Juliana Garofalo has a diverse range of interests that extend beyond her profession. A medical assistant and physician assistant student, she also enjoys knitting, cooking, and outdoor pursuits such as fishing, paddleboarding, and birdwatching.

As an active member of HawkWatch International and the Connecticut Audobon Society, she is passionate about learning about the unique wildlife and scarce birds in her home state of Connecticut and beyond.
 

About Ms. Garofalo, Medical Assistant

Juliana, a Norwalk, Connecticut resident, is on a journey to become a physician assistant, focusing on Surgery, Women's Health, and Dermatology. She currently works as a medical assistant.

She believes that recent global events like the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the critical role of healthcare. She sees the healthcare industry grappling with shortages due to increased demand, burnout among healthcare workers, and other challenges. She hopes to contribute positively to the healthcare field as a medical and physician assistant, aiding patients in receiving the care they need.
 

Special Interests and Hobbies

She is more than just her career; she has a rich life outside work. Her hobbies extend to outdoor activities in the beautiful Connecticut wilderness.

She often spends her free time birdwatching with friends and fellow members of the Connecticut Audobon Society. She also enjoys paddleboarding and fishing in the area's waterways, which are perfect spots for birdwatching.
 

Garofalo and the Connecticut Audobon Society

The Connecticut Audobon Society is one of her primary interests. She actively collaborates with the organization to protect Connecticut's bird and wildlife populations.

The Connecticut Audobon Society manages 21 wildlife sanctuaries throughout the state, covering over 3,300 acres. More than simply safeguarding open land, the Society educates Connecticut residents and visitors worldwide. The organization reaches more than 100,000 children and adults each year through educational initiatives.

A network of educators, scientists, and volunteers at the Connecticut Audobon Society works tirelessly to conserve wildlife and their habitats across the state. Their mission is to ensure the state's natural beauty and diverse wildlife can be enjoyed by future generations.
 

Juliana Garofalo and HawkWatch International

Garofalo also supports HawkWatch International through her time, finances, and energy. HawkWatch is another organization committed to environmental conservation, emphasizing monitoring, scientific research, and education. The organization places a significant focus on raptors.

Their efforts to preserve raptor populations and habitats have led to an increased understanding of these remarkable species. HawkWatch International has uncovered the needs of raptors in the rapidly evolving landscapes of the U.S. and beyond.

As a member of HawkWatch International, she regularly visits their Florida Keys site and provides financial support for the organization's conservation efforts.
 

Other Hobbies and Interests

Her varied interests and hobbies showcase her as a true Renaissance woman. In the kitchen, she enjoys baking and cooking sourdough bread and fresh pizzas. She even installed an outdoor pizza oven at her home to hone her pizza-making skills.

She cherishes spending time outdoors with her family when she's away from home. In addition to birdwatching, she likes exploring Connecticut's natural beauty from the water. Paddleboarding offers both exercise and exploration for Garofalo, while fishing trips with her father and brothers are treasured family outings.
 

Living in Norwalk, Connecticut

She calls Norwalk, Connecticut, home. The picturesque community in southwestern Connecticut, situated along Long Island Sound, is surrounded by water, making it perfect for water-based activities like boating, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

Norwalk isn't just for nature lovers; it boasts a rich cultural, culinary, and shopping scene. Attractions like The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Sheffield Island Lighthouse, and The Norwalk Art Space are favorites among residents and visitors. Additionally, Norwalk is renowned for its fresh seafood and charming, locally-owned shops.

She sees Norwalk as the ideal place to live, appreciating its natural beauty and proximity to the excitement of New York City.
 

Looking Toward the Future

Juliana Garofalo's ambition is to serve her community through her medical career. She's diligently working towards becoming a physician assistant to provide patient-centered healthcare and help others achieve healthier, more productive lives.

With roughly 159,000 physician assistants in the U.S. collectively serving the healthcare needs of over 500 million people annually, She hopes her expertise will improve the quality of life for many who need team-based healthcare.