The Firefly Project: Matt Hutchison

I met Matt while we lived across the hall from each other in the dorms at Cal Poly SLO. He was one of the few people whom I bonded with my freshman year, in fact he was even nice enough to let me borrow his gold Honda Legend to get to off-campus for a few class meetings. Matt’s path and mine reconnected 6 years ago when I took a job near Sunnyvale (his hometown); he had moved back home to pursue a career in fire/police and we reconnected with the help of Facebook. Matt came in and helped me set up my brand new classroom - he was patient and understanding, especially when I made him reconfigure an entire wall of shelves only to change my mind and have him move it back the next day. While I don’t get the opportunity to see Matt as much as I’d like, I know that he lives his life in service, not only while serving as a Public Safety Officer in Sunnyvale but in his everyday life. He is a loving husband to Katie and loyal friend. I value the times that we do spend together - annual pumpkin carving, hitting balls at the driving range, or watching Zac Efron movies (ok, so that was only once). His sense of humor can’t be overlooked and I especially value the way he will speak his mind and give his honest opinion when I’m seeking advice.

Today Matt came into my classroom to read to the kids in celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday - he did this despite having just worked a graveyard shift. That's just the kind of guy he is. He was enthusiastic and the kids absolutely loved hearing him read our favorite tongue twister Fox in Socks. I’m lucky to call Matt my friend.  

Matt, you make the world a brighter place.

The Firefly Project: Jennifer Kontich

Jennifer is a friend who is constantly impressing me, both personally and professionally. While I met Jennifer down at Cal Poly, we didn’t really connect until we were both working in Santa Clara and further strengthened our friendship while going through a Masters Program together at San Jose State. On a professional level, Jennifer is a competent, dedicated, and enthusiastic teacher - she loves her job and she not only excels in the classroom, but has taken on more extra responsibilities in her years of service than most. As a graduate classmate and part of our cohort, Jennifer proved herself to be motivated, organized, and thorough - a perfect balance for an “orange” like me. I didn’t think anyone loved “To Do” lists as much as me until I met Jennifer.

On a personal level, she is an amazing friend who I feel fortunate to have in my life. Both Jennifer and her husband are an absolute blast to be around - they cut a rug harder than any married couple I know. Jennifer is active, loves the outdoors, and does a seemingly effortless job of balancing friends spread geographically throughout the greater Bay Area as well as consistently making time for her family and in-laws. Jennifer is currently pregnant with what will undoubtedly be an incredibly active little girl; she is going to make a fantastic mother. I can’t wait to have a mini version of her running around. 

Jennifer, you make the world a brighter place.

The Firefly Project: Allison Gomez

Today’s firefly is a girl who inspires me with her ambition, drive, and the way she gives 110% to everything that she does. If there was a modern day, female equivalent of a “Renaissance Man” - Allison would be it. 

She is a gorgeous young lady with amazing athletic abilities who is focused and dedicated to her health and fitness. She attends group classes daily AND has made time to supplement with an extensive triathalon training program. Oh, and did I mentioned she holds down a very successful full time job in addition to all of that. In the past few months, I’ve been lucky enough to also get to spend some time with her outside the training facility. She’s always up for an adventure - whether it’s carving pumpkins, driving to the city for a movie premier, or taking an art lesson at a random El Torito. Every time I hang out with Allison I find out something else she’s got up her sleeves - skiing, rockclimbing, and baking to name a few. Not only do I admire the way she throws herself into everything whole-heartedly, but I appreciate the way that she maintains a great demeanor and balances all her obligations. I am lucky to call Allison a friend, and I look forward to many more adventures with her. 

Allison, you make the world a brighter place.

The Firefly Project: Mike Minkel

Today I had the pleasure of grabbing coffee and catching up with my latest firefly, Mike Minkel. I met Minkel a little less than a year ago when we became roommates at the McNiff Mansion (read: equivalent of a frat house for twenty-somethings). During our short stint as roomies I grew to love Minkel. His overwhelming awesome sense of humor sometimes overshadows the other amazing qualities he possesses, including one of the biggest hearts out there. He is genuine in every sense of the word. His word is good, his intentions are pure and he's always willing to help - whether it means lugging furniture for friends in his gigantic truck, helping me build a bookshelf at 2am (sorry Jeff and Janelle) or just hanging out when I needed a couch surfing buddy. Minkel brings a laugh and a smile to anyone that he encounters.

