Meet a Mom: Dr. Meredith Vandegrift | Huntington & Smithtown Moms

Meet Dr. Meredith Vandegrift, 

Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town? I grew up in East Quogue and graduated from Westhampton Beach High School.  The majority of my post-graduate time I lived in NYC, with a short stint in Atlanta prior to coming back here.  Once my husband and I started a family, I felt that it was time to come home. We have been in Huntington for 2 years now, and we couldn’t be happier with our neighborhood and our community here. 

Child(ren) and Age(s)? My son Ryland will be 4 in December, and my daughter Delaney is 17 months.  

One thing people would be surprised to know about you…  I grew up on an unofficial farm.  We had goats, ducks, horses, and chickens in the back yard (in addition to the usual family dogs and cats).  I thought it was normal to get picked up from school via horseback when I was a kid!  My brother and I used to go out to the chicken coup in the mornings on the weekend to retrieve fresh eggs for breakfast for our dad.  Sadly I hated the smell of eggs growing up and used to hide in my bedroom with the door closed and the windows open until she was finished cooking.  Now, if I found myself on a deserted island and could only eat one food item, it would be eggs.  Is there any other food you can cook in such a diverse number of ways?!

Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?  My girlfriends have been invaluable to me. My mom passed away several years ago and so I really lean on my closest gals both in my neighborhood, as well as my friends from growing up for advice and wisdom.  I find it refreshing and reassuring that there is so much honesty and realness between us about the struggles of trying to raise small happy humans.  Next would be my Aunt Mickey, who comes on a moment’s notice with dinner in hand when I need another adult in the house.   And last but certainly not least is my nanny Suzanne, who day to day is my lifeline!! 

Favorite things to do with your kids? Dance party in the kitchen while Daddy makes dinner!  During the summer the little beach in our neighborhood is our happy place.   We are also big readers in our house, and weekend morning story time is priceless.  The big guy picks the books and my little one turns the pages;)

Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!   I am a new(ish) plastic surgeon in Huntington. I joined a group when I moved here, and we have recently rebranded to Cold Spring Plastic Surgery.  We are a small practice treating men, women and children of all ages, from facial lacerations, to cancer reconstruction, cosmetic surgery, and even skin care.  I love my job, and I love being able to help take care of friends and family locally.  

How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?  Living in this community definitely allows me to be a better professional, wife, and mom.  I have recently learned the power of “it takes a village” to care for my kids! Combining the demands of my work, like getting called in unexpectedly on occasion, with the demands of my husband’s job and the travel that it entails, it is so imperative to have a local support group of families and friends.  Living in such a vibrant town also helps because there are so many family-friendly things to do here. And if on a rare occasion my husband and I get a free moment to spend alone together, it’s so nice to be able to duck into one of our favorite spots in the village for a quick glass of wine and a small plate to share.  Lastly, I find that both living and working in this town has allowed me to network in a more meaningful way.  I take pride in being able to take care of not only my friends and their families, but also to meet other local families and make new friends and professional ties at the same time.  

You can read more about Cold Spring Plastic Surgery Group Here! 

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