Millburn Short Hills February 2026

Millburn & Short Hills

LEADING MHS

PRINCIPAL ROBERT NIXON

Step

Into Success

CAREER COACH JODI MURNICK

LAWRENCE J. GREENBERG

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2026

Job Coach Jodi Murnick shares why getting hired has everything to do with strategy.

20 Head of the Class Millburn High School’s new principal, Robert Nixon, redefines modern academic leadership.

24 The Art of

Spiro Plastic Surgery makes clients feel renewed through a powerful synergy of science and style. IN EVERY

6 PUBLISHER’S NOTE A Stand-Out Year Ahead

8 AROUND TOWN Behind the Buzz

10 Q&A Rashmitha Sirsi 12 LOCAL TASTES A Tale of Two Cities

30 COMMUNITY COLLECTIVE Bright Idea

32 PHOTO OP Passport Optional

Jodi Murnick with her husband, Jay, and three children (L to R): Taylor, Evan, and Jacquelyn

Photograph by Melissa Spector

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A STAND-OUT YEAR AHEAD

aAS WE ALL HIT OUR winter stride, fighting those sometimes inevitable winter blues can certainly be challenging. For me, doing a bit of skiing in the Catskills on the weekends keeps me sane, and I never seem to tire of trying to make the perfect turn— even though I often don’t.

Self-improvement has surely been a revisited theme in recent issues of Millburn & Short Hills magazine, and this month is no exception. We are so thrilled to feature Short Hills resident and career coach Jodi Murnick and her family on our February cover. Standing out in the current job applicant pool for recent grads has never been timelier, and Jodi shares some of her great tips as a local pro.

Robert Nixon, Millburn High School’s

new principal, also echoes how critical it is to learn skills that will help our graduates “navigate challenges and succeed beyond the classroom.” We hope you enjoy this profile, which underscores for our readers why he stood out as the right candidate after our district’s exhaustive search.

As usual, our downtown vibe keeps buzzing, and we thought it fitting to be the first to dish on an imminent new restaurant opening. We can’t wait for Dilli Dilli to open its doors in the space formerly occupied by Common Lot. What a relief that landing a new restaurant in that spot did not take long—a testament to the pulse of our town. I can’t wait to try the dishes that feature homemade paneer (a weakness of mine) from organic buffalo milk sourced from upstate New York. The attention to authenticity is surely going to wow our discerning culinary community.

Thank you to our readers who let us know that they love the updates in every issue from Explore Millburn-Short Hills. In this issue, Steve Grillo introduces new team members and tees up interest in some new initiatives afoot, including those surrounding the World Cup coming to our region this year.

I hope this issue softens the chill of winter. Spring will be here soon enough. Keep sending us your lovely letters of support—they make us tick. And, as always, keep those story ideas coming our way at marylima@millburnandshorthills.com and editor@millburnandshorthills.com.

Warm regards,

Mary Lima Publisher

Millburn & Short Hills

MAGAZINE

Publisher Mary Lima

marylima@millburnandshorthills.com

Editor and Lead Writer

Eve Golden editor@millburnandshorthills.com

Photographer Melissa Spector

WAINSCOT MEDIA

Chairman Carroll V. Dowden

President and CEO Mark Dowden

SVP, Group Publisher, Regional Thomas Flannery

VP, Content Strategy Maria Regan

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Kijoo Kim

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Rosemary O’Connell

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Elaine Quilici

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Millburn & Short Hills magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Millburn and Short Hills, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Copyright 2026 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Behind the Buzz

The new year brings a new team and fresh momentum to Explore Millburn-Short Hills.

AS EXPLORE Millburn-Short Hills settles into the new year, the organization is excited to introduce two new additions to the team for 2026. These new team members will be responsible for creating memorable events, engaging social media content, creative promotions, and more.

In October 2025, Amanda Dean left Explore to join the Montclair Center Business Improvement District as assistant director. Explore has since brought on two talented professionals to continue her work. Corinne Mahoney has taken over as director of marketing and events, and Michelle Lemieux has joined the team as a part-time

marketing assistant. They work under the leadership of Steve Grillo, Explore’s executive director.

WELCOME ADDITIONS

Mahoney first became involved with Explore when she served on the Girls’ Night Out Planning Committee in 2024 and continued to volunteer for the organization. In 2025, she was offered a part-time position and made an immediate impact that was seen by both the team and the community.

