Creativity Connects Ridgefield: Meet Theresa Santoro, CEO of RVNAhealth

Creativity Connects Ridgefield

What fuels a vibrant, connected, and creative community? What makes people feel good about living in Ridgefield?

When locals share the creativity that they uncover in the nooks and crannies of their community it brings about connectivity and makes us all feel good. Believe it or not, you discover creativity every day as you walk, shop, work, and play in Ridgefield. 

Creativity Connects us. Meet Theresa Santoro, CEO and President of RVNAhealth.

Is there a person or organization using creativity to provoke change in Ridgefield?

I would have to say our First Selectman, Rudy Marconi deserves that distinction. You will find him out and about, day and night, working with and supporting individuals and groups. I honestly do not know where he gets his energy.  I have served on several committees with Rudy and attended countless meetings with him.  I have always enjoyed watching him in action. He ensures that everyone feels heard, sees the best in people, inspires collaboration, gets results and does it authentically. He has earned his stripes on provoking change.

Any place in town where you go for inspiration and creativity?

Mine is the classic story of discovering and falling in love with Ridgefield the moment we drove past the fountain heading north on Main Street to meet a real estate agent. It was 1993 with two young kids and a newborn in the backseat. We knew that day which Fairfield County town we would soon call home. Inspiration and creativity are all around us from our unique neighborhoods, endless opportunities to enjoy the Arts, a beautiful main street and the town culture and diversity. But what I am truly inspired by (and grateful for) is my legacy this town has helped me develop: those three kids in the backseat and the wonderful adults they have become.  They grew up in this glorious town, attended our fine schools, felt safe at the Boys and Girls Club of Ridgefield and participated in every imaginable after school activity, scouting, swim teams, music lessons, Rec Center birthday parties, bible camps, sports, National Charity League (NCL). The list goes on and on. Their childhood was filled with love, support, safety, and fun. That does not happen by accident. Today, anytime I drive by that fountain, I cannot help but feel grateful, enthusiastic for young families and wishful to do it all over again. That is inspiration.

Is there an organization in town that makes you feel good?

Most definitely! That organization is RVNAhealth! As an RVNAhealth employee for the last 20 years, I have been inspired and in awe repeatedly witnessing the impact our nurses, therapists, and aides have on improving the lives of everyone they touch. Leading with compassion, they have an innate ability to understand the human condition and meet an individual regardless of where they are along their journey mentally, physically, emotionally or at the end of their lives. It is moving beyond belief and makes me so proud to be a part of this meaningful organization. 

While not an organization, another spot that makes me feel good is my favorite shop, Turkey Ridge. I do not think I have ever walked out of there empty-handed. I use the “one gift for you, one gift for me” method of shopping at TR!


Creativity Connects Ridgefield is made possible by LIFEWTR.

If you have local creativity to share and would like to be featured in this series, feel free to email CreativityConnects@HamletHub.com 

The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of HamletHub or LIFEWTR. 

R
Submitted by Ridgefield, CT

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