Each week, we're going to share with you a local mom who we think is awesome. We'll ask her some questions and hear about how she manages life with kids in our area. We hope you'll enjoy getting to know some of our neighbors.

Sarah Silbert Hinawi is the co-founder and executive director of The Purple Crayon Center for Learning and Social Innovation.  She lives in Hastings-on-Hudson with with her husband, Adel and their three kids under 7, including a newborn. 

1. How do you balance being a mom and working?

Sarah's isn't always sure she does find a balance, but says she "tries her hardest!" She admits that it is a challenge and that she is "constantly making judgements about the best way to handle each day." She does try to keep in mind that it if she shares what she is doing with her children and explain to them why it is important, then hopefully they will be proud about her working instead of being upset that she is working. 

2. We think your business is a great idea and would love to hear more it.

In recent years, Sarah worked in education and non-profits and was always interested in helping people connect to learning opportunities. The Puple Crayon came out of this passion and was launched together with her husband, Adel in March 2011. The center "was designed to be a space where youth and adults can come and have experiences that let them take back some of of personal direction and ownership that they lose through less than perfect school and work experiences." The Purple Crayon does this through classes, workshops, shared workspace, and live music performances and events (make sure to join their mailing list to get updated event information!).

Sarah and Adel are working hard and continuing to build their programming and hope "that people Rivertowns will enjoy and participate in the things that are happening," at The Purple Crayon.

3. When you find time for yourself, what do you enjoy doing locally?

Sarah describes herself as a "definite regular at Antoinette's," and if she isn't meeting a friend, she'll always be happy to enjoy reading or writing with her "much needed coffee." She also enjoys meeting friends for drinks after the kids are asleep at night or "catching a movie on cheap movie night (Tuesdays!)."

4. What are some of your top things to do around Westchester with your family?

This family takes advantage of their proximity to the Old Croton Aqueduct and tries to walk there often. They are also members of the Bronx Zoo and try to visit the city too.

5. What is your favorite thing about living in this area?

Sarah "finds Hastings to be such a special town." She appreciates "the strong sense of community most residents seem to share." She adds that "most dinner parties we go to usually at some point broach the topic of how everyone ended up here and how lucky we are that we did!" Sarah also likes bumping into people, "knowing my mayor, bank teller, mailman, and pharmamcist by name, and seeing everyone regularly at the farmer's market."

6. Anything else you want to share?

Sarah notes that two of her personal passions are "talking with people about what they want to do with their lives and songwriting." She invites anyone to come down to The Purple Crayon to chat with her about either!

Is there a question you'd want answered by our Moms featured here? Tell us!

Don't forget to nominate a mom you think is amazing!

Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to elizabeth@patch.com