24 / matters magazine / fall 2026
“
During my childhood years, I 
frequented my mother’s workplace in 
the cardiac intensive care unit. I watched 
families worry, wait, grieve or celebrate 
a loved one while she nursed, educated 
and consoled families and patients. The 
compassion and care she gave inspired 
me. In later years, I shadowed both tradi­
tional Indigenous, Eastern and Western 
medicine practitioners, learning plant 
medicines and traditional healing, along 
with birthing and end-of-life support. I 
witnessed how we come into the world 
sometimes mirrors how we leave it and 
the power of being “present" in support 
of both. My chosen career unites these 
influences of traditional, Eastern and 
Western therapies. I love what I do. It 
humbles me daily, but keeps me laugh­
ing and learning along the way.”
INSPIRED 
TO CARE
FINE-TUNE YOUR 
CRAFT
“
I've always had a natural ability to 
connect with people and that has helped 
me in my sales career, including real 
estate. Fine-tuning my craft, though, 
requires practice, a willingness to keep 
learning and a genuine desire to help 
others. I credit my husband who taught 
me some foundational tenets that I've 
applied to every job I've had. Although 
it may sound old fashioned, I believe in 
good manners such as looking people 
in the eye, being an active listener, ask­
ing questions and understanding what 
they truly need. Doing so shows clients 
that I care and want to meet them where 
they are, whether they’re navigating a 
challenging transition or celebrating an 
exciting new chapter. I know I've suc­
ceeded when they are raving fans who 
recommend me because they know I 
was in their corner looking out for their 
needs every step of the way.”
BE A GOOD 
LISTENER
“
I began my career in clinical social 
work, but put it on hold to raise my kids. 
In 2005, looking for a way to return to 
the workforce, I took a realtor's sugges­
tion to try home staging. I've always had 
a good sense of design, space and color, 
so I started a business and presented 
my vision to a few kind realtors who 
gave me a chance. Who knew my social 
work skills would be so important in 
my new career? Selling a home can be 
emotional and I help clients look at their 
house through a buyer’s eye so they can 
focus on getting the most value for 
their home. I provide a room-by-room 
plan for success, creating an eclectic, 
welcoming space where prospective 
buyers can picture their dreams. Today 
we stage about 225 homes a year and 
have expanded into prop rentals for 
film, TV and events.”
Leah Gomberg
SWEET LIFE BY DESIGN
SWEET LIFE PROPS
228 Burnett Avenue, Maplewood
973.762.3100 
sweetlifebydesign.com
Cristina R. de La Mar
SEVEN POINT WELLNESS
150 Morris Avenue, Springfield
917.210.1063
sevenpointwellness.com
Ann Laskowski
COMPASS
378 Millburn Avenue, Millburn
917.586.3018 
laskowskiandco.com

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