Meet Judy

My cultural background is an exciting mix. I grew up hearing many European languages in our home and eating ethnic food. My father was reared in the tiny village of Lucenz, Hungary. My mother grew up in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York.

My parents left their homes in pursuit of advanced education in New York City. Later, each found employment in Staten Island, NY where they met, married and relocated to Lucenz, Hungary. They later returned to the U.S.

I was born in New Brunswick, NJ, 30 miles from New York City. Out of six children, I was the only daughter. With eight people in the family there was always a lot of activity, conversation, constant banter, laughter and East Coast humor.

My childhood was split between two cultures, spending winters in fast-paced city life around New York, while my summers were spent in the pastoral tranquility of country life in the Adirondack Mountains. New York City brought variety, ethnic food, museums, fashion, excitement and intellectual stimulation. During the summer, we lived on the family farm, experiencing the backwoods life by hunting, fishing and growing our own crops. While city life taught us to be independent, this rural setting taught us the value of strong relationships and a sense of belonging among those who depend on each other for their own survival.

Our family faced major life crises: immigration, the Depression and two major wars. Polio afflicted one family member, who learned how to be self-sufficient despite being paralyzed from the chest down. Another family member suffered from neurological damage, which exposed me to some of the many challenges and the courage the mentally ill and their families face. This event was the major influence that inspired me to become a psychotherapist.

At age 21, I traveled to Europe by myself, ultimately spending two years in seven European countries. That experience paved the way for the excitement I feel connecting with people from other countries and cultures. I know firsthand the joy and difficulties of adapting to a new culture and the reality of being far away from home. Due to my multicultural background, I enjoy helping others with issues of diversity and immigration.

At this point the passion for travel took a back seat while I turned my attention towards career development, marriage and raising children.