“Corinne stepped into the role of director and didn’t miss a beat,” Grillo says. “She brings both an excitement for the day-to-day work as well as a great

long-term vision for Explore’s future.”

Lemieux comes to Explore after serving for nearly a year as executive director of the Millburn-Short Hills Chamber of Commerce. She has a background in communications and public relations, is a freelance writer, and is co-president of the nonprofit organization Livingston Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

“I was impressed with Michelle’s work ethic during her time at the Chamber, and when the chance arose to have her join the Explore team, I jumped on the opportunity,” Grillo says. “Michelle has great local ties, understands the business community very well, and has an incredibly positive attitude that our business owners find infectious.”

Mahoney will focus on executing events and meeting with businesses to discuss marketing strategies, onboarding, content creation, and providing marketing through various channels. Lemieux will offer support in these areas.

“I love working for an organization that is devoted to the success of others, and I’m so honored to be part of that,” Mahoney says. “I always encourage our businesses to take advantage of Explore’s services and resources, because we’re truly here to help them grow, thrive, and succeed.”

ALREADY MAKING AN IMPACT

Since taking on their new roles, Mahoney and Lemieux have been hard at work planning Explore’s Downtown Halloween event and Winter Villages, two of the organization’s signature experiences. Together, they will continue to promote, grow, and support local businesses, property owners, residents, and visitors. They also provide resources, economic development support, and serve as liaisons between the local community and larger agencies.

“Millburn-Short Hills has so much to offer, and I’m happy that I can work directly with business owners to help tell their stories and elevate everything that makes this district special,” Lemieux says.

Explore Millburn-Short Hills is already busy preparing for an exciting year ahead. “I’m really looking forward to 2026 and all of the initiatives we have planned, including growing our social media presence and rebranding Explore as a whole,” Mahoney says. “We’re also looking forward to rolling out new events throughout town, expanding marketing opportunities, and hosting big World Cup celebrations—stay tuned.”

ABOUT EXPLORE MILLBURN-SHORTHILLS

Explore Millburn-Short Hills is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established to support and promote the businesses throughout the five areas of the Special Improvement District that was established in 2020. Explore organizes numerous events, musical performances, educational programs, and networking events. The organization is also responsible for various public art and streetscaping projects in town, including the Millburn Art Alley and Town Hall Plaza.

Counting Notes

Rashmitha Sirsi’s new learning hub brings together math and music in one space.

BY EVE GOLDEN

INTERVIEW WITH RASHMITHA SIRSI

IN ORDER FOR KIDS to reach their true potential, Short Hills resident Rashmitha Sirsi believes structured academics should be balanced with creativity. She’s now brought this concept to town with her new learning hub, Early Edge Education & Music (52 Millburn Ave.), which combines math and music in one space. The center celebrated its grand opening on Jan. 31 and will be fully operational seven days a week starting Feb. 1. Here, Sirsi describes the programs offered and discusses how kids can benefit from them:

What makes Early Edge different from traditional tutoring or music centers?

I’ve created something I wish existed when I was searching for quality enrichment programs: One place where children can develop both academically and creatively. We’ve brought together two exceptional programs—Seriously Addictive Mathematics and Musicologie— because we believe children need both structure and creativity to truly thrive. Instead of driving to multiple locations after school, families have one trusted center where their children receive comprehensive support in a nurturing environment. It’s about simplifying life for parents while enriching it for kids.

What is Seriously Addictive

Mathematics?

S.A.M. brings the Singapore Math approach to our community, focusing on deep conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization. Students learn how and why math works, which builds genuine confidence and problem-solving skills. This approach aligns beautifully with what many local public schools, including those in MillburnShort Hills, already use. Our small classes allow each child to progress at their own pace while developing focus, persistence, and a positive relationship with math.

What does carrying forward the Musicologie mission mean to you personally?

Musicologie began as a very personal idea about how children learn best. What resonates with me most is that it’s not just about learning an instrument—it’s about nurturing confidence, curiosity, and joy through music. Creating a space where families feel supported and children feel safe to explore and grow is incredibly meaningful to me.

Tell us about your goal of helping people become better musicians and better humans.

One of the most meaningful changes I see is in children who start out unsure of themselves. Over time, as they’re encouraged rather than corrected, they begin to take risks and trust their own abilities. A child who once worried about making mistakes starts raising their hand, trying new ideas, and even explaining concepts back to their teacher. Parents often tell us that confidence carries over into school and other activities. Music becomes a way for children to discover their voice.

