b'came easier for Star. She got involvedBesides working at Zenith Media, withCourtAppointedSpecialAd- finding creative ways to get brands vocatesofNew YorkCity(CASA- integrated with consumers, Star ad-NYC), a nonprofit that enlists vol- vocates for the rights and needs of unteerstoadvocatethatachildyouthinfostercare;servesonthe receives the services needed to thriveboards of CASA-NYC (as an EVP) Make This Thephysically, academically and socially.and City Living NY; and speaks at Last Summer Your She used her experience to advocateCASAstoeducatefosterparents, for other youth. She also met a vol- youthandjudges.Shealsokeeps Kids Couldnt Swim unteer,afilmmakerwhorecruitedbusy by raising her son with her hus-her to share her story about her timeband. Its clear that she is plugged in the child welfare system in a filmintoherMaplewoodcommunity, series called Feeling Wanted.playing tennis in a local group and Startraveledthecountrytoat- being involved with a moms group tendscreeningsandparticipateinshe met when she and her husband Q&As. Going from being hesitantadopted Cole. Asked to name her fa-tosharingmystorytotouringallvorite shops and restaurants in town, over the countryis really just lifeshe reels off a list that confirms her changing, says Star. Its been heal- passion for lifestyle tips (see sidebar). ing for me to say that my pain wasntReadingStarsbookmakesyou in vain and that its leading to realwonder how she was able to emergeYear-Round Floatie-Free Survival Lessons change. But I also love the fact thatfrom the abuse and tumult that de-itsinspiringotheryouthtosharefined her early years. She gives the Ages: 3 Months to Adults their stories as well and not be silentcredittoherGG,whomodeled about it. stability and love. I think its hav-ingthatpositivesortof Call 201-645-1300 outlookandconnection Maplewood|Fairfield|Clifton| BritishSwimSchool.com/HWF that I got from my great-grandmother, which real-ly has always stayed with me, she says.Starisgratefulfor theearlymemoriesshe has of her GG. She says, I just have a really long In 2021, Star was featured on Humans of New York.memory,whichactually It helped raise $140,000 for CASA-NYC. happensalottokidsin trauma,whereyoucan In 2021, Star had another signifi- remember things in your early child-cantopportunitytotalkaboutherhoodveryvividly.Anespecially foster care experience. Brandon Stan-toninterviewedandphotographed her for his popular Humans of New York photoblog, which features por-L AY-BASEDL traits and personal stories of people in P EAR New York City. With 29 million fol-JOIN US FOR OUR NIN lowersonFacebookandInstagram, OPEN G &C he was able to expand the audience OMM FOR50 YEAR for Stars story. It helped raise more HOUSE! UNITY BUILDING Scan hereS! than $140,000 for CASA-NYC. was So why write a memoir? Star says, to learn Ireallythoughtthatifthere JANUARY 24TH more! a book, it would help other people 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM along. I cant speak to everyone. Im Reach out today to Schedule a tour! just one person, but I feel like a book Reach out today to Schedule a tour! is a great way to showcase what things 973-763-5460 looklikeontheotherside.She Charell Star with son Cole and husband morrowpreschool.org aligned its release in May to coincideStephen Chiger. Photo by Julia Maloof with Foster Care Awareness Month. Verderosa.14/ matters magazine / fall 2025'