I met Lauren through the many activities she is involved in within our community. She currently serves as the President of the Del Ray Business Association and was recently awarded the Alexandria Chamber's 40 under 40 award for her leadership. She is the brains behind the popular bar crawls in Del Ray. If you've ever been to one and had an amazing time, it's Lauren you should thank! When she is not enhancing community wellness through events, Lauren is a practicing licensed clinical psychologist and the co-owner of Del Ray Psych & Wellness, LLC. In her practice, Dr. Lauren focuses on working with adults who experience depression and anxiety, who seek healing, change, and growth in their lives.

Photography credit: Renée C. Gage Photography

@reneecgagephoto

 Lauren is styled by Kiskadee.

ABOUT YOU

Neighborhood: Del Ray

How long have you lived in Alexandria: Since 2006

What is your hometown? Wantagh, New York

What brought you to Alexandria? Waiting tables at the Evening Star during graduate school. My old manager came down here and brought me over. I met my now husband three weeks later on the Evening Star softball team, and the rest is history.

What would surprise people about you?

• I just hiked the Grand Canyon from Rim to Rim (and survived).

• I was the first girl they allowed to play street baseball in my home neighborhood (after years of begging)

• I started my first business at the age of 12- A babysitting business, but have been hustling for money since the age of 6 (i.e., helping my bro deliver newspapers, snow shoveling, etc.)

• I occasionally do psych evaluations for reality television candidates.  

You're a superhero: what's your superpower? Kindness. It disarms even the "toughest" of people.

Favorite cocktail: Aperol Spritz

Last book read or movie seen: Book: Edith Eger: The Gift- 12 Lessons To Save Your Life; Movie: The Way

Guilty Pleasure: Cookies. I love sweets.

Phrase you overuse: Right??!

Facebook or Instagram? Facebook.

Latest binge-watch: Clickbait

Bucket list travel destination: Hiking the Camino in Spain.

If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Coffee (tough one- haha, but I Have to go with the one that will keep me energized and clearer).

FASHION

Define your style in three words or less: Business Chic & Feminine

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Leggings

Favorite trend ever: Oversized Sunglasses

Favorite current trend: Maxi Dresses

Beauty product you can't live without: Lipstick

Favorite fragrance: Beautiful (Estee Lauder)

Heels or flats? Heels/Pumps

HOME

Favorite room in your home: Kitchen – Country Chic (I love doing work at the kitchen table, sitting with the cat, and watching the birds on the deck)

Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mix

Last item bought for your home: A small jewelry dish that says "Off the Beaten Path."

Next planned purchase: Refrigerator (super boring but necessary)

Favorite way to entertain: Good friends in the backyard casually drinking beer and playing yard games.

Clutter-free or well-lived in? Well lived in.

Wallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: Definitely No.

FITNESS

Your go-to workout: Running

Most fun way to exercise: With a friend (anything)

Group exercise or solo: Mixed. Love yoga with a community.

Fitness goal: Continue to build a strong and healthy body.

Haven't yet, but might be willing to try with coaching/encouragement: As in new activity? Maybe a triathlon

Proudest fitness achievement: Hiking the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim last week (25 miles). I prepped for eight months and, in the process, fell in love with movement again and enjoyed the process of becoming healthier and stronger. I credit a lot of my readiness to working with a personal trainer CJ Wesby from Foundations Fitness (who is opening an Old Town location soon!). It was a transformative physical and spiritual journey for me.

ALEXANDRIA

Favorite spot in Alexandria: Evening Star Cafe

Last purchase in Alexandria: Dress From Kiskadee

Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: St. Elmos/Pork BBQ/Urbanos

Favorite charity: ALIVE

Favorite annual Alexandria event: The Annual Del Ray Candy Cane Bar Crawl (I love running this event, bringing community together, and raising money for our Alexandria Non-Profits.