Michelle Sanford and Elisabeth Pavlofsky are dedicated to building community in everything they do. Whether active in their neighborhoods, working in their classrooms, or seemingly living out of their cars with the daily chaos of drop-offs and carpools, this Fairfield mom duo is committed to supporting local families. Michelle began as a contributor to Fairfield County Moms, a platform launched by a childhood friend, and now leads the thriving community resource. Together with Elisabeth and their team, they continue to grow the site, providing moms with a trusted destination for parenting advice, local events, family-friendly activities, and connections that help make life a little easier. There's no gatekeeping and no carefully curated highlight reel; just honest conversations, real-life experiences, and a genuine understanding of the joys and challenges of motherhood. Meet Michelle and Elisabeth. Simply put, they're the real deal. -SB
FLM: Tell us a little about yourselves and your connection to Fairfield.
Michelle Sanford: I have called Fairfield home for nearly 18 years. I'm a grade-level leader in a local public school, owner of Fairfield County Mom and Westchester County Mom, and most importantly, a mom to three amazing kids. Between sports practices and games, school events, and playing with our two dogs, life is busy, loud, and usually fueled by coffee and Diet Coke. Fairfield has been the backdrop for so many of our family’s milestones, and I truly can't imagine raising my kids anywhere else.
Elisabeth Pavlofsky: My husband and I have lived in Fairfield for 12. We chose to raise our three daughters in Fairfield because of the school system and proximity to NYC for my husband's job. Being close to the beach and the sense of community were also reasons why Fairfield was the perfect place for our family. Fairfield had it all! In addition to my role with Fairfield County Mom, I teach preschool in town at Southport Congregational Preschool and love so much about this place I call home!
Q: What inspired you to create the website? How has the site evolved since it launched?
MS: Fairfield County Mom was actually started by my best friend from second grade as part of the City Moms Blog Network. She invited me to join as a contributor, and I immediately loved the idea of creating a community where moms could connect, share resources, and discover local businesses. I became a co-owner, later purchased Westchester County Mom, and eventually took the business independent. Over the years, we’ve grown into a trusted resource for local families, but our mission has remained the same: building community and helping moms feel connected and supported. We have an incredible team of contributors, comprehensive local guides, partnerships with businesses throughout Fairfield County, and a thriving social media community. The biggest evolution has been the depth of the conversations. We've moved beyond “Where can I take my toddler?” and into real discussions about parenting teens, mental health, grief, relationships, career changes, and all the messy, beautiful stages of motherhood.
FLM: How do you two divide responsibilities and play to each other's strengths?
MS: I focus on editorial content, contributor management, community engagement, and the brand's overall vision. We complement each other well because we genuinely respect what the other brings to the table. It also helps that we are best friends.
EP: I first started out with Fairfield County Mom as a contributor. After a few months of writing, she asked if I would be interested in being the Sponsorship Coordinator. This allows me to fully support businesses with marketing campaigns and analytics. I love this side of the business - building lasting relationships with partners. My goal is to be trustworthy and flexible, all that FCM stands for. Michelle and I work so well together, and it has become so seamless. Sometimes she laughs at my crazy ideas, but she is so supportive of the work I do and vice versa. It wouldn’t work without all the behind-the-scenes effort she puts forth, and I’m proud to help maintain positive relationships with local businesses.
FLM: So, since you’re in-the-know, what’s a great local spot to grab a coffee, catch up and get some work done?
MS: This might be controversial, but my favorite "office" is often my car in a sports parking lot. I've answered emails from football fields, lacrosse tournaments, and clinic parking lots. But when I can actually sit down, I love grabbing a coffee at Candlewood Market. It also helps that it’s located in the middle of the Sportsplex, where my kids have many classes and clinics.
EP: We are SO lucky to have a number of amazing spots to retreat to! However, whether it be an important meeting or just sorting through emails, Candlewood Market is my go-to. The big, open, and light space is so inviting. They also offer a variety of goodies and snacks - whatever your mood is, they are guaranteed to have something. Other local spots such as Joe Joe Coffee & Açaí, Roost Fairfield, Gruel Britannia, and Cosetta deserve shout-outs because they offer great spaces and amazing coffee too!
FLM: What topics seem to resonate most with your audience?
MS: The content that performs best is usually the most honest. Moms connect with stories about balancing it all, navigating different stages of parenting, mental health, friendships, marriage, grief, and the reality that none of us really have it figured out. Local guides are always popular, but the personal stories are what create true connection. When one mom shares something vulnerable, it gives other moms permission to say, "I’m not alone."
EP: Raw and candid stories resonate the most. For so long, there was a stigma around mental health. People are now talking about it and how important it is to support one another. Content related to mental health is so well received because our audience feels seen and heard. Normalizing talking about struggles is so important, and I think our readership finds solace in knowing other moms have the same struggles!
FLM: Why is it important for moms to have spaces where they can share honest experiences?
MS: Because motherhood can feel incredibly lonely when everyone appears to have it together. Social media often shows the highlight reel, but real life is much messier. We need spaces where moms can admit they’re struggling, laugh about the chaos, celebrate wins, and ask for help without judgment. The moment you realize another mom is dealing with the same thing is often the moment you stop feeling alone.