The Musicologie Method emphasizes learning through play. How do you help parents understand that this approach works?

Play is how young children learn best. But it’s not unstructured or casual at Musicologie—it’s intentional and thoughtfully designed. When children are engaged and emotionally safe, they absorb concepts more deeply and retain them longer. Once parents see their child excited to come to lessons and naturally apply what they’ve learned, the value becomes very clear.

Encouraging mistakes can feel counterintuitive. What happens when children are given permission to fail?

The transformation is powerful. When children realize mistakes are part of learning, they become more resilient. I’ve seen students go from shutting down after a wrong note to smiling and trying again. That shift changes everything. Confidence grows, and progress happens more quickly because the fear is gone.

What advice would you give parents of young children considering music lessons?

At age 4 or 5, it’s not about performance or mastery—it’s about exposure and connection. Music supports brain development, coordination, listening skills, and emotional expression. Even

small, joyful experiences at this age can have a lasting impact and build a foundation that will support them for years to come.

If every family could understand one thing about what you’re creating at Early Edge, what would it be?

Whether through math or music, our focus is not about perfection—it’s about growth, confidence, and connection. When children feel safe and encouraged, they learn far more than academic concepts or musical notes. They learn how to try, how to persist, and how to express themselves. That’s what stays with them forever. We’re building a place where learning feels natural, joyful, and deeply meaningful.

A Tale of Two Cities

BY EVE GOLDEN

JUST AS NEW YORK CITY is defined by its ambition, Delhi is defined by its history— especially when it comes to food. For years, the culinary narrative of Indian cuisine in the United States has been painted with broad strokes of North Indian flavors, often reduced to creamy sauces and tandoori staples.

However, come March, downtown Millburn is set to get a taste of more authentic regional cuisine. Dilli Dilli, the acclaimed Times Square eatery, is crossing the river to open a second location, promising a vibrant geographic expedition.

At the helm of this ambitious project are two culinary experts representing the dual heart of India’s capital: Chef Gaurav Anand,

from the polished avenues of New Delhi, and Chef Vipul Gupta, from the rustic, time-honored lanes of Old Delhi.

CLOSE TO HOME

With a catchy and echoing name, Dilli Dilli is a love letter to India’s capital city. “Delhi’s original name was Dilli,” shares Abla Atoubi, the restaurant’s creative partner. “The repetition signals our mission to showcase the dynamic interplay between Old Delhi’s timehonored culinary traditions and New Delhi’s contemporary spirit. Before a guest even opens the menu, we want them to understand they’re about to experience both iterations of this magnificent city.”

This duality is the engine that drives the kitchen. Dilli Dilli is interested in authenticity, something way more potent than fusion trends. “We stay away from modern techniques and over-modernization intentionally,” Atoubi notes. “The soul of these dishes

has survived centuries; our job is preservation and celebration, not reinvention.”

A CULINARY MAP

The Millburn location will mirror the success of its Manhattan flagship while carving out its own suburban identity. Approximately 80% of the menu will remain consistent with the Times Square original, a gastronomic map of memories that transports diners to specific neighborhoods.

Expect to see Pandara Road Butter Chicken, a dish that pays homage to the legendary late-night food hub near India Gate. For the uninitiated, Atoubi suggests the Koyla Chicken, a chargrilled masterpiece bursting with the rustic fire of Old Delhi, or the Gilafi Paneer Tikka, crafted with house-made paneer from organic buffalo milk sourced from upstate New York. It is a menu that tells a complete story, featuring Tibetan momos that

reflect Delhi’s cross-cultural influences alongside South Indian dosas that have been adopted as breakfast staples of the capital.

YOUR TABLE IS WAITING

The decision to cross the Hudson was a strategic move driven by demand.

“We kept hearing the same thing: There’s a gap in the market for a restaurant that’s both cozy and refined, approachable yet elevated,” Atoubi says.

“We’re not chasing the next Manhattan location; we’re answering a call from a community that’s been waiting for this.” Millburn’s sophisticated, diverse demographic offered the perfect landing spot for a concept that views hospitality as the ultimate luxury.

