Your guide to the heart of Litchfield County:
Discover local stories, hidden gems, and must-know events.

Behind frosted panes and soft white curtains in a quiet Lakeville studio, Stefanie DiLibero puts 17 years of experience and care into her signature cosmetic acupuncture treatments.

She stumbled upon this ancient Chinese medicinal practice as a college student while teaching English in Taiwan, when an acupressure treatment resolved a chronic sore throat almost instantly. A few years later, acupuncture resolved another health condition, and DiLibero decided to pursue the practice herself. 

As she grew more interested in skincare and healthy aging, her training in Chinese Medicine became a central part of her technique.

“I wanted an approach that was natural and rooted in long-term health rather than quick fixes,” she says. 

She combined traditional acupuncture with modern technology to develop her own treatment method: Aculectrics. 

It starts with a simple verbal evaluation. DiLibero asked about my health history and current concerns to better inform her personalized plan, considering the body as a whole. 

I came into DiLibero’s studio with visibly irritated skin. She adjusted the plan accordingly, prioritizing gentler treatment that would help restore my skin barrier. 

While I lay in a robe on a heated table, DiLibero cleansed and hydrated my skin before applying thin, single-use needles.

The needles were so gentle I barely knew they were there. She strategically placed them all along my body and face to support circulation, digestion, and skin repair, then let them sit for 30 minutes with an LED light therapy mask over my face while a speaker played soothing sounds nearby. 

“Most people fall asleep during this part, so just relax,” she tells me. 

I was too concerned about keeping still and not messing up the needles to sleep, but it was relaxing nonetheless.After removing the needles, DiLibero used manual therapy and acupressure primarily on my chest, neck, shoulder, and jawline to help lymphatic drainage and to promote skin healing. The full session, including intake, lasted two hours. 

My skin looked hydrated and much smoother immediately after the session, but hours later I noticed even more dramatic changes––inflammation and redness had dropped, leaving my face looking calm and healthy overall. 

DiLibero uses her own treatments and has never used Botox or fillers, though her treatments are compatible with both, and her own youthful appearance is a strong testament to the long-term effects.

She started her practice, Gotham Wellness, in New York City in 2009, and has been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, and New York Magazine. She’s traveled the world honing her craft in various countries, but moved to Litchfield County during the pandemic. “I feel more at home here now than I do in the city.” 

Her Lakeville studio opened in July 2025, offering both cosmetic and traditional acupuncture services as well as a curated line of skincare products. “I love helping people feel at home in their bodies. The external changes matter, but the internal shift—how someone feels in their body and in themselves—is just as powerful,” says DiLibero. —gothamwellness.com
20A Millerton Road, Lakeville

For many people, the hardest part of fitness isn’t the workout—it’s making it fit into real life. That’s where Fit Coach in the Hills, LLC comes in. Owner Suzanne Blaicher brings personalized training directly to clients, whether at home, at the office, or virtually from anywhere in the world. No commute, no intimidation—just smart, tailored coaching designed to keep people moving.

A certified personal trainer, senior fitness specialist, and sports nutrition coach, Blaicher works with clients of all ages and abilities, creating programs that are approachable, challenging, and even fun. Five years into running her own business, she’s built a loyal following across Litchfield County and beyond.

Her path to fitness, however, wasn’t exactly linear.

In her late 20s, Blaicher realized something had to change when she slipped into her husband’s jeans—and they fit. At the time, she smoked, exercised sporadically, and felt far removed from her athletic roots. A tough-love trainer helped reset her course, teaching her the fundamentals of strength training, while she devoured nutrition books and tracked her progress in a tiny notebook.

“I needed a lifestyle change,” she says. “Not a quick fix.”

Years later, after raising a family and immersing herself in classes ranging from yoga to TRX and spin, she pursued professional certifications and began training others in the local gym. In 2020, when the pandemic turned our worlds upside down, friends began to ask if she would come to their home and train outside. That’s when Fit Coach in the Hills was born.

