-792-2003

Shruti Gupta

Stamford Health–NICU One Hospital Plaza Pediatric Department, Stamford 203-276-7082

Brenda S. Chan

Shieva Ghofrany

Nuvance Health Medical Practice – Nephrology & Hypertension Danbury 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-739-7104

MEDICAL ONCOLOGY

Jonathan Barnhard

Hartford Healthcare|St. Vincent’s Medical Ctr 2800 Main St, Bridgeport 833-431-0013

Winston Y. Shih

Nuvance Health Medical Practice – Perinatology Danbury 24 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-739-7981

NEPHROLOGY

William Cusick

Nuvance Health Medical Practice – Nephrology & Hypertension Danbury 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-739-7104

Park Avenue Perinatal Specialists 5520 Park Ave, Trumbull 203-384-3227

MATERNAL & FETAL MEDICINE Nuvance Health Medical PracticesPerinatology Norwalk 24 Stevens St, Norwalk 203-852-3354

Raymond Raut

Robert J. Stiller

Abraham Mintz

Louis J. Cuzzone

Summit Health 542 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-845-4800

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 605 West Ave, Norwalk 203-853-5000

William H. Hines

Park Avenue Perinatal Specialists 5520 Park Ave, Trumbull 203-384-3544

Stamford Health Medical Group 292 Long Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-324-7666

Michael L. Fitzpatrick

Jennifer Marrone

Robert Kim

David T. Greco

WHC|Southport Women’s Healthcare 2600 Post Rd, Southport 203-254-3886

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-853-5000

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 79 Sand Pit Rd, Danbury 203-748-2551

Nephrology Associates PC 7 Cambridge Dr, Trumbull 203-335-0195

Peter J. McAllister

New England Institute for Neurology and Headache 30 Buxton Farm Rd, Stamford 203-914-1900

Payam Moein

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 79 Sand Pit Rd, Danbury 203-748-2551

Louise D. Resor

Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-276-4464

Alice H. Rusk

Yale Medicine Neurology 15 Valley Dr, Greenwich 203-863-4490

Daryl R. Story

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 605 West Ave, Norwalk 203-853-5000

Jennifer Werely

Dario M. Zagar

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 79 Sand Pit Rd, Danbury 203-748-2551

Richard T. Gervasi

Stamford Health Medical Group 1 Blachley Rd, Stamford 203-276-4464

Scott L. Simon

Robert Bonwetsch

Nephrology Associates PC 7 Cambridge Dr, Trumbull 203-335-0195

Eric Kung

Neurology and Headache Center of Greenwich 49 Lake Ave, Greenwich 203-900-4226

NEUROLOGY

Aaron M. Dommu

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 79 Sand Pit Rd, Danbury 203-748-2551

Griffin Health 115 Technology Dr, Trumbull 203-372-6460

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 5 High Ridge Park, Stamford 203-869-1145

Stamford Health Medical Group – Nephrology 292 Long Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-324-7666

Charles F. Guardia III

YNHH|Yale Neurology 75 Kings Hwy Cutoff, Fairfield 877-925-3637

NEURORADIOLOGY Howard S. Liu

Stamford Health Medical Group One Hospital Plaza, Stamford 203-276-7860

Gary S. Besser Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates PC 29 Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-325-4321

Julianne R. Biroschak Summit Health 644 W. Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-210-2880

Patrick J. Cahill

Coastal Obstetrics and Gynecology LLC 999 Summer St, Stamford 203-353-9099

Ronika D. Choudhary Women’s Obstetrics & Gynecology 115 Technology Dr, Trumbull 203-268-2239

Melindy M. Ciulla

Stamford Health 1 Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-276-7033

Deanna DelPrete

Women’s Health Care of New England 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-644-1100

Leslie A. Donovan

Brookside Gynecology 159 West Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-869-7080

Keith J. Falter II WHC|Physicians for Women 90 Locust Ave, Danbury 203-792-5005

Leonard Ferrucci Ferrucci Ferrucci & Morris 1250 Summer St, Stamford 203-325-4665

Vito Ferrucci

Ferrucci Ferrucci & Morris 1250 Summer St, Stamford 203-325-4665

Caroline Filor

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY Roxanne C. Abder

Women’s Health Care of Trumbull 5520 Park Avenue, Trumbull 203-374-1018

Sarp Aksel

Coastal Obstetrics and Gynecology LLC 999 Summer St, Stamford 203-353-9099

Brookside Gynecology 159 West Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-869-7080

Gene Freylikhman WHC|Candlewood Center For Women’s Health 103 Newtown Rd, Danbury 203-730-8789

Donna Hagberg

Donna J. Hagberg MD 31 River Rd, Cos Cob 203-742-1150

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

71

64_77_STM_Top DOCS_Jan-Feb 2026.indd 71

12/10/25 1:50 PM

TOP DOCTORS

2026

Maryam Hedayatzadeh WHC|Women’s Healthcare of New England 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-644-1100

Edward Jacobson

Greenwich Hormones 1 Perryridge Rd, Greenwich 203-580-6383

Kiger Lau

Stamford Health Obstetrics and Gynecology Adult Hospitalists 1 Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-276-7033

Daniel Lax

Nuvance Health|OB Hospitalist Group 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2662

Jessica Li

Stamford Health Medical Group 1 Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-276-7033

Elizabeth Molinelli Summit Health 644 W. Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-210-2880

