There’s no one who quite embodies “do-something” spirit more than Kara Berghaus. And not unlike our happy hamlet here, “though she be little, she is fierce” (and in a good way) is an apt description, especially when it comes to advocating for our kids, volunteering in our schools and generally (spoiler alert), just making it all happen.
With her contagious optimism, this long-time resident keeps us zen, makes us smile and shares Lesley Kirschner’s soft spot for Holden Caufield… who doesn’t love a reliably resilient unreliable narrator?
The two caught up recently to toast the fresh start of the new school year, their devout love of Swedish candy and what it means to dive in head first before testing the waters (or even learning to swim). J.D. Salinger would be proud, for sure.
1. From Wilton SEPTA, to Go Zen, to your most recent role as lead educator and volunteer outreach at Ambler Farm, my hat goes off to the many, many hats you’ve worn (and well I might add) here in this great town we call home. Reflecting back over the years, is there a role in particular or an achievement you’re most proud of?
Kara Berghaus: Thanks so much for your kind words. I have always followed my heart… I go where I am needed and where I can provide the most support.
During COVID, so many students and families were struggling with anxiety and their mental health. When I was asked to lead student groups for the Go Zen Anxiety Relief and Resilience Building Program on Zoom, I immediately said ‘yes’ even though I didn’t even really know what a Zoom was… Like for all of us, it was unchartered territory and I am definitely not techy!
But, being able to empower and support students and families during such a difficult time was so very important and I am grateful that I was able to help. Hearing stories about how my students were able to successfully utilize the skills that they learned in Go Zen outside of the classroom to overcome their fears and anxiety made me so happy to hear! I’m really proud of all of my students…that was not an easy time for anyone.
With starting Wilton SEPTA, the Wilton Special Education Parent Teacher Association — that was a kind of a big lift but one that needed to happen within our school community. I think if I had known just how much work it was going to take to get things up and running I probably would have run, lol! All kidding aside though, sometimes diving in head first works out, and in this case it did. Hearing my mom in my ear always telling me, “Kara, just go make it happen!” was kind of a driving force for me as well.
I am so grateful for all of the support that I had from our superintendent, Dr. Kevin Smith, and our Special Services Administration, staff members and our board members, families and volunteers for their encouragement and help along the way. I am most appreciative of connections and support that staff and families have found through SEPTA. My hope is that we can continue to create and foster positive support for many years to come.
2. I sometimes think scratching the surface of something unleashes feelings and frustrations, fears and foresight we didn’t know we had. That one line in “Piano Man” about being a movie star ‘if I could get out of this place’ opens some sort of emotional cavity for me that I’m sure rivals my husband crying at the end of every Pixar movie. What’s your kryptonite?
Berghaus: I don’t think that I have ever told anyone this before, but I think for me it would be the scene from the novel Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. The part of the story where Holden describes the children playing at the top of the hill in the rye and wanting to protect them from running and falling off that cliff that symbolizes adulthood. That scene and story has stuck with me ever since high school. I think about it often. I have always felt that the character of Holden Caufield and I have been somewhat of kindred spirits in a way from that standpoint of wanting to fiercely protect children from anything that robs them of their childhood or their innocence before it’s time. I think in today’s society we force kids to grow up way too fast. It is such a special and magical time, what’s the rush?
3. If you could rewind to a year in your life and relive it, what would it be?
Berghaus: Well, this one is easy. I would rewind the year before my mom got sick. Time is a thief, and we never get enough of it with the people we love. Grandparents especially do not get enough time with their grandkids because school schedules and sports/activities take up so much of family free time these days. While I have always prioritized family time, it never really feels like enough. I would go back in time and plan a really fun girls trip with my mom, sister and our daughters. That is something I really wish we could have done together.
4. On the heels of a new school year, a fresh start and a clean slate to not come off as the designated drone parent circling your child’s educational experience, how do you think parents can talk so teachers will listen and teachers can talk so parents will listen? Any tips and tricks for maybe not being “that mom” at Back to School Night or the rest of the year?
Berghaus: The start of a new school year is exciting but it can also be a highly anxious time for families and children particularly during the first few weeks of transition back to school. Allow for some space and grace as everyone readjusts back to the daily routines. Not everything falls in line immediately and that is ok.
Working collaboratively with your school team and your child on how to navigate difficult situations early on — this has helped me throughout the years however it always feels like a steep transition at this time of the year. I grew up in New York so school before Labor Day will never be acceptable and I still have this mindset but I know with time we all will adjust.
5. In an alternate life I have Natalie Portman’s nose, Lorelei Gilmore’s Jeep and a best selling novel that reads like a hamburger but pays like a sirloin. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Berghaus: My height! I’m just 5 foot 1 inch-and-a-half and always think of Bobby Brady from the “Brady Bunch” and how he tried to stretch himself! We shrink as we get older so I’m not sure how that will look for me in a few years.
Bonus Questions
6. I have a severe aversion to wet bandaids. Do you have any “throw up in your throat a little” disinclinations?
Berghaus: I have an aversion for certain words that start with the letter “P” — they are mostly the gross words, lol!
7. I know you recently visited Portugal. I have an uncle from the Azores. Was there a landmark or snapshot in your mind that really stands out?
Berghaus: There were so many. Portugal was a really magical place! If I had to pick one place it would be the Sete Cidades on the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores. It’s one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal.
8. I’ve recently developed an addiction to Swedish candy, specifically the sour gummies, specifically this very expensive brand that I bought once in Deborah Anne’s. Do you have any vices or foods you hide from your children?
Berghaus: Anything that is sweet and salty, oh and those red Swedish Fish!