What distinguishes Blaicher’s approach is flexibility paired with science-backed programming. Workouts evolve week by week, building strength and confidence while adapting to life’s curveballs. One session might focus on core stability, another on high-intensity training, or mobility work after long travel days. She works with whatever equipment clients already own, supplementing when needed, so fitness feels accessible—not expensive or complicated.

Her client roster spans from busy professionals in their 30s to active clients in their 90s. A major focus is combating sarcopenia—the muscle loss that naturally accelerates after age 30—through progressive strength training, balanced nutrition, and safe, sustainable movement. Programs often include walking plans for beginners or those returning after surgery, alongside strength, balance, and cardiovascular training.

Industry trends have also shifted. The rise of GLP-1 weight-loss medications has helped many clients begin their journey, but Blaicher emphasizes maintaining muscle through proper protein intake and resistance training. At the same time, she cautions against social-media-driven supplement overload, noting that many protein products are calorie-heavy and unnecessary for the average person.

Results, she says, speak for themselves. One client in his early 60s, recovering from multiple back surgeries, rebuilt his balance and gait through functional training, and now maintains a serious weight routine. Another recently stood up from the floor unassisted for the first time in years.

The common thread? Consistency.

“My goal is to establish a simple and effective fitness program that provides measurable results with consistency. That could mean improving balance, muscle tone, weight loss, climbing stairs without pain, or simply keeping up with kids and grandchildren! I feel so honored to help people achieve their fitness goals and can’t wait to go to work every day!”

—fitcoachinthehills.com

[Sponsored]

SpringRoot Acupuncture & Wellness in Woodbury blends the time-tested science of Acupuncture with modern medical solutions, to provide personalized, effective, unique healthcare in a meditative environment. 

What would you like people to know about Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is often the subject of miracle stories — “I went three times in 1983, and it cured me!” Yes, these do happen, and it’s amazing and wonderful when it does, but they are rare. I refer to them as winning the Acupuncture Lotto. What feels more important to share is how incredible of a tool Acupuncture is over time. Acupuncture can heal deeply in such a profound way by actually restoring both the structure and function of the body. Frequency and consistency are vital, especially with complex conditions. 

Many people come in for pain, but Acupuncture treats much more. What range of issues do you most often help patients address?

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat pain and structural issues by reducing inflammation, increasing circulation, and restoring function. But Acupuncture is also helpful for internal conditions. With 25 years of experience in Chinese Medicine, I have treated everything from anxiety, depression, and digestive issues, to autoimmune diseases, fertility, allergies, neuropathy, and migraines. I also have patients who come in for preventative care. Acupuncture is one of the original biohacking tools. It can help to maintain, optimize, and enhance the body and the mind.  

Stress and nervous system overload seem universal right now. How does Acupuncture help patients reset and feel balanced again? 

Patients often comment that just simply being at SpringRoot calms their nervous system. But there’s more to it than that. There are specific points that activate the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest), and calm the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight). Acupuncture has been proven to lower cortisol and inflammation, both drivers of anxiety. It can raise the “feel good” neurotransmitters in the body (dopamine and serotonin) as well as stimulate the release of endorphins. I’ve described receiving Acupuncture as “facilitated meditation,” because it can induce deep relaxation, which reduces activity in the area of the brain that experiences fear and emotional responses. Regular Acupuncture also supports healthy sleep, and insomnia with an overactive mind is often at the root of people feeling anxious throughout the day. 

What is the deeper goal of SpringRoot: symptom relief, long-term healing, prevention, or something else entirely?

It’s all of these, and I would add education and support to that list. I truly believe that our body’s ability to heal is far greater than we allow ourselves to believe, or have been led to believe. I want people to know that there are solutions when, often, allopathic medicine says there are not. I try to look at the big picture with my patients. We discuss lifestyle or dietary changes that can support their healing goals. I’ve seen so many amazing things happen within these walls. I always tell them, “I’m an optimistic practitioner. Let’s try!”

