BETSY PERNA
Trainer, Fit To You Fitness
fittoyoufitness.com
How did you get involved in fitness?
I have always been into working out. In classes, I’d find myself wanting to help people that were compromising their form, and could get hurt, but didn’t want to be ‘that’ person. I decided I could start my own fitness experience, make it fun, and make sure everyone was getting an effective workout.
How did you decide to build your business here in Westport?
So many people I know are interested in working out more, but they get into a rut where they get bored. Being able to set up at someone’s house, have fun, blast music, and get a great workout seemed to be a great way to get people to sweat it out!
What surprises people about being a fitness professional?
The amount of work it takes. I write out every class that I teach. They’re my “lesson plans.” And the amount of stuff I bring— I’m a portable gym!
How do you practice self-care?
By giving myself “me” time every day. Being a mom is a busy and exhausting job. I make it a point every single day to move no matter how much time I have. It helps clear my mind, resets my brain, and makes me a better parent.
What aspect of your career brings you the most joy?
I love that I get to plan workouts to cater to my clients. I love that they laugh with their friends during class. I love when I get texts telling me how sore they are. I love when they ask if we could do a move again next session. I love all of it!
IRIS NETZER-GREENFIELD, L.Ac
Founder, Noa Health & Acupuncture
noacenter.com
How did you first get involved in acupuncture?
The idea started back in the '90s, when my aunt told me that she was going back to school to study Chinese medicine. I was intrigued. I always had an interest in biology and alternative approaches to things in general.
How did you decide to build Noa here in Westport?
My youngest child was in preschool, so, at the time, my husband thought it would be nice for me to see people in Westport instead of commuting into NYC as often. I now have busy practices in both locations but commute way less.
What's one thing that surprises people about acupuncture?
For those who are new to it, it surprises them that they don’t feel the needles. It’s also relaxing. Patients fall asleep all the time on my table. I often say “if all acupuncture helps with is reducing stress, then it's worth it.”
How do you practice self-care?
I try to live a balanced life. Like many of my patients, I’m a mom and I work. The juggle is constant. Exercise, eating well, quality sleep and time for myself is crucial.
What aspect of your career brings you the most joy?
I love making people feel better and helping them reach their personal / health goals. If I can inspire in any way, whether it's through acupuncture or friendly advice, I feel golden.
SARAH SADIE NEWETT
Founder, SSN Method
How did you get involved in fitness?
As a dance/theater major at Emerson College, Pilates was part of my curriculum, and it transformed my dance ability and body. I became certified in mat Pilates and began teaching. I then got certified in yoga, Pilates equipment, Thai massage, barre and a few more. In 2011, I found aerial silks and it changed my life. Everything I loved about dance, flexibility, strength, fluidity, and performance came together.
How did you create the SSN Method?
The SSN Method was born from hearing that my work was “so different” from anything my clients had tried. After nearly 20 years, I’ve found that curated, effective movement that creates structural strength and length are things women everywhere want. I'm so grateful for the community here in Westport and for all the women who have embraced the SSN Method.
What's one thing that surprises people about SSN?
Within their first session, all SSN clients learn they can do more than they think. I take photos to capture their flexibility and strength -- it's all about them seeing for themselves just how amazing they are!
How do you practice self-care?
I committed to getting sober in 2016 and began what has been the biggest self-care journey of my life. For me, it's a true miracle.
What aspect of your career brings you the most joy?
Seeing my clients light up when they accomplish something, or see themselves as beautiful. I believe everyone can do more than they think they can. Showing my clients this is the hallmark of my method. If joy isn’t a part of your movement practice, my question is, "Why not?”
DR. EMILY DRIESMAN
Owner and Orthodontist, Embrace Orthodontics
westportortho.com
How did you know you wanted to become an orthodontist?
Both my parents are physicians, which inspired my interest in healthcare. I knew I wanted to make an impact, and orthodontics allows me to engage with people. Growing up, I also loved painting and sculpting, so orthodonture—where I work with my hands to create beautiful smiles— was a great fit.
How did you decide to build your practice in Westport?
I grew up in Westport. When I graduated from my residency, my first job was in Fairfield. Then Dr. Steve Scher, a veteran orthodontist in Westport, asked if I would consider taking over his practice. Thus, Embrace Orthodontics was founded. It was a little scary, but I felt ready to create and grow my own practice.
What surprises people about being an orthodontist?