John A. Morris

WHC|Ferrucci Ferrucci & Morris 1250 Summer St, Stamford 203-325-4665

Sujata Pendyala

Women’s Health Care of New England 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-644-1100

Janine M. Popot

Stamford Health Medical Group 1500 Post Rd, Darien 203-276-4282

Hannah Shakartzi WHC|Candlewood Center for Women’s Health 103 Newtown Rd, Danbury 203-730-8789

Helena T. Squicciarini Women’s Health Connecticut 5520 Park Ave, Trumbull 203-374-1018

Sapna Tandon

OB/GYN of Fairfield County 1735 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-256-3990

Marina C. Torbey

Yale New Haven Health 322 Ashley Rd, Fairfield 203-521-2287

Russell F. Turk

Stamford Health Medical Group – Obstetrics & Gynecology 1455 E. Putnam Ave, Old Greenwich 203-637-3337

Caterina Violi

Obstetrics & Gynecology for Womenby Women 2 1/2 Dearfield Dr, Greenwich 203-861-9586

Richard R. Viscarello Jr. Maternal Fetal Care PC 1275 Summer St, Stamford 203-978-5775

Christine E. Waldron Women’s Health Connecticut 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-644-1100

ONCOLOGY D. Barry Boyd

1579 Straits Tnpk 77 Lafayette Pl, Greenwich 203-863-3700

Nicole Carreau

Nuvance Health Medical Practice Hematology/Oncology Norwalk 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-845-4811

Sandhya Dhanjal

Hartford Healthcare Cancer Institute 2800 Main St, Fairfield 203-255-4545

Neal A. Fischbach

YNHH|Smilow Cancer Hospital 5520 Park Ave, Trumbull 203-502-8400

Richard C. Frank

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-845-4811

George Zahrah

Nuvance Health Medical Practice – Hematology/Oncology Norwalk 34 Maple Str, Norwalk 203-845-4811

OPHTHALMOLOGY Bruce S. Altman Connecticut Eye Consultants PC 69 Sand Pit Rd, Danbury 203-791-2020

Ora Burstein

Jeffrey L. Oberman

Allergy and Asthma Center of Stamford 1275 Summer St, Stamford 203-978-0072

Refocus Eye Health 1 Sasco Hill Rd, Fairfield 203-293-2930

Glenn E. Ostriker

Dr. Ostriker and Associates 71 Strawberry Hill Ave, Stamford 203-348-6300

Christienne Coates Ridgefield Ophthalmology 90 Grove St, Ridgefield 203-894-9700

Philip A. Piro

Retina Associates of Connecticut 70 Mill River St, Stamford 203-325-4481

Joseph L. Conway Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates 2046 W Main St, Stamford 203-635-2097

William S. Potter Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates 2046 W. Main St, Stamford 203-635-2097

Donna Densel Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates 2046 W. Main St, Stamford 203-635-2097

Vincent S. Reppucci Vitreoretinal Surgeons LLC 65 North St, Danbury 203-792-6291

Amanda Dinsmore Refocus Eye Health 57 North St, Danbury 203-628-4995

Kim P. Robbins

Robbins Eye Center 1 Sasco Hill Rd, Fairfield 203-371-5800

Leslie C. Doctor

Joanna Lumba Sarracino

Doctor & Associates PC 129 Kings Hwy N, Westport 203-227-4113

Ophthalmic Surgeons of Greater Bridgeport 2371 Black Rock Tnpk, Fairfield 203-371-0141

Anisha Jangi

Connecticut Eye Consultants PC 69 Sand Pit Rd, Danbury 203-791-2020

Richard Scartozzi

Connecticut Eye Consultants PC 69 Sand Pit Rd, Danbury 203-791-2020

Jeffrey N. Kaplan Eye Group Of Connecticut LLC 4699 Main St, Bridgeport 203-374-8182

Scott Seo

Hartford Healthcare| St. Vincent’s Medical Center 2800 Main St, Bridgeport 203-576-6000

Flora Levin

Flora Levin MD 1391 Post Rd East, Westport 203-814-1438

Elizabeth Siderides Stamford Ophthalmology 1351 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-327-5808

Suresh Mandava Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates 2046 W Main St, Stamford 203-635-2097

Mahsa Sohrab

Mahsa Sohrab MD 25 Valley Dr, Greenwich 203-599-4770

Jerry W. Tsong

Delia M. Manjoney

Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates 2046 W. Main St, Stamford 203-869-3082

Manjoney Eye 2720 Main St, Bridgeport 203-576-6500

Robert J. Noecker

Esteban C. Vietorisz

Ophthalmic Consultants of Connecticut 1375 Kings Hwy E, Fairfield 203-366-8000

Stamford Ophthalmology 1351 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-327-5808

Eric L. Wasserman Eye Care Center of Stamford 1275 Summer St, Stamford 203-978-0800

Richard B. Weber Stamford Health Medical Group 1275 Summer St, Stamford 203-353-1857

Marc L. Weitzman

Ophthalmic Surgeons of Greater Bridgeport 2371 Black Rock Tnpk, Fairfield 203-371-0141

Michael R. Clain

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 6 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-869-1145

Demetris Delos

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 6 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-869-1145