—SpringRootAcupuncture.com

[Sponsored]

At Eyes on Litchfield, Dr. Tabitha Plunske and Dr. Tommasina Pasqua Sideris provide comprehensive, doctor-led eye exams using advanced retinal imaging to detect early signs of systemic disease—pairing precision care with curated, boutique eyewear. Here, they answer key questions about protecting your eye health.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve caught during a routine eye exam?

Your eyes are the only place in the body where we can see blood vessels without making an incision, which makes them an incredibly powerful diagnostic tool. Between the two of us, we’ve caught early signs of diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol—even a tumor—all in patients who walked in feeling perfectly fine. One patient came in for a routine visit and we noticed changes in the back of her eye that led to discovering dangerously high blood sugar she had no idea about. Another was referred out the same day and ended up in emergency heart surgery. A comprehensive eye exam is a window into your overall health—and sometimes, it’s the appointment that changes everything.

What’s something most people don’t realize is slowly damaging their eyes?

When you’re focused on a screen, your blink rate drops by more than half. The oil glands along your eyelids depend on regular blinks to function—when they’re chronically underused, they can become blocked and eventually stop working. I’m seeing more patients in their 40s and 50s with dry eye disease that’s been quietly building for years. The simplest fix: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

At what age should people start paying closer attention to eye health?

Forty is the magic number. That’s when the lens starts losing flexibility, but it’s also when glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts can begin developing—often with zero symptoms. The warning signs people brush off: occasional blurry vision, halos around lights, eyes that feel tired by mid-afternoon. Sometimes it’s nothing. Sometimes it’s the earliest signal of something we can manage much more easily if caught early.

People spend a lot on frames—what mistakes to avoid?

Two things. First, choosing what’s trendy over what complements their features. Second, ignoring how the frame interacts with their prescription. A gorgeous oversized frame with a strong prescription can end up thick and heavy at the edges. We factor your prescription into the selection so the final product works beautifully. It’s part styling session, part science—and something you simply can’t get ordering online.

A lot of people dread eye appointments. What are you doing differently at Eyes on Litchfield?

The dread usually comes from rushed exams, feeling like a number, and sometimes not even seeing a real doctor in the room. We built Eyes on Litchfield around the opposite of that. Every exam is with a doctor, in person, unhurried. When you’re in the chair, that time is yours—if you have ten questions, we answer all ten. The space itself feels more like a boutique than a clinic, and our eyewear is curated, not mass-produced. Patients tell us coming in feels more like a treat than a chore.

What’s one thing you wish every patient knew about protecting their long-term eye health?

Glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease—they’re all silent early on. We’ve invested in the highest-resolution retinal imaging available, which lets us track even the smallest changes in your eyes year over year and catch things when treatment is most effective. Your eyes are irreplaceable. The best thing you can do is partner with a doctor who knows your eyes and is watching out for you. 

—litchfieldoptometrist.com 

Let’s start with a story: It’s winter in Germany in the 1800s. A lame deer hobbles to a lake, immerses his leg, and stands still in the cold water. The deer returns each day to visit the lake until its leg is healed. Vincent Preissnitz, recovering from a crushed finger, witnesses this water cure and begins to use cold immersion to heal his own injury. This leads to his development of hydrotherapy which, when brought to the United States, becomes part of naturopathic medicine.

This story illustrates the immutable truth of naturopathic medicine. Naturopathic medicine is grounded in the unchanging laws of science, visible throughout nature and governing all life. Gravity, circulation, adaptation, and healing responses are not trends—they are constants. The same physiological principles that supported health thousands of years ago remain at work today.

What has changed is not the laws of science, but our attention to them. As modern culture rediscovers practices like cold immersion, we witness renewed respect for truths long emphasized in naturopathic medicine. Hydrotherapy—documented in the 19th century, and now popularized through cold plunges—demonstrates how strategic exposure to water and temperature stimulates circulation, immune function, and nervous system resilience. The science has not evolved; our awareness has returned. Naturopathic medicine has always worked in alignment with these enduring laws, which is why it remains a premier system of healing.

