Connect What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

There is no better feeling in the world than watching your child learn, grow, and develop into their own person. When they gain a new skill and show pride in it, my heart feels like it could burst! When they find an interest that lights them up inside, it's endlessly fascinating! While my children feel like extensions of me, I also know that ultimately they're their own human beings, complete and complex in infinite wonderful ways. What a joy and a privilege to see them evolve into those humans!

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

To improvise! I've been an actor for many years, and always loved improvisation. But nothing brought that home for me more than being a mom, especially a mom going through cancer treatment. The more I stay present, listen intently, respond honestly, and let go of the need to always be in control, the better mom (and human) I am. Life has thrown me some major curveballs, but I've learned to handle them in stride, staying flexible and depending on my real-life cast mates when I need to!

What would you do with $20,000?

First, I could pay off any outstanding medical bills from my amazing (but rather expensive) cancer treatment. Then, I know this will come as a shock, but raising three young kids is expensive! I'd love to enroll them in more classes like music, swimming, dance, t-ball, Spanish, gymnastics and anything that made their little hearts sing! Finally, we live in a house that's over 100 years old. We love it, but it could use some renovation to create even more functional space for our family.