Meet a Mom is the incredible mom Lisa Mitchell she is a local author, of The Case of the Missing Cheese that is sold locally at All Together Now, Mount Kisco,Scattered Books, Chappaqua, The Katonah Reading Room, Katonah, Hudson Valley Books for Humanity, Ossining. Read about Lisa’s inspiration for her first book and her Northern Westchester favorites!
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
My family is originally from Scotland. I immigrated to the US at a young age and became a citizen in 2013. I’ve lived in Mount Kisco for 17 years.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
We have one eight-year-old.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
Growing up, math was a major challenge for me, and I ended up pursuing the arts as a career. So I think it is surprising, especially to people who knew me as a kid, that I teach research methods on the side.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
Oh, gosh, literally everyone. My husband has been such a huge support and an amazing partner. He has taken on far more than his share of the duties at times so that I could pursue my dreams (like getting my doctorate or publishing a book). There is also an amazing community of friends here in town, some of whom have been my support system since our kids were infants. And of course, the other moms in my family—my sister in laws, my mom, my mother-in-law.
Favorite things to do with your child?
It’s probably the theater maker in me, but I love playing make believe with my kiddo. I know she is almost at the age where she will grow out of it, but I am hoping to stretch it out for as long as possible. We crack each other up inventing elaborate worlds and scenarios for her stuffies.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
The Mount Kisco community is truly special. I work on Broadway, and coming home from the energy of times square to this little oasis every day never gets old. I think this community has provided me with the network, friends, and space I need to be my best. I love that we can walk to several amazing restaurants, that our kid can attend a phenomenal dual language school, and that we can take in music and art, all right here in town.
Tell us about your first book The Case of the Missing Cheese and what your inspiration was for the book? Are there going to be more in the series?
I’ve been a writer forever, but my published work has so far been academic or editorial in nature. But kids and creativity are my life’s work, so it felt like the natural next step to write a kids’ book. My daughter and her (hilarious) friends inspired me to write The Case of the Missing Cheese. I wanted to write a story that captured a little glimpse of childhood in a multilingual town like Mount Kisco, so that the kids here could see their world reflected in literature. I worked with three local Culture & Language consultants on the Latino/a and Italian characters. It’s just a playful mystery for 6-11 year olds, but it happens against the backdrop of a community like ours. I’ve set it up as a series called The Grove Street Mysteries and I’m already plotting out the second book.
Tell us your faves
Favorite date night spot HAHAHAHAHA what’s a date?
Favorite restaurant to go as a family Exit 4 Mount Kisco
Favorite place to go out with friends Pour in Mount Kisco
Favorite place to go to have fun as a family I love going for walks as a family in Lasdon Park
Favorite local bookstores All Together Now has the best kidlit section! I also love Curio Room