Dr. Tara Tranguch is a Naturopathic Doctor who combines functional testing with individualized treatment plans to address whole-body health, including cardiovascular disease, digestive disorders, hormone and endocrine imbalances, and chronic inflammatory conditions. Her approach integrates nutrition, lifestyle medicine, medical-grade nutraceuticals, homeopathy,
nutrigenomics, botanical medicine, and hydrotherapy to restore balance and resilience.

Dr. Tranguch’s path into naturopathic medicine began with her own pursuit of health optimization. A formative detox experience in Thailand challenged her assumptions about food and healing. This curiosity led her to herbalism, health coaching, and farming—including teaching skills such as sprouting and growing microgreens—and ultimately to earning her post-doctoral degree in Naturopathic Medicine from the University of Bridgeport.

What distinguishes Dr. Tranguch’s practice is her commitment to vitalism—the understanding that a living intelligence animates the body and drives healing. Rather than suppressing symptoms, she supports the body’s inherent ability to restore equilibrium. Emotional, physical, and spiritual health are considered together, allowing treatment to reflect the whole person rather than a list of lab values.

Dr. Tara Tranguch Naturopathic Medical Clinic is located in Woodbury, just off Sherman Hill Road. The space reflects both her global experiences living in Europe and Asia, and grounded lifestyle. Patients enter a clinic complete with a full on-site dispensary featuring over one hundred herbal tinctures, along with modern biohacking tools bridging traditional wisdom and contemporary innovation.

At its core, Dr. Tara’s mission is simple: Restore the whole body to health by honoring the laws of science and the vital forces that govern it. 

—drtaratranguch.com

[Sponsored]

Energy Health & Fitness, located in the heart of downtown Torrington, is a premier wellness center dedicated to fostering a healthier lifestyle. Owned by Robert Rovezzi and Luc Fondaire, and managed by Dina and Brett Cateno, the facility offers services ranging from personal training and fitness consultations to a full-service gym. Brett Cateno was honored as Best Trainer in Litchfield Magazine’s Reader’s Choice 2025 and 2026 issues, a testament to the team’s dedication.

Housed in a renovated 12,000-square-foot space in the historic Torrington Company’s former needle factory, the gym features a medical clinic and a smoothie/coffee bar for a well-rounded experience. Known for its cleanliness and welcoming atmosphere, the team’s professionalism and warmth create a supportive environment. In this Q&A, we explore their vision, services, and the unique environment they’ve created to help people reach their fitness and wellness goals.

1. What inspired Rovezzi and Fondaire to get into the health and fitness business?

After retiring from corporate sales, the owners—both lifelong fitness enthusiasts—pursued their passion for health and wellness. Over 15 years ago, they invested in the gym. Eight years ago, they brought on Dina and Brett Cateno, who made fitness and wellness their vocations. Together, they 

expanded services, creating a holistic wellness center that continues to evolve.

2. How is Energy Health & Fitness different from other gyms in the area?

We offer unique in-house services not commonly found at other gyms. In addition to a full gym and personal training, the facility features a kitchen with fresh-pressed juices, soups, and smoothies. The gym also boasts an in-house medical clinic with a certified APRN, offering blood analysis, prescribed hormone therapies, and IV drips—services that are new and expanding in the fitness industry.

3. How do you meet the diverse needs of your members?

Our membership isn’t defined by demographics. With a wide range of consultation services, personalized training programs, and an expansive array of equipment, we support the wellness goals of virtually any individual, regardless of age, fitness level, or experience. Our inclusive approach ensures everyone can find the tools and guidance they need.

4. What recent trends have you observed in the fitness industry, and how is Energy Health & Fitness embracing these changes?

A major trend is the merging of healthcare, wellness, and fitness. Medical facilities and insurance companies are recognizing that exercise and well-being are key to disease prevention. The modern fitness facility now incorporates both medical and fitness components. While this model is expanding in urban centers, it has been slower to take hold in Connecticut. We are proud to be at the forefront of this movement.