“The warmth, the attention, the sense that you’re not just a customer but an honored guest—this is where true luxury lives,” Atoubi shares. When the doors to Dilli Dilli open on Main Street in March, she says the atmosphere will be defined by the “relentless hustle and bustle of Delhi,” inviting guests into the fragrant and magical streets of India’s capital, no passport required.

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Career Confidential

Job Coach Jodi Murnick shares why getting hired has everything to do with strategy.

BY EVE GOLDEN

J

JODI MURNICK’S PATH to becoming a career coach was unknowingly 25 years in the making. It began with a chance lunch conversation at her University of Georgia sorority house in 1998.

Murnick, a second-semester senior with a psychology degree, admittedly was unsure of what came next. “Strangely, neither my parents nor I were that concerned about it,” she says. Then she met a friend of a friend who was visiting for the weekend.

After 20 minutes of conversation, the friend, a recruiter, told Murnick she’d be great at the job and offered her one of three interview slots in Austin. That spontaneous conversation launched a winding career path that would eventually lead to the creation of Jodi Murnick Coaching, which she officially launched this past June.

THE CAREER REBRAND

Based in Short Hills, where she’s lived since 2007, Murnick specializes in helping young adults navigate the increasingly complex terrain of early career development. Her journey from uncertain college senior to sought-after career strategist mirrors the very

This past fall, Jodi Murnick and Beth Sonnenberg, LCSW, hosted ‘Your Grad, Your Sanity…Surviving the Post-College Transition’ at Industrious, for parents of college students and recent graduates.

transformations she now guides her clients through.

After that fateful lunch conversation at the University of Georgia, Murnick started her career as a college recruiter at a startup software company in Austin. She then helped launch a network of online city guides called Citysearch.com in the late 1990s—back when “dot com” still sounded like the future.

After earning her MBA at the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin, where she also met her husband, Murnick ventured into corporate America as a brand manager, interning at General Mills and later working at Pfizer Consumer Healthcare and Johnson & Johnson.

When the demanding pace of

corporate life no longer aligned with raising her three children—Jacquelyn, 18, Evan, 16, and Taylor, 14—Murnick made what she calls “the difficult decision to leave.” Through a local connection, she found a boutique consulting firm where she could put her brand management skills to use, becoming an early adopter of hybrid work back when that meant unconventional rather than standard operating procedure.

“I would build PowerPoint

presentations with my babies at my feet and then put on my high heels to present my ideas in conference rooms at large consumer packaged goods companies,” she says.

CONNECTIONS AS CURRENCY

Throughout her career, Murnick began to notice a pattern.

“I saw high-potential young adults struggle when they didn’t get the coaching they needed at work,” she explains.

“As things became more competitive, it was clear that

TIPS FOR Navigating the New Hiring Landscape

• Welcome to Work 2.0

Job roles are evolving, and while digital skills are now baseline, your real advantage is human. Hiring managers want initiative, strong communication, and the curiosity to adapt—proof you can keep learning as the work changes.

• Momentum as Mantra Hiring is more deliberate and timelines have stretched, but the jobs are there. Don’t let the wait shake you—stay active, keep networking, and remain visible so you’re top of mind when decisions move.

• The Resume Rewrite Forget the checklist. Your LinkedIn and resume should read like a highlight reel. Employers want problemsolvers, not just degreeholders—use projects, internships, and side work to show ownership, impact, and results.

• Work With Intelligence

Use AI as a smart assistant for the heavy lifting—research, drafting, and prep—but don’t outsource your voice. The strongest applications sound genuine and land with a polished, personal touch.

• The Art of Resilience Companies don’t just want smart—they want steady. The stories that matter to them are the ones where you faced change, learned fast, and kept going. Show how you respond under pressure, and you’ll stand out in any applicant pool.

people who couldn’t articulate their ideas—or didn’t have the confidence to advocate for themselves—were missing opportunities. And since about 80% of jobs are found through networking, I tell my clients all the time: ‘Connections are your currency.’ The key is not to treat networking as transactional. It only works when you build relationships with genuine interest.”

EMBRACING THE EVOLUTION

It’s hard to miss all the gloom and doom around the job market these days. “Times are challenging—but there is also a lot to be energized about,” Murnick says. “Capable, resourceful, driven jobseekers are still finding great opportunities.” She believes that this job market

feels different from past downturns because it isn’t being driven by a single, defining crisis. “What we’re experiencing now is more complex,” she says. “Economic uncertainty is colliding with rapid AI adoption and a fundamental shift in how work gets done. This isn’t a hiring freeze. It’s a recalibration. And that distinction matters, because it changes how jobseekers need to approach the process.”