EP: I found Fairfield County Mom a few years before I knew Michelle because I was struggling to breastfeed my daughter. I was up at 2 AM pumping and doom scrolling. Googling “is breast milk or formula better?” because I was hormonal and stressed! I read an article written by a FCM contributor and thought, I am not alone! All moms struggle! We just don’t always talk about it! FCM offers a platform for moms to share and read stories that leave you feeling, “I can connect.” And that’s what we are all about!
FLM: What do you hope mothers feel when they visit your platforms?
MS: Seen, supported, and less alone. Whether they're looking for a summer camp, a pediatrician, a family event, or reassurance that they're doing okay, I want moms to leave feeling like they've found their people. I also hope they laugh. Parenting is hard, but sometimes all you can do is laugh.
EP: I hope moms feel a big virtual hug. Parenting is so hard. It’s exhausting, and it’s endless. But there is also so much joy. As I always say, we celebrate “the highs, the lows and everything in between!” I hope moms feel like they are kicking butt and rocking the mom thing! And I hope they are feeling like they can rely on us to give them fun ideas - whether it be something to do or somewhere to go - we have so many resources for moms!
FLM: What has surprised you most about building an online community?
MS: How quickly strangers become friends. I've watched moms connect through contributor opportunities, support each other through difficult seasons, and build genuine friendships. The internet gets a bad reputation sometimes, but when it's built around authenticity and community, it can create meaningful relationships.
EP: Consistency is key. I am looking at this through a partnership lens, and businesses always ask me, “What will bring me the most success with your community?” It was surprising to me how real relationships are built on consistent communication, even online! Subject matter is also a key to building community. You need to consider the resources and messaging you put out, because not everything is always received as you may have intended.
FLM: What are some hidden gems for families in our community this summer and fall?
MS: Southport Beach is one of my favorites because the limited parking keeps the crowds down, making it feel like a peaceful escape even in the middle of summer. The Chelsea is a great spot for date night or a special occasion with the kids. And while it may not be a traditional family destination, Alchemy The Salon & Spa is a hidden gem for moms—a little self-care goes a long way, and every mom deserves a chance to recharge.
EP: There are almost too many, so I am just going to list my secret go-to favorites! Sasco Beach has the most beautiful sunsets, and if you time it right, you can enjoy the Proof Pizza Truck during your beach dinner! Layla's is my go-to week night take out. Posh Nails is the best because nails include a lovely massage. Chef’s Table has the best soup in town, Bar-O-Bagel has the best bagels. And finally, Malibu has the best family meal in town. You won’t be sorry you listened to me!
FLM: What are your go-to sanity savers or best mom hacks on a tough day?
MS: Audiobooks and Diet Coke! If I'm driving between activities, listening to a great audiobook instantly lowers my stress level. My other mom hack is lowering expectations when needed. Not every day has to be productive, perfectly organized, or Instagram-worthy. Sometimes success is simply getting everyone where they need to be with clean socks and a reasonably positive attitude.
EP: On a tough day, I get a fun latte and make a list. I swear by lists - write it all down and slowly accomplish things in order of importance. Some things sit on my list for weeks, and that’s ok. Blasting 80’s ballads and belting out Celine Dion makes me happy! Also, when days are tough, take dinner off your plate, no pun intended. Either order out or find something in the freezer (another mom hack is to always make a second lasagna or taco bake and freeze it for a day like this)! And for the ultimate sanity, text or call your people. A quick convo with a girlfriend always lightens the mood!
FLM: If a family were new to town, what are the first three things you'd recommend they do?
MS: Visit local parks, beaches, and community events to get a feel for the town. Follow local resources like Fairfield County Mom to learn about activities, businesses, and family-friendly events. And most importantly, introduce yourself. Volunteer at school, join a local group, attend a community event. Fairfield is filled with welcoming people, but building connections starts with showing up.
EP: First, get a beach sticker! Grab an egg sandwich from Tasty Yolk or a sandwich from Sorrentos and walk by the ocean! You will be so in love! Next, walk down the Post Road. Check out all the cute shops and restaurants! Grab a bite at Old Post Tavern or something quick to go at the Pantry or Firehouse Deli. Shop at the Beehive or Apricot Lane. There is something for everyone downtown! Finally, get involved. Sign your kids up for sports with the rec department, see what clubs you can join at your children’s school, and look for volunteer opportunities with local charities. There are so many opportunities right at your fingertips!
FLM: What's been the most rewarding part of this journey so far?
MS: Without question, it's hearing that something we created helped someone. Whether it's a mom who found a support system, a family who discovered a local resource, a business owner who grew because of a partnership, or a contributor who found her voice through writing—those moments remind me why we do this. Building community has always been the goal, and watching it happen every day is incredibly rewarding.
EP: Speaking to amazing business owners and learning about their passion and drive behind their business. I get to hear the behind-the-scenes story about their life and their establishment. You don’t often see the inspiration behind what they do in their ads, so I love knowing why they do what they do! Our community is so lucky to have so many businesses that want to make a difference!
I also feel so proud that people recognize that moms are the decision-makers and moms make things happen! After the height of the Covid pandemic, I saw a huge shift in businesses reaching out to “local mom resources” because moms get things done! I think that is such a rewarding part of our journey - knowing we support all the awesome things moms do for their families!
Join the community! Visit fairfieldcountymom.com and follow @fcmom203
Parenting is hard, but sometimes all you can do is laugh.