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Kids & Family

Moms Who Rock Around Our Towns: Irvington's Debra Aronson

Debra Aronson is a sign language instructor and founder of C.A.S.L.E., Inc.

Each week, we're going to share with you a local mom that 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.

Debra Aronson lives in Irvington with her husband, Steve and their children, Natalie (12), Jamie (11), and Josh (8). She is the founder of C.A.S.L.E.,Inc. C.A.S.L.E. represents teaching Sign Language to young hearing children ages 2 through 8 throughout Westchester.

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

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Debra finds that “starting the day after the children have left for school makes it is easier to get all of the kid stuff done first, before starting her job."

Like many moms, her “mornings start off with breakfast, making lunches and getting the children off to school.“ She works during the school day and finishes teaching sign language before the bus arrives at the corner of the street with her kids. Debra also thinks that having her own business allows her to have flexibility to create a schedule that works for her and her children, and specifically allows that she can be home in the afternoons.

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She finds that her newly purchased wipe board calendar keeps the family organized. Plus, her husband helps to remind her what needs to be written on the board. For her, keeping everyone organized and on a schedule, keeps her sane.

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

Eight years ago, Debra visited her daughter, Natalie’s kindergarten class to volunteer to teach sign language. She was thrilled to see how much the kids enjoyed it and was inspired by Natalie’s teacher to start a program and founded C.A.S.L.E.

She started by teaching “sign language to kindergarteners in one school, which lead to more public schools and nursery schools throughout Westchester.” Now, she has two other teachers working with her and together,they teach in over twenty schools.   Debra says that “when I walk down the hall of a school, I feel like a celebrity everytime.  The children excitedly say (and sign), “Ms. Debra, Ms. Debra” and are so happy to see me… I think that’s the best part of my day.  I truly love teaching and touching the lives of so many children. “

She adds that “Sign Language helps childrens’ minds in so many ways and the teachers like learning this beautiful language to keep the classroom quiet.” She shares that recently one of her “kindergarten classes learned how Deaf-Blind people communicate. They had to feel their friends’ hand to guess the letter they were signing… it’s amazing how fast children learn!!”

It’s Debra’s hope “that one day every child throughout Westchester will be learning Sign! “ Many people ask her “do your own children sign?” and the answer is yes! 

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

Debra and her husband enjoy dining at the local restaurants.  Their “favorite hot spot is right around the corner (literally). The atmosphere is always warm."  They also  “enjoy walking through the quaint village of Irvington and visiting the library, shops and restaurants.”  If she has free time, usually on the weekends,  she tries to meet with friends and have coffee, have an occasional massage and play tennis.

She also can be found “outside on the street throwing a ball around” with her children. Debra also takes her dogs for walks, except on Saturdays, when her husband takes them out and lets her sleep in- what she calls her “absolute favorite thing.”

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

This family loves dining out locally, but particularly likes Dobbs for some top spots. They also like that if they want to be in a bigger area, they can visit White Plains or Tarrytown. She thinks “downtown White Plains has changed for the better in the past few years… sometimes it’s a stroll, a drop in at the Mall or a stop for ice cream!” The family rides bikes together on the Old Croton Aqueduct and the whole gang is looking forward to the spring rides, especially as they get older and can ride longer.


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

The Aronsons enjoy living in Irvington for the “local shops and coziness of the small town.” 

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