5. Can you share a client success story that showcases how your services have made a difference?

One standout success is Tasha, who trained with us for the Special Olympics Nordic
Skiing competition. We helped her with weight management, muscle toning, and improved respiration. She won two gold medals. Tasha has since launched the Special Olympics Fit Club at our facility, furthering her commitment to fitness and community. 

—energytorrington.com  59 Field Street, Torrington 

[Sponsored]

At Litchfield Pilates & Integrative Health (LPIH) Studio in Washington Depot, owner Annie Kaplon brings her extensive expertise as an Integrative Health Nurse at NYU Langone Health, Lerner Holistic Nursing Fellowship Coordinator, Board-Certified Integrative Health Coach, and PMA® Certified Pilates Instructor. The studio offers a variety of wellness practices, including Pilates for all levels, meditation, Reiki, and integrative health coaching.

Located at 2 Green Hill Road, the warm and inviting boutique studio provides a space to move, grow, and connect with others while working toward your wellness goals.

1. Can you share your background and qualifications in both Pilates and integrative health?

As a Master Pilates instructor and the founding Secretary for the Pilates Method Alliance, I have experience using and teaching mind-body movement through Pilates for over 30 years. I have also been a nurse for over 32 years, and I have spent the past three years as an Integrative Health Nurse at NYU Langone Hospital. I have a Master’s degree in Mindfulness Studies from Lesley University, I am a board-certified Integrative Health Coach from Duke University, and I am a Reiki level 2 practitioner. 

2. What sets you apart from others in the industry? 

My 30 years of experience in Pilates–tracing my direct lineage back to Joseph
Pilates–combined with my acute assessment skills and critical care nursing background makes me uniquely qualified to promote health and wellness holistically through movement, energy medicine, and personal coaching. 

3. Who is your typical client?

Recognizing that every client and every body is different, I meet each client where they are right now, in this moment. I help to bring awareness of their bodies in space through movement and support while meeting their wellness goals. 

4. What changes have you noticed in your industry recently? 

I have noticed many changes over the past 30 years. Pilates is much more mainstream than ever before, and it’s wonderful that it has become more widely available. I think it is very important for people to make sure their instructors are certified Pilates instructors and have been well-trained. 

5. How do your healthcare background and experience as a movement teacher shape the way you work with clients?

I understand the importance of proper technique and form for overall body function and mechanics. I try to help clients build confidence and strength to trust their bodies will support them wherever they are.

6. Can you share a success story that you’re particularly proud of? 

One client that stands out is someone who had a previous back injury from an accident and lacked confidence in her body. We worked on regaining physical strength, which gave her confidence both physically and mentally. She went on to become a Pilates instructor and is now in advanced training.  

—litchfieldpilatesandintegrativehealth.com

[Sponsored]

By Jessica Ashoka Grant

Within the field of mental health, spring often presents a paradoxical landscape. While increased sunlight and ephemeral blooms can elevate mood, they may also illuminate latent melancholy or a felt pressure to enliven and interact. Sustainable well-being requires respecting the nervous system’s natural rhythms rather than imposing externally driven expectations.

In India’s traditional system of Ayurvedic medicine, this season embodies the elements of earth and water. As the body emerges from winter’s stillness, these qualities may manifest as heaviness, congestion, or emotional inertia. The goal is not to counter these sensations aggressively, but to encourage mindful release.

Practices to nourish a balanced transition may include a gentle cleanse to promote digestive clarity featuring kitchari, a flavorful basmati rice. The lymphatic system may benefit from decongesting edible plants such as dandelion, chickweed, and violets, all endemic to the area. Bitter greens further support liver function while replenishing micronutrients.

Incorporating techniques such as gua sha and garshana may assist in moving interstitial fluid and reducing somatic stagnation. Neti pot cleansing for sinus health can help mitigate environmental allergies, while energizing walks, gentle twists, and digital detoxification further support alignment. A thoughtful approach to spring wellness emphasizes gradual integration over vigorous elimination.—primawellness.com

Jessica Ashoka Grant, based in Litchfield, is a licensed psychotherapist, Ayurvedic practitioner, educator, and researcher who specializes in integrative approaches to wellness.