As Murnick has learned—both in building her own network and in coaching working professionals— success today comes from putting yourself out there, showing up genuinely, and building momentum one intentional move at a time. In this recalibrated job market, that’s not just advice—it’s the rule.

Head of the Class

Millburn High School’s new principal, Robert Nixon, redefines modern academic leadership.

BY EVE GOLDEN

RROBERT NIXON didn’t plan on becoming an educator. Fresh out of high school with stellar grades and clear ambitions, he set his sights on physical therapy, enrolling as a pre-med major with his future seemingly mapped out. But life had other plans.

“I entered education through a fairly nontraditional path,” Nixon reflects. “However, as I gained new experiences, my interests evolved. Those experiences ultimately led me to education, and I have never looked back.”

Now, as the newly appointed principal of Millburn High School (MHS), Nixon is channeling that same adaptability and enthusiasm.

“One of the most compelling aspects of working in schools is the energy within a school community,” he says. “The passion teachers bring to their work and the enthusiasm students show every day create an environment that I genuinely enjoy and find deeply motivating.”

THE COLLABORATIVE APPROACH

Nixon describes his leadership philosophy as being “supportive, collaborative, and progressive.” He’s focused on anticipating what comes next and identifying what best prepares students to be ready for the future.

“Teachers and administrators are experts in their fields, and I

believe strongly in leaning into that expertise to develop innovative ideas and effective programming,” he explains.

During the district’s rigorous interview process, Nixon met teachers, administrators, and community members who left a lasting impression. “I was struck not only by how knowledgeable everyone was, but also by how deeply they cared about student success,” he recalls.

The high school’s sustained excellence across academics, athletics, arts, and community service also had an important impact. “While strong academic achievement is the cornerstone,

I was equally impressed by the exceptional work students do beyond the classroom, whether in athletics, the arts, or community service,” he says. “Students’ talent and commitment to excellence truly stood out.”

MORE THAN TEST SCORES

Nixon comes to MHS with an impressive track record. At Governor Livingston High School in Berkeley Heights, he led improvements across SAT scores, AP results, and state

assessments while developing targeted intervention programs for struggling learners. Ask him about the secret to his success, and he won’t point to a single program. “Success came from collaborative efforts to identify creative and targeted ways to provide additional support for students who needed it most,” he says. “Equally important is the ongoing evaluation of those supports and making adjustments as needed. This type of work depends on strong professional relationships

and a shared vision for continuous improvement.”

Nixon’s career path reads like a chooseyour-own-adventure story: teacher, athletic director, principal, and nearly every administrative role up to superintendent.

“It is the cumulative impact of all these experiences that most informs my leadership, as it provides a well-rounded perspective,” he notes. “That said, I truly enjoy serving as a high school principal. There is a unique energy within a high school, and it is easy to feel inspired and motivated by the many positive things happening each day.”

THE WELLNESS WARRIOR

Nixon tackles one of education’s biggest challenges head-on by balancing academic excellence with student mental health. “This is one of the most significant challenges facing school leaders today and an area I have prioritized for many years,” he shares.

Left: Adventure Ed facilitator and teacher

Mark Friedrich welcomes Principal Robert Nixon to Millburn High School. Bottom right: Security Director Mike Palarady and Robert Nixon on Nixon’s first day at Millburn High School, which kicked off with a surprise round of fire alarm announcements and emergency procedure reviews

In his previous district, he helped develop a wellness center that provides intensive mental health support.

“Too often, the focus is placed solely on academic performance,” he says. “In my experience, however, students must also develop skills that help them navigate challenges and succeed beyond the classroom. Supporting diverse programming that addresses students’ social and emotional well-being is essential to helping all students thrive.”

For Nixon, inclusive excellence starts at 7:45 a.m. “Every student should feel welcomed and supported,” he says. “That

L

is why I begin each day near the main entrance, making a point to be among the first to greet students as they arrive.”

He also makes an effort to meet students in their digital spaces, launching @millburnhsprincipal on Instagram “to highlight accomplishments and share important information.”