Jeffrey V. Deluca

Ortho Connecticut 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-845-2200

Katherine J. Zamecki

James J. Fitzgibbons

Connecticut Eye Consultants PC 69 Sand Pit Rd, Danbury 203-791-2020

Orthopaedic Specialty Group PC 305 Black Rock Tnpk, Fairfield 203-337-2600

Stephen J. Zuckerman

Mark Fletcher

Connecticut Eye Consultants PC 69 Sand Pit Rd, Danbury 203-791-2020

Ortho Connecticut 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-845-2200

D. Ross Henshaw

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

Ortho Connecticut 2 Riverview Dr, Danbury 203-797-1500

David F. Bindelglass

Peter W. Hughes

Orthopaedic Specialty Group PC 305 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield 203-337-2600

Michael G. Brand Ortho Connecticut 2 Riverview Dr, Danbury 203-797-1500

Dante A. Brittis

Orthopaedic Specialty Group PC 305 Black Rock Tnpk, Fairfield 203-337-2600

Adam R. Brodsky

Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine 166 Cherry St, New Canaan 203-323-7331

Summit Health 1281 E Main St, Stamford 203-325-4087

Marc S. Kowalsky

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 6 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-869-1145

Michael M. Lynch

Ortho Connecticut 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-845-2200

Daniel S. Markowicz HSS Stamford 1 Blachley Rd, Stamford 203-705-0715

Seth R. Miller

Ortho Care Specialists 4747 Main St, Bridgeport 203-372-0649

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 6 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-869-1145

Russell J. Cavallo

William Tracy Schmidt

David B. Brown

Stamford Health Medical Group 945 Summer St, Stamford 203-614-8888

Angelo M. Ciminiello Ortho Connecticut 2 Riverview Dr, Danbury 203-797-1500

Summit Health 1281 E. Main St, Stamford 203-325-4087

Marc Silver

Special Surgery Center of Connecticut 1281 E. Main St, Stamford 203-325-4087

stamfordmag.com

72

64_77_STM_Top DOCS_Jan-Feb 2026.indd 72

12/10/25 1:50 PM

To all of our Top Docs committed to providing the greatest of care: Congratulations.

At Yale New Haven Health, we are proud to recognize the 75 doctors representing Bridgeport Hospital, Greenwich Hospital, Northeast Medical Group, and Yale Medicine who’ve been named Top Doctors. Their compassion, talent, and dedication are exceeded only by their tireless commitment to treating each and every patient with the greatest of care.

64_77_STM_Top DOCS_Jan-Feb 2026.indd 73

12/10/25 1:50 PM

TOP DOCTORS

2026

James Spak

Connecticut Orthopaedics 1055 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-601-5237

Karen M. Sutton HSS Stamford 1 Blachley Rd, Stamford 203-705-0725

Corinne VanBeek

Orthopedic and Spine Institute One Blachley Rd, Stamford 203-276-2277

ORTHOPEDICS Joshua B. Frank

Ortho Connecticut 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-845-2200

Tim Greene

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 6 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-869-1145

Ross Henshaw

OrthoConnecticut 2 Riverview Dr, Danbury 203-797-1500

Daniel R. Howard

Somers Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Group 40 Old Ridgebury Rd, Danbury 845-278-8400

Michael S. Soojian Ortho Connecticut 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-845-2200

Katie B. Vadasdi

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 6 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-869-1145

OTOLARYNGOLOGY/ EAR, NOSE & THROAT Michael C. Bard

Advanced Specialty Care PC 107 Newtown Rd, Danbury 203-830-4700

Stephen D. Breda

Hartford Healthcare 4695 Main St, Bridgeport 203-371-5166

Jacquelyn Brewer

Ear Nose and Throat Center LLP 32 Strawberry Hill Ct, Stamford 203-353-0000

Elise Cheng

Greenwich Ear Nose and Throat 49 Lake Ave, Greenwich 203-869-2030

Steven M. Feldman

Westmed Medical Group 644 W. Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-210-2870

Lawrence J. Fliegelman Ear Nose Throat of Fairfield 1305 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-259-4700

Neil A. Gordon

Retreat at Split Rock 539 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-834-7700

Jay Klarsfeld

Advanced Specialty Care PC 107 Newtown Rd, Danbury 203-830-4700

Jason R. Klenoff

Ear Nose and Throat Center LLP 32 Strawberry Hill Ct, Stamford 203-353-0000

Biana Lanson

Ear Nose and Throat Center LLP 32 Strawberry Hill Ct, Stamford 203-353-0000

Richard Levin

Ear Nose Throat of Fairfield 1305 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-259-4700

Michelle S. Marrinan Greenwich Ear Nose and Throat 49 Lake Ave, Greenwich 203-869-2030

Andrew J. Parker

Parker Ear Nose & Throat 148 East Ave, Norwalk 203-866-8121

Sara Richer

Northeast Medical Group 888 White Plains Rd, Trumbull 203-459-2666

Jared W. Rosenberg

YNHH | Greenwich Hospital Ctr for Pain Management 5 Perryridge Rd, Greenwich 203-863-3579 Wilton Surgery Center 195 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-423-8151

YNHH|Pediatric Specialty Center 5520 Park Ave, Trumbull 877-925-3637

Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut 425 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-292-9490

Robert C. Babkowski Stamford Pathology Group PC One Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-276-7420

PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY

Raymond A. Baer

Stamford Pathology Group PC One Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-276-7420

Patricia Eagan

Pediatric Healthcare Associates 50 Unquowa Place, Fairfield 203-452-8322

Michael E. Bush

Nuvance Health Medical Practice – Pathology Norwalk 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2657

PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY

Bhavna Khandpur

Alexander Koral

Nuvance Health Medical Practice – Pathology Danbury 24 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-739-7453

Pediatric Specialty Center 5520 Park Avenue, Trumbull 877-925-3637

Kiyoe W. Sullivan

Anthony F. Porto

Nuvance Health Medical Practice – Pathology Norwalk 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2657

Pediatric Specialty Center 500 W. Putnam Ave, Greenwich 877-925-3637

Elgida R. Volpicelli

Stamford Pathology Group PC 1 Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-276-7420

PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Bo Xu

Stamford Pathology Group PC 1 Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-276-7420

Pediatric Healthcare Associates 15 Corporate Drive, Trumbull 203-452-8322

PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY

PEDIATRIC OTALARYNGOLOGY ENT

Allison B. Levey

Andrew Wolf

Rahul S. Anand

Michael A. Monaco

Somers Orthopedic 40 Old Ridgebury Rd, Danbury 475-471-0212

Julie CantatoreFrancis

Brittany G. Craiglow

PATHOLOGY

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Vincent R. Carlesi

PEDIATRIC SURGERY

Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut 148 East Ave, Norwalk 203-538-5682

Ofer M. Wellisch

ColumbiaDoctors 1500 Boston Post Road, Darien 203-662-0313

Connecticut Pain & Wellness Center LLC 52 Beach Rd, Fairfield 203-319-9355

PEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY

Nimrod E. Dayan

Stamford Ophthalmology 1351 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-327-5808

Daniel Solomon

Gerard Weinberg

Stamford Health Medical Group 32 Strawberry Hill Ct, Stamford 203-276-7307

PEDIATRICS GENERAL Robin Abramowicz

Saugatuck Pediatrics 191 Post Rd W, Westport 203-793-4747

Nicole Abramowitz Bay Street Pediatrics 156 Kings Hwy N, Westport 203-227-3674

Peter J. Acker

Westmed Medical Group 644 W Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-210-2800

Amy Agoglia

Doctors’ Pediatric PC 55 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-762-3363

Jamie L. Alon

Pediatric Associates of Western Connecticut LLC 41 Germantown Rd, Danbury 203-744-1680

Joanne Angiello

Ridgefield Pediatric Associates 38b Grove St, Ridgefield 203-438-9557

Maura Angiello-Smith Stamford Pediatric Associates 1275 Summer St, Stamford 203-324-4109

Jane Brotanek

My Catholic Doctor 1180 Newfield Ave, Stamford 888-822-8436

Sofia Chiocconi

Summer Pediatrics 992 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-388-8668

Next Generation Pediatrics 644 W Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-661-6430

Arthur E. Dobos

The Center for Advanced Pediatrics 69 East Ave, Norwalk 203-229-2000

Kethia Eliezer

Stamford Health Medical Group Pediatric Center 126 Morgan St, Stamford 203-327-1055

Richard M Freedman Pediatric Healthcare Associates 50 Unquowa Pl, Fairfield 203-452-8322

Lambros G. Geotes Stamford Pediatric Associates 1275 Summer St, Stamford 203-324-4109

Carol Nicole Gorman Village Pediatrics 323 Riverside Ave, Westport 203-221-7337

Debra K. Gotz

Stamford Pediatric Associates 1275 Summer St, Stamford 203-324-4109

Stephen Grevious Village Pediatrics 323 Riverside Ave, Westport 203-221-7337

David B. Gropper

Pediatric Associates of Western Connecticut LLC 41 Germantown Rd, Danbury 203-744-1680

Jennifer Baum Gruen

Saugatuck Pediatrics 191 Post Rd W, Westport 203-793-4747

Eva L. Grunberg

Loretta Cody

New Canaan Pediatrics LLC 173 East Ave, New Canaan 203-972-4250

Andrew S. Hart

Pediatric Cardiology 1500 Boston Post Rd, Darien 203-662-0313

PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY

Loretta Cody MD 42 Sherwood Pl, Greenwich 203-661-2440

Michael S. Snyder

Jacob Hen

Pediatric Specialty Center 5520 Park Avenue, Trumbull 203-337-8600

Bruce W. Cohen

Pediatric Cardiology 1500 Boston Post Rd, Darien 203-662-0313

Erik L. Cohen

Pediatric Associates of Western Connecticut LLC 41 Germantown Rd, Danbury 203-744-1680

Stamford Pediatric Associates 1275 Summer St, Stamford 203-324-4109

stamfordmag.com

74

64_77_STM_Top DOCS_Jan-Feb 2026.indd 74

12/10/25 1:50 PM

LynneHav

LYNNE M HAVEN, MD DERMATOLOGY & LASER CENTER

DR. LYNNE HAVEN IS A BOARD CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST in Greenwich who specializes in cosmetic dermatology and laser treatments. Dr. Haven graduated from Harvard University and received her medical degree from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. She completed her internship at Massachusetts General Hospital and her dermatology residency at New York University.