By Sara Lynn Leavenworth

When my friends and I were pregnant, we were flooded with information on how to parent. The What To Expect books were staples of every baby shower.

Fast forward to today: Where is the book “How To Parent Your Parent?” 

At Senior Advocate Services, we hear the same stories:

“Mom fell and went to the hospital, but Dad said she will be fine.”

“Dad got lost driving back from the store, but he is still good to drive.”

“I wonder if the bills are being paid on time. The refrigerator is full of expired food. They don’t want my help.”

Individually, these moments don’t feel like an emergency. Collectively, they are often the early signals that something is changing.

The generation born in the late 1930s and 1940s is fiercely independent. Conversations about aging and planning can feel off-limits. There’s often denial—until a crisis forces rushed decisions and overwhelming choices.

Starting conversations early helps. And when parents resist, understanding options allows you to prepare—not to take control, but to protect their safety, dignity, and independence.

There may not be a bestseller on parenting your parent. But you don’t have to navigate it alone. A senior advocate can offer guidance and help build a support system. Everyone wants the same thing—to stay safe, to remain independent. 

—senioradvocatect.com

By Andrea Valluzzo

Photo courtesy of Heritage Land Preservation Trust

When Jim Febbroriello bought his Torrington home in 1975 (five years after Earth Day officially debuted), he couldn’t see the dam about 150 feet behind his house because of the thick forest.

The Coe Brass Dam is one of the last traces of Torrington’s once-thriving brass industry, and the surrounding mill pond is a haven for wildlife. Embracing a suggestion that the area would make a wonderful neighborhood park, Febbroriello, his family, and volunteers began clearing forest land on their property adjoining what is now the Coe Dam Park.

Owned by the Heritage Land Preservation Trust, Inc., the 12-acre Coe Dam Park is open for daytime passive recreation and is the city’s only privately owned neighborhood park. Febbroriello routinely makes improvements to preserve the park. Having people enjoy the space is meaningful, but he also says, “It’s important to me because of the wildlife that is around here. We not only have geese, ducks, and beavers but woodchucks, possums, foxes, and an occasional bear.”

Every year since 1970, April 22 has served as a rallying cry to focus on cleaning up the planet. For people like Febbroriello and others, however, Earth Day is a year-round mindset taking many forms.

The fashion industry generates millions of pounds of clothes, mostly destined for landfills. As chairman of Litchfield’s Waste Reduction Committee, Jerry Geci is determined to reduce the amount of trash he and his neighbors dump. A few years ago, he helped secure state permits to recycle unwanted clothing, shoes, and textiles. He also helped to install containers at the town’s recycling center; the town even makes some money in the process. Besides participating annually in the town’s Earth Day roadside cleanup, he is also proud of helping the town start a food composting program. Litchfield is one of the few towns in Connecticut to have its own composting facility. “It’s stunning to think that about 30 to 40 percent of the weight of our trash is really in food scraps and kitchen waste,” he says.

A story about Earth Day would not be complete without mentioning trees, and for Mike Zarfos, trees and forests are always on his mind. He is the executive director of Great Mountain Forest, a nonprofit forest and land trust with 6,300 acres located in Falls Village and Norfolk. It’s the second largest privately owned contiguous forest in the state.

“We have been managing it for over 100 years, and management is sort of our DNA,” he says. “We are all about trying to teach folks the different ways they can manage a forest for different outcomes.”

The organization undertakes or hosts projects to promote biodiversity, plant native species like tulip poplars, and reclaim forest from invasive species like Japanese barberry. One of the older efforts here involves crossbreeding American chestnut trees with Chinese chestnut trees that are blight-resistant, to reintroduce a species devastated in the 1900s. “It’s a very challenging project and a long process, as the trees take a long time to become sexually mature,” he says. 

—greatmountainforest.org