TOMORROW STARTS TODAY

Nixon’s vision for MHS balances tradition with innovation. “Millburn benefits from an exceptionally talented and knowledgeable community,” he says. “My role is to learn from those who understand the school’s rich history while creating systems that empower individuals to bring forward new ideas. The focus is not on change for the sake of change but on enhancing what already works. Moving forward, education must emphasize the development of essential skills such as communication, perseverance, and collaboration to prepare students for long-term success.”

Nixon sees value in expanding partnerships with community organizations, higher-education institutions, and industry leaders. “I have seen students benefit greatly from local internships and job-shadowing experiences,” he notes, drawing on his work with college admissions counselors to better understand what students need for postsecondary success.

Creating a culture where teachers feel safe to innovate is also a priority.

“Throughout my career as a principal, I have valued that teachers felt comfortable inviting me into their classrooms when trying new approaches,” Nixon says. “I want to continue fostering a culture where educators feel safe to innovate and take thoughtful risks in pursuit of excellent instruction.”

For Nixon, the journey from pre-med to principal may have been unexpected, but at MHS, he’s exactly where he needs to be—standing at the entrance every morning, ready to greet 1,300 students with 1,300 different dreams.

The Art of Rejuvenation

Spiro Plastic Surgery makes clients feel renewed through a powerful synergy of science and style.

BY EVE GOLDEN

iIN THE MODERN LANDSCAPE of aesthetic medicine, the days of the singular quick fix are fading. The most discerning patients now understand that true rejuvenation is not merely about skin tightening or filling a line; it’s about architecture, biology, and a holistic strategy that spans from the cellular level to the surgical suite.

For 29 years, Spiro Plastic Surgery has led this sophisticated approach, redefining the patient experience by creating a symbiotic ecosystem of care. At the helm is Scott A. Spiro, MD, FACS, whose reputation for surgical excellence sets the tone for the practice. His philosophy—that plastic surgery is a blend of medical science and high art—is not only practiced in the clinic but broadcast to listeners on his podcast, “The Artist in the O.R.,” which covers the full scope of plastic surgery and medical spa treatments offered.

However, the secret to the clinic’s renowned “natural” results lies in a powerful triad of expertise: the surgeon, the nurse practitioner, and the skin care specialist working in tandem. It is a collaboration that bridges the gap between the operating room and the med spa, championed by nurse practitioner Mikayla Barbarossa and skin care specialist Rebecca Pierce.

APPLIED ANATOMY

For Barbarossa, the injector’s needle is an extension of the surgeon’s scalpel. Unlike many practitioners who only see the face from the outside in, her unique position involves assisting Dr. Spiro in the operating room. This backstage pass to human anatomy has fundamentally altered her approach to nonsurgical aesthetics within the med spa.

“Assisting in surgery means that I am actively involved in procedures from start to finish—handling tissue,

understanding anatomy, and seeing firsthand how structure, support, and healing all work together,” Barbarossa explains. “Assisting in surgery has directly impacted my aesthetic work because I don’t just view the face at the surface level; I understand what’s happening beneath the skin. It allows me to approach my treatments with a surgical mindset: thoughtful, strategic, and always prioritizing long-term outcomes and safety.”

This deep understanding of the “why” behind aging drives Barbarossa’s assessment process. She analyzes the four major structures of

the face: skin, fat pads, muscle, and bone. As she notes, aging has a cascade effect: bone loss, muscle weakness, and fat-pad descent all contribute to the visible changes on the surface. Consequently, her treatment plans are rarely one-dimensional, consisting of sophisticated blueprints that often combine neuromodulators, biostimulators, and lasers.

In an era dominated by viral social media beauty trends, the team at Spiro Plastic Surgery acts as a voice of reason and integrity—values that are central themes on “The Artist in the O.R.” A core philosophy passed

Left: Before and After: This patient received Botox to the upper third of her face and hyaluronic acid filler to her cheeks, nasolabial folds, marionettes, and jawline.

Bottom left: Mikayla Barbarossa, nurse practitioner, performs a Mosaic 3D laser treatment.

Bottom right: Mikayla Barbarossa, nurse practitioner, conducts a consultation for injectables.

down from Dr. Spiro is rejecting the “flavor of the month” in favor of what is anatomically correct and aesthetically balanced. “This is the most valuable lesson I’ve learned from Dr. Spiro: He emphasizes doing what’s right for the patient, not just what’s popular or currently trending,” Barbarossa says.