Dr. Haven strives to provide state-of-the-art skin and laser treatments in a warm, caring environment. She offers Botox, injectable fillers, Diamond Glow, and wide range of lasers including Picosure, Exel V+, Hair laser, PDT, Ultraclear, 3DMIRACL, Exomind and Emsella. Dr. Haven is one of the first physicians in the country to introduce EmFace, an innovative procedure designed to noninvasively lift and tighten. Dr. Haven says “EmFace is an exciting new non-invasive way to tighten the face. It not only builds collagen and elastin but also works on the muscle to lift and improve the overall muscle tone of the face without surgery. EmFace is a game changing technology.” Dr. Haven also offers Emsculpt Neo for body contouring which can build muscle by 25% and decrease fat by 30% after a series of treatments.

Dr. Haven is consistently ranked in the top 1% of injectors nationwide, and she personally performs 100 percent of all Botox and filler treatments. Dr. Haven was selected as one of America’s Top Cosmetic Dermatologists.

Dr. Haven believes in designing an individualized anti-aging treatment plan for each patient to ensure desirable results. With a focus on noninvasive rejuvenation, Dr.Haven helps her patients look younger and more radiant. Her expertise gained from working in private practice for more than 25 years allows her to customize each treatment session to offer optimal results to every patient. In August 2021, Dr. Haven moved into a brand-new office with state-of-the-art technology. Dr.Haven says, “Patients have

5 Oak Street, Greenwich, CT 203.869.4242 • LynneHavenMD.com

plenty of privacy coming to our spacious stand-alone building-and as always, excellent personalized care.”

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

75

LynneHaven_Jan26.indd 64_77_STM_Top DOCS_Jan-Feb 1 2026.indd 75

12/10/25 12/2/25 8:35 1:50 AM PM

TOP DOCTORS

2026

Jennifer F. Henkind Stamford Pediatric Associates 1275 Summer St, Stamford 203-324-4109

Thomas P. Homa

Pediatric Healthcare Associates 50 Unquowa Pl, Fairfield 203-452-8322

Maria Ieni

New Canaan Pediatrics LLC 173 East Ave, New Canaan 203-972-4250

Paul Juan

Kathryn Quinn

Amy Weinrib

Henry M. Rascoff

Beth Wittenberg

Trumbull Pediatrics 132 Monroe Tpke, Trumbull 203-268-1766 Sound Beach Pediatrics 2001 W. Main St, Stamford 203-363-0123

Dara Thomas Richards Southwest Community Health Center 968 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport 203-330-6000

Marisa B. Rommeney

Valley Pediatrics of Greenwich 25 Valley Dr, Greenwich 203-622-4301

Stamford Pediatric Associates 1275 Summer St, Stamford 203-324-4109

Elizabeth Z. Krowitz

Rachel R. Rothschild

Greenwich Pediatric Associates 8 West End Ave, Old Greenwich 203-637-3212

Susan E. Lasky Stamford Health Medical Group 126 Morgan St, Stamford 203-327-1055

Rebecca LePage

Doctors’ Pediatric PC 55 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-762-3363

Laura Marks

Willows Pediatrics Group PC 1563 Post Rd E, Westport 203-319-3939

Alan H. Morelli

Stamford Health Medical Group 183 Cherry St, New Canaan 203-972-5232

Alyssa Newman New Canaan Pediatrics LLC 173 East Ave, New Canaan 203-972-4250

Katherine Kelly Noble Sound Beach Pediatrics 2001 W Main St, Stamford 203-363-0123

Karen Nordberg

Summer Pediatrics 992 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-388-8668

Jeffrey Owens

Willows Pediatric Group PC 1563 Post Rd E, Westport 203-319-3939

Pediatric Associates of Western Connecticut LLC 41 Germantown Rd, Danbury 203-744-1680

Alicia A. Salas

Stamford Pediatric Associates 36 Old Kings Hwy S, Darien 203-655-3307

Steven L. Schiz

Children’s Medical Group of Greenwich 42 Sherwood Pl, Greenwich 203-661-2440

Rachel Elisa Sheiman Willows Pediatric Group PC 1563 Post Rd E, Westport 203-319-3939

Sarah Siegel

Saugatuck Pediatrics 191 Post Rd W, Westport 203-793-4747

Jonathan Eliot Sollinger Willows Pediatric Group PC 1563 Post Rd E, Westport 203-319-3939

Lori Storch Smith

Bay Street Pediatrics 156 Kings Hwy N, Westport 203-227-3674

George V. Tsimoyianis Darien Pediatric Associates LLC 106 Noroton Ave, Darien 203-655-9741

Mark H. Vincent

Black Rock Pediatrics 1817 Black Rock Tnpk, Fairfield 203-337-5333

David Lee Tung

Pediatric Healthcare Associates 50 Unquowa Pl, Fairfield 203-452-8322

Core Medical Group 3180 Main St, Bridgeport 203-373-1593

PLASTIC, COSMETIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

Connecticut Children’s Medical Center 1817 Black Rock Tnpk, Fairfield 860-545-9000

Keith J. Attkiss

Keith J. Attkiss MD 2 ½ Dearfield Drive, Greenwich 203-862-2700

PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION Brian A. Bast

Harvey Bluestein

Michael J. Brennan

Gregory F. Brucato

Ortho Connecticut 36 Old Kings Hwy S, Darien 203-845-2200

Harvey J. Bluestein MD LLC 1735 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-254-8557

Orthopaedic Specialty Group PC 305 Black Rock Tnpk, Fairfield 203-337-2600

Brucato Plastic Surgery Center 38B Grove St, Ridgefield 203-431-7644

Jason B. Clain

Alice Chen

HSS Stamford 1 Blachley Rd, Stamford 203-705-2087

LIPSG Trumbull/Park Avenue Medical Center 5520 Park Ave, Trumbull 203-378-4230

Janet E. Freedman

Harold S. Gewirtz

Greenwich Hospital – Outpatient Physiatry 500 W. Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-863-4290