How fun it is to come into our office. We focus on creating a light-hearted atmosphere for patients and staff. I enjoy hosting events at my office for my patients and Westport residents, like a moms night out, or an ice cream social where kids can stop by for a free ice cream.
How do you practice self-care?
I wake up early to dedicate time to myself, whether it’s hitting the gym or enjoying a walk outside.This routine energizes me and sets a positive tone for the day.
What aspect of your career brings you the most joy?
The deep connection I share with my patients, particularly because I can relate to their experiences, having once been a teenager with braces growing up in Westport! My biggest reward is seeing my patients with their new smiles grow into confident individuals.
ALYSSA LAVY, MS, RD, CDN, CPT
Registered dietitian and personal trainer
alyssalavy.com
How did you get involved in nutrition, specifically gut health?
In college I took a course that focused on nutrition and health and fell in love (and switched my major). I was also diagnosed with GERD when I was 11. After years of medication, I was able to manage my symptoms with diet and lifestyle. It was a natural niche for me once I started studying nutrition. The rest is history!
How did you decide to build your practice here in Westport?
I was raised in Westport, and knew that Westport was home.
What surprises people about being a dietician?
People are usually surprised to learn that I don’t practice extremes in my own life, nor do I recommend extremes for my clients. I recommend balance, variety and consistency – and that’s what I practice, too!
How do you practice self-care?
As a mom of two young kids running a business, I don’t have a ton of time, but I try to prioritize self-care in ways that work for me. Some days it may be a barre class or a walk or meeting up with a friend, but oftentimes it may be as simple as taking 5-10 minutes to sit with my coffee or tea with some music (or silence)!
What aspect of your career brings you the most joy?
Working with clients is always rewarding – I love helping people improve their relationship with food, their body and their health. I also love the creative aspect– I work with brands offering nutrition consulting. And it brings me so much joy when I see someone enjoying my recipes. I love it all!
DR. MASHA KOGAN & DR. VIRGINIA ROMANO
Dental Center of Westport
dentalcenterwestport.com
Why did you want to become dentists?
Dentistry offered an opportunity to blend two things we’re passionate about: helping people and expressing creativity. But what truly drew us in was the chance to approach dental care with a holistic mindset—where both body and mind are cared for—and to bring artistry into our work.
Why did you build your practice in Westport?
Westport residents focus on their health and are proactive about their well-being. We saw an opportunity to create a dental practice that aligns with this, going beyond traditional dental care by emphasizing the mind-body connection.
What surprises people about being a dentist?
Our job goes beyond fixing teeth. There is an emotional aspect, as many patients come in feeling anxious, stressed, or even embarrassed about their teeth. It's our job to help them feel comfortable.
Also, while most people think of a dentist’s role as reacting to problems, a significant portion of what we do is educating about the importance of preventative oral health in relation to overall well-being.
How do you practice self care in your own lives?
In order to care for others, we need to care for ourselves. We prioritize a nutrient-dense diet, focus on strength training and cardio, use meditation and acupuncture to help with stress management, prioritize rest, and value quality time with family and friends.
What aspect of your career brings you the most joy?
The positive impact we make on a patient’s health and confidence. When we see a patient leave the office with a brighter, healthier smile, but also a sense of renewed self-esteem and comfort, that’s when we feel the most fulfilled.
ADRIANA GATTI LIBERATORE, MS, RDN
TrulyWell
How did you know you wanted to become a dietitian?
Coming from an Italian family that loves fresh, beautiful food I’ve always been involved in nutrition. When I worked in corporate finance, I became aware of how important nourishing myself was for remaining healthy. Becoming an evidence-based RD uses what I already love to do and lets me share it with other people.
How did you decide to build your practice here in Westport?
We moved from Italy to Westport in the ‘90s; it’s where I grew up. A return to my community felt like a return to family.
What surprises people about being a dietitian?
People’s perception is that I’m going to regiment what they eat and how they live. They’re surprised and delighted to find out that I flip the script. You can have your cake—and eat it too!—and see results.
How do you practice self-care?
You’ll see me walking pretty much everywhere in town. Moving, sunlight, and fresh air are what give me energy. Strength training, nutrition, and stress management are the cornerstones of physical and mental self-care, and staying connected with my personal and professional community is the foundation of my happiness.
What aspect of your career brings you the most joy?
The joy comes from empowering people to make positive changes for themselves; it’s witnessing someone’s confidence, health, and happiness bloom as they experience improvements they assumed were impossible.