While I lived with Mike, he worked for the Giants and gave of his time to coach a youth baseball team. Mike's passion for baseball can only be rivaled by his passion for junk food. You wouldn't know it by looking at him, but the boy can eat! My favorite Minkel story is when he shared with me his idea of a workout: running to Panda Express or Taco Bell to get food, and then running home to eat it. All joking aside, Minx is a friend who I know will be around for a lifetime; even when we go weeks without talking I know we can sit down - like we did today - and pick up right where we left off. Those are the kind of friends anyone would love to have. 

For the joy you bring to the people around you and the willingness you have to help others, you make the world a brighter place.

The Firefly Project: Charming Nails

Today, while getting my nails done - I had an unorthodox idea. If people can be fireflies, why can't places or things? So today, my firefly is Charming Nails. For me (and probably others) a manicure can remedy a bad day, help celebrate a victory, or simply provide an hour of relaxation.

When I find a great place for manicures, I cherish it. Brought here years ago by a coworker, I now visit this Franklin Mall location whenever I can justify a little pampering. Their prices are reasonable, facilities are clean, staff is friendly, and nail polish selection is ample. I always leave there with a great mani/pedi and a smile on my face.

Thank you, Charming Nails for providing the South Bay with a fantastic and affordable pampering option - you make the world a brighter place.

Express Pedicure: $20     Express Manicure: $12     Gel Manicure: $22     Mini Facial: $30

The Firefly Project: Kristin Seaburg

I met Kristin in quite a serendipitous circumstance - attending the wedding of our dear mutual friends Kristin and Brett in Sarasota, Florida. Through a series of events we ended up sharing a room that weekend, and a friendship couldn't help but grow. We both shared similar past experiences that helped us bond initially, and our similar outlooks on fitness, life, and fun helped us grow to be great friends.

Kristin is a physical therapist who is always willing to help someone (even when they ask for advice in the middle of her workout). She is always up for activities, adventures and new experiences; her love of travel and sense of spontaneity are things in her that I truly admire. Kristin has had her fair share of struggle over the course of the last year, but her loyalty, resiliency, and positive attitude have pulled her through and given her the chance to reevaluate and refocus her energy.

For the amazing zest for life that you share with the people you encounter, you make the world a brighter place.

The Firefly Project: Katy Casellini

Everyone should have a friend like Katy Casellini. She is loyal, trustworthy, caring, and compassionate. She’s been there for me at the lowest of my lows - picking me up and dusting me off. She’s been there to celebrate my highest highs and reassure me that I deserve all the good things that have come my way.

I was fortunate enough to meet Katy in 2007 when I moved to the bay area to start my career at Laurelwood - she was an intern in the room next door. What began as co-workers developed fast into a friendship as I was lucky enough to be welcomed into Katy's world. We've never taught more than a door away from each other (which works out well so we can pop in and "check on each other" throughout the day) Her dedication to teaching is admirable; the time and energy that she has put in the past couple of years to become Reading Recovery certified has increased her professional contributions exponentially. She is an amazing teacher, a great co-worker and an even better friend. 

Throughout the years we have had our share of adventures, from road trips to emotional roller-coasters and everything in between. When I met Katy, the prospect of a road trip to San Luis Obispo with no real agenda and the promise of "couches to sleep on" was a daunting one - she's a planner. Over the years she has embraced more of the go-with-the-flow approach and it's led to some of our most memorable adventures. Katy loves the beach, especially San Diego - we celebrated her birthday and a couple New Years there and it really is as magical as she believe it to be. :)

Katy has made a huge transformation since I met her 6 years ago, both physically and otherwise. She has lost over 40 pounds in the time I've known her and changed her outlook on both diet and exercise. A couple years ago, Katy introduced me to Club Circuit, which vastly changed the way I thought about working out; she still attends weekly and is dialed into an amazing group of supportive individuals. She is always supportive when I'm starting a new diet program (even when it receives less than warm receptions in the staff room) and she enjoys her morning Shakeology out of a red solo cup as much as I do. Katy has been a vegetarian for more than a year now; this compassionate choice is one that I both respect and admire (even though I didn't fully understand its' power until recently). We've run races together, and even conquered each of our first half marathon together at the Las Vegas Rock N Roll - an experience that I won't soon forget. While it hasn't been an easy journey to a healthier lifestyle, she's stayed committed and now has chosen to help share her success and motivation through a coaching role at Beachbody. In the short time she's been enrolled, she is already helping dozens of people to follow the same course that she did. 

Katy's kindness, compassion, professionalism, loyalty, trustworthiness, and thoughtfulness are just a few of the qualities that come to mind when I think of how to describe her. She has such a positive impact on the world around her, from children, to friends, to complete strangers that she inspires by example. 

For all that you do, all that you are, and all that you aspire to be - Katy, you make the world a brighter place.