Harold S. Gewirtz MD 70 Mill River St, Stamford 203-325-1381

Boris Goldman

Linda F. Grant

Greenwich Hospital – Outpatient Physiatry 500 W. Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-863-4290

Boris Goldman MD Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center 32 Imperial Ave, Westport 203-222-3700

Tamar Kessel

Sohel Islam

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 6 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-869-1145

Advanced Specialty Care PC 901 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield 203-830-4700

Shareef Jandali

Stephen J. Massimi HSS Stamford 1 Blachley Rd, Stamford 203-705-2350

Jandali Plastic Surgery 5520 Park Ave, Trumbull 203-290-2940

Christopher S. Sahler

Anya Kishinevsky

Anya Kishinevsky MD 148 East Ave, Norwalk 203-424-2516

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 5 High Ridge Park, Stamford 203-869-1145

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 249 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-869-1145

Julie Vasile MD 1290 Summer St, Stamford 203-965-0656

Barbara A. Ward

Yale New Haven Health 77 Lafayette Pl, Greenwich 203-863-4250

Heather Waters

CT ENT Sinus Center Hearing & Balance 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-680-8960

PODIATRY Michael Connor

Wilton Footcare Associates 27 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-761-1230

Paulina Piekarska Ortho Connecticut 323 Riverside Ave, Westport 203-845-2200

PSYCHIATRY Mohamed Elsamra Elevate Health and Wellness 175-179 Post Rd W, Westport 203-450-4882

Joseph F. Goldberg Joseph F. Goldberg MD LLC 128 East Ave, Norwalk 203-854-9607

Laurence S. Lorefice Laurence S. Lorefice MD MPH 1445 E. Putnam Ave, Old Greenwich 203-637-4006

Limore Maron

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 14 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-852-2292

Greenwich Anesthesiology Associates PC 27 Stag Lane, Greenwich 203-661-8282

Mark Waynik

The Waynik Group 52 Beach Rd, Fairfield 203-254-2000

PULMONOLOGY Amy Ahasic

Nuvance Health Medical Practice Pulmonary Sleep & Critical Care Medicine 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2392

John-Paul Ayala

Yale New Haven Health 15 Corporate Dr, Trumbull 203-261-3980

Michael A. Bernstein Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-348-2437

John J. Chronakos Nuvance Health 33 Germantown Rd, Danbury 203-739-8330

Sohail Kayani

Yale New Haven Health 115 Technology Dr, Trumbull 203-452-1411

Caroline P. Kurtz Nuvance Health Medical Practice 40 Cross St, Norwalk 203-852-2392

Jeff S. Kwon

YNHH|Bridgeport Hospital 267 Grant St, Bridgeport 203-384-3817

Ming-Ming Lee

Joshua C. Pollack

Eric M. Leibert

David Passaretti MD 722 Post Rd, Darien 203-450-4387

Greenwich Hospital – Center For Healthy Aging 5 Perryridge Rd, Greenwich 203-863-3316

Elsa M. Raskin

Bruce Shapiro

Dominic J. Roca

David Passaretti

Gary Solomon

Julie Vasile

John S. Tamerin

Charles J. Morgan MD 80 Grove St, Ridgefield 203-293-0343

Sandra L. Margoles MD 40 West Elm St, Greenwich 203-869-2939

Integrated Pain Solutions 2001 W. Main St, Stamford 475-244-7341

Advanced Specialty Care PC 107 Newtown Rd, Danbury 203-830-4700

Nuvance Health Medical Practice – Pulmonary Sleep & Critical Care Medicine 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2392

Sandra L. Margoles

Halina M. Snowball

Prashant Soni

Elsa M. Raskin MD PC 4 Dearfield Dr, Greenwich 203-861-6620

Charles J. Morgan

Bruce Shapiro MD 666 Glenbrook Rd, Stamford 203-327-4144

YNHH|Northeast Medical Group Pulmonary Medicine 5 Perryridge Rd, Greenwich 203-863-3190 Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-348-2437

stamfordmag.com

76

64_77_STM_Top DOCS_Jan-Feb 2026.indd 76

12/10/25 1:50 PM

TOP DOCTORS

2026

Daniel J. Rudolph

Northeast Medical Group Pulmonary & Internal Medicine 15 Corporate Dr, Trumbull 203-261-3980

Hossein Sadeghi

Pediatric Pulmonology LLC 32 Strawberry Hill Ct, Stamford 203-276-5949

Sakshi Sethi

Nuvance HealthPulmonary & Sleep Medicine Danbury 33 Germantown Rd, Danbury 203-739-8330

John A. Spera MD

Nuvance Health Medical Practice – Radiation Oncology Danbury 24 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-739-7190

RADIOLOGY Ian Karol

Advanced Radiology Consultants 267 Grant St, Bridgeport 203-843-3739

Ruben Kier

Hartford Healthcare|St. Vincent’s Medical Center 2800 Main St, Bridgeport 203-576-6000

Erez Salik

RADIATION ONCOLOGY Christine Chin

Nuvance Health Medical PracticeRadiation Oncology Norwalk 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2719