THE FOUNDATION OF BEAUTY

If Barbarossa is the architect of nonsurgical structure, Pierce is the master of the canvas. As the practice’s skin care specialist, she advocates for long-term skin wellness. “Quick fixes can create temporary improvements, but they will not change how our skin functions,” she shares. “It’s important to remember that our skin is living tissue, and that skin is going to be with us throughout our entire life, so we have to care for our skin with a long-term mindset.”

Pierce’s role is critical in the surgical setting. She prepares the skin to respond, heal, and look its

best before a patient ever meets the needle or the knife. “When the skin is prepared, better results are expected,” she notes.

In addition to rigorous preprocedure protocols to strengthen the skin barrier and improve hydration, she also promotes postprocedure care that focuses on calming inflammation.

“The most common mistake is usually patients getting back into things too fast,” Pierce says. Her goal is to take the guesswork out of recovery, reminding patients that “calm skin will always heal better.”

THE COLLABORATIVE DIFFERENCE

What sets Spiro Plastic Surgery apart is its seamless integration of these disciplines: a fully integrated loop in which skin health, injectables, and surgery inform one another. Pierce utilizes a sophisticated combination of advanced treatments such as

Diamond Glow (a medical-grade exfoliation and infusion therapy), microneedling, and chemical peels to create the healthiest possible foundation for Barbarossa’s work.

“Working closely with Dr. Spiro and Barbarossa gives patients the benefit of collaborative care,” Pierce explains. “We are able to align skincare, injectables, and surgical treatments into one plan that supports our patients’ goals at every stage.”

This synergy ensures that when a patient sits in the chair, they are entering a partnership. “Feeling nervous is completely normal,” Barbarossa says. “I think it takes bravery to come into the office, sit in front of a mirror, and explain what about yourself is making you unhappy. I want the patient to feel comfortable and confident in their decision and in the treatment we choose to perform.”

A VALENTINE TO YOURSELF

As we enter the month of February, the conversation naturally turns to romance, but at Spiro Plastic Surgery, the focus shifts inward. This Valentine’s Day, the most enduring love affair is the one you cultivate with yourself. Whether it’s the confidence gained from a subtle refresh, the glow from a facial, or a transformative surgical journey, self-care is the ultimate act of affection. Trends fade, but the way you feel in your own skin is forever.

To learn more about integrated aesthetics, listen to Dr. Spiro’s podcast, “Artist in the O.R.,” now streaming on all major platforms, with full episodes available on YouTube and Spotify. For more information, you can also follow @spiroplasticsurgery and @spiromedicalspa on Instagram.

ideaBright

Three Millburn High School juniors bring light to local causes.

BY EVE GOLDEN

DECEMBER IN THE suburbs typically unfolds with predictable charm—festive traditions and seasonal gatherings. But three Millburn High School juniors— Matthew Petersen, Alex Finkelstein, and Ronan Moon—had a different vision. They founded The Luminary Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit designed to bring the MillburnShort Hills community together. Their concept struck a balance between the simple and the profound on Dec. 10, filling streets with the warm glow of luminary bags while channeling donations to local organizations. Proceeds went to Down the Block, the Millburn-Short Hills Volunteer First Aid Squad, and the Millburn Neighbors Helping Neighbors food pantry— organizations that form a vital foundation of community life. The students’ effort showed that meaningful change doesn’t require elaborate fundraising plans or years of experience—just clarity of purpose and a commitment to act.

L to R: Ronan Moon, Matthew Petersen, and Alex Finkelstein with Yair Naveh, president of Down the Block

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PASSPORT OPTIONAL

BY EVE GOLDEN

SOUTH MOUNTAIN SCHOOL students recently traveled the world without ever leaving campus. International Night transformed an ordinary Friday evening into an extraordinary global adventure. The gym and cafeteria became a cultural showcase filled with all kinds of traditional foods, heritage artifacts, and hands-on activities from around the world.

Students were world travelers, eagerly collecting passport stamps as they moved from country to country. Each table offered a mini vacation with regional foods that made taste buds dance, and hands-on activities that sparked curiosity and turned fun into invaluable education. Principal Heather Fiory and Assistant Principal Kimberly Bostory joined in wearing traditional attire, setting the tone from the top.

International Night has become such a cornerstone tradition at the school that alumni return every year. Former students make the trip back to reconnect with the event—a powerful reminder that at South Mountain School, diversity and acceptance are celebrated as the main event.

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