Deborah X. Fang

Hartford Healthcare Cancer Institute at St. Vincent’s Medical Center 2800 Main St, Bridgeport 475-210-5085

Philip Gilbo

Nuvance Health Medical Practice – Radiation Oncology Norwalk 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2719

Christopher M. Iannuzzi

Hartford Healthcare| St. Vincent’s Medical Center 2800 Main St, Bridgeport 203-576-6000

Frank A. Masino

Bennett Cancer Center One Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-276-7886

Pradip M. Pathare Nuvance Health 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2719

Seema Sanghavi

Nuvance Health Medical Practices – Radiation Oncology Danbury 24 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-739-7190

Stuart N. Novack

Nuvance Health Medical Practices – Rheumatology Norwalk 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-852-2290 Nuvance Health Medical Practice – Rheumatology Danbury 33 Germantown Rd, Danbury 203-794-5600

David Bomback

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 39 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-744-9700

Jessica R. Stein

Patrick J. Webster

Norwalk Radiology Consultants 148 East Ave, Norwalk 203-276-4311

Paul M. Sethi

Orthopaedic Specialty Group PC 305 Black Rock Tnpk, Fairfield 203-337-2600

Stamford Health Medical Group 292 Long Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-348-9455

Evan S. Wasserman

Paul Apostolides

John N. Awad

Bret Sohn

Nuvance Health Medical Practice – Rheumatology Norwalk 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-852-2290

SPORTS MEDICINE

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 6 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-869-1145

Alla Rudinskaya

YNHH|Greenwich Hospital – Radiology 5 Perryridge Rd, Greenwich 203-863-3960

SPINE SURGERY

Amory J. Fiore

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 6 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-869-1145

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-852-2290

Jeffrey Gilligan

REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY

SLEEP MEDICINE

Elite Brain & Spine of Connecticut 33 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-792-2003

Joshua Hurwitz

Hira Bakhtiar

Nuvance Health Medical Practice – Pulmonary Sleep & Critical Care Medicine 520 West Ave, Norwalk 203-855-3632

David L. Kramer

Illume Fertility 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-750-7400

Andrew Levi

Park Avenue Fertility 5520 Park Ave, Trumbull 203-372-6700

Cynthia Murdock

Illume Fertility 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-760-7400

Ilana Ressler

Illume Fertility 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-750-7400

Spencer Richlin

Illume Fertility 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-750-7400

Barry Witt

Illume Fertility 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-760-7400

RHEUMATOLOGY Lana I. Bernstein

Northeast Medical Group Rheumatology 15 Valley Dr, Greenwich 203-302-4181

Don-Andre Jackson

Hartford Healthcare Medical Group Specialty Care 1505 Post Rd E, Westport 475-210-4350

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 39 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-869-1145

Scott Pail Sanderson Elite Brain & Spine of Connecticut 33 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-792-2003

Zubin Bham

Bridgeport Hospital 267 Grant St, Bridgeport 203-384-5009

Christopher Manfredi

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 6 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-869-1145

SURGICAL ONCOLOGY Eric Dong

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-3137

Sajid A. Khan

Yale Surgical Oncology 5520 Park Ave, Trumbull 203-337-8507

Daniel Labow

Nuvance Health Medical Practice – Surgical Oncology Danbury 95 Locust Ave, Danbury 203-852-3137

UROLOGY Steven V. Kardos

YNHH|Northeast Medical Group Urology 1152 Kings Hwy Cutoff, Fairfield 203-256-5500

Michael E. Karellas YNHH|Yale Urology 55 Holly Hill Ln, Greenwich 877-925-3637

Jeremy D. Kaufman Northeast Medical Group Urology 160 Hawley Ln, Trumbull 203-375-3456

Edward B. Paraiso II Northeast Medical Group Urology 160 Hawley Lane, Trumbull 203-375-3456

Robert P. Weinstein Northeast Medical Group Urology 160 Hawley Lane, Trumbull 203-375-3456

VASCULAR SURGERY Benjamin Chandler Gold Coast Vascular Surgery 871 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield 203-309-6283

Paul J. Gagne

Vascular Ct PLLC 330 Boston Post Rd, Darien 203-548-7858

Taras Kucher

The Vascular Experts 85 Old Kings Hwy N, Darien 844-482-7285

Michael A. Sergi

The Vascular Experts 75 Kings Hwy Cutoff, Fairfield 844-482-7285

DataJoe Research is a software and research company specializing in data collection and verification, and it conducts various nominations and research campaigns across the United States on behalf of publishers. To create the “top doctors” list, DataJoe Research facilitated an online peer-voting process, also referencing government sources. DataJoe also conducted media analysis through Internet research to factor in public perception. DataJoe then tallied the votes per category for each doctor to isolate the top nominees in each category. After collecting nominations and considering additional information from the media analysis, DataJoe checked and confirmed that each published winner had a current, active license status with the state regulatory board. If we were not able to find evidence of a doctor's current, active registration with the state regulatory board, that doctor was excluded from the list. In addition, any doctor who has been disciplined, up to the timeframe of the review process for an infraction by the state regulatory board, was excluded from the list. Finally, DataJoe presented the tallied result to the magazine for its final review and adjustments.

Nuvance Health Medical Practice – Pulmonary Sleep & Critical Care Medicine 30 Stevens St, Norwalk 203-855-3888

Adil Salam

Pulmonary & Internal Medicine Associates PC 15 Corporate Dr, Trumbull 203-261-3980

Ian Weir

Final Note: We recognize there are many good doctors who are not shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the region. Inclusion in the list is based on the opinions of responding doctors in the region and the results of our research campaign. We take time and energy to ensure fair voting, although we understand that the results of this survey nomination are not an objective metric. We certainly do not discount the fact that many, many good and effective doctors may not appear on the list.

Nuvance Health Medical Practice – Pulmonary Sleep & Critical Care Medicine 520 West Ave, Norwalk 203-855-3632

Disclaimers: DataJoe uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list.

DataJoe does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. DataJoe does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from DataJoe.

Stasia Wieber

Yale New Haven Health – Northeast Medical Group 501 Kings Hwy E, Fairfield 203-610-8745

Questions? For research/methodology questions, contact the research team at surveys@datajoe.com.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

77

64_77_STM_Top DOCS_Jan-Feb 2026.indd 77

12/10/25 1:50 PM

MEET FLOWCODE, THE NEXT GENERATION OF QR CODES

Go ahead, try it out. Point your phone’s camera at the Flowcode to scan.

Moffly-Flowcode-Ad-Final.indd 78_79_STM_Ad Index_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 4 78

12/10/25 4/6/21 10:11 12:21AM PM

1 10:11 AM

advertisers index ART & ANTIQUES

ONS Orthopaedic Neurosurgery Specialists .....................................................64

Drew Klotz Kinetic Sculpture ..................................................................................1

Stamford Health ........................................................................................... Cover 4

BUILDING & HOME IMPROVEMENT

Yale New Haven Health ......................................................................................... 73

California Closets .................................................................................................... 3

LEGAL

BUSINESS & FINANCE

Cummings & Lockwood - Greenwich .................................................................... 6

Westy Self Storage .................................................................................................21

NON-PROFITS

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Adopt A Dog ............................................................................................................. 8

Fairfield University/Quick Center for the Arts .......................................... Cover 3

Breast Cancer Alliance .........................................................................................40

Person to Person Rising Together Benefit .......................................................... 27

The Elephant Sanctuary ....................................................................................... 79

PROJECT MUSIC ....................................................................................................21 TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION

Westport Country Playhouse ...............................................................................31

Windham Mountain Club ........................................................................................ 5 FOOD & LODGING MISCELLANEOUS

Winvian .................................................................................................................... 11

Best of the Gold Coast Contest ............................................................................. 9

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Big Picture ..............................................................................................................36

Dearfield Oral Surgery ............................................................................................ 6

Bob Capazzo Photography .................................................................................... 8

Hospital for Special Surgery ....................................................................... Cover 2 LCB Senior Living ................................................................................................... 11

Flowcode ................................................................................................................ 78

Lynne Haven MD .................................................................................................... 75

Greenwich Photo Contest .....................................................................................21

Nichols MD ............................................................................................................... 7

Moffly Newsletters ................................................................................................ 12

Nuvance Health .....................................................................................................69

Stamford Weddings ..............................................................................................40

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 STAMFORD

79

78_79_STM_Ad Index_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 79

12/10/25 12:21 PM

postscript ph ot o g r a ph by robby g r ay

HERE WE GO, 2026 A

s we sail into the new year, now is the perfect time to share the serenity of this single craft coasting under a full moon rising over Long Island Sound. On an unseasonably warm evening in October, Robby Gray captured the quiet moment, shooting from the deck of Ian and Kim Treibick’s Fleming motoryacht Calypso. Here’s hoping that wherever your adventures take you, the seas are calm, and the wind is with you.

Send us your Stamford snaps to editor@stamfordmag.com for a chance to win $100. Please write photo submission in the subject line. stamfordmag.com

80

80_STM_Postscript_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 80

12/10/25 12:22 PM

February 20 8 p.m.

Internationally renowned dance company, BODYTRAFFIC inspires audiences around the globe to simply love dance. Based in Los Angeles and led by artistic director Tina Finkelman Berkett, the company thrives in perfecting multiple choreographic voices with power and fun.

Become a Season Member Today DRUM TAO The Best

February 1 • 4 p.m.

COV3_STM_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 3

Scott Rothkopf

February 9 • 7:30 p.m.

203.254.4010 • QuickCenter.com

12/10/25 12:25 PM

FLY MEDI OF A M

TOP

DOCTORS

2026

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR TOP DOCTORS!

Thank you to our doctors and patient care teams for providing world-class care, closer to home.

Cancer

Neurosciences

Primary Care

Cardiology

Orthopedics

Surgery

Imaging & Radiology

Pediatrics

Women’s Health

DARIEN | GREENWICH | NEW CANAAN | NORWALK | RIVERSIDE | STAMFORD | WESTPORT | WILTON Pictured from left to right above: (front row) Dr. Melindy Ciulla, Dr. Maher Madhoun, and Dr. Jessica Li; (back row) Dr. Shara Israel, Dr. Henry Yoon, Dr. Michael Ebright, Dr. Joshua Herbert, Dr. Kevin Miller, Dr. Bret Sohn, Dr. Lillian Huang, Dr. Joonun (Chris) Choi, and Dr. Michael Bernstein.

Top Docs Ad_Moffly_Jan 2026_.indd 1 COV4_STM_Jan_Feb_2026.indd 4

StamfordHealth.org

12/1/25 2:41 PM 12/10/25 12:25 PM