HI, MY NAME IS… Ciara Hickey Murphy
I’VE LIVED IN Paradise Valley FOR the past 18 months AND I LOVE IT BECAUSE… I am from Ireland, and after four wonderful years in the Biltmore area, we moved to PV for a bit more space and we found a wonderful community in our neighborhood. Everyone is active and friendly and stays connected with each other. The schools close by are excellent too. We are lucky with our spot.
A TYPICAL DAY IN MY LIFE INCLUDES… me wearing different hats depending on the time of day. I run a boutique consulting practice CSH Consultants and I help our clients form and achieve their HR strategies. I have young children so a lot of the day revolves around them. We love the Village Club for fitness, swimming and tennis. We cycle around PV a lot and you will easily recognize us in our giant cargo bike! I am a member of our preschool’s parent board and also a member of the Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s Philanthropic Council. I really enjoy my role in supporting these organizations.
MY FAMILY IS… my husband Rory and two fantastic kids Alexandra and Conor.
ONE THING I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IS… my family and a cup of Irish breakfast tea first thing in the morning.
MY FAVORITE MOVIE I COULD NEVER GET TIRED OF WATCHING AND WHY… “The Committments” or “The Blues Brothers,” both classics, they’re funny and feature soul music.
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I WANTED TO BE… out in the world on an adventure and running a business! Monopoly was my favorite game.
THE SONG I WOULD SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT IS… something Irish to get a sing-song going, maybe the “The Banks of My Own Lovely Lee” because I am from Cork or bring out a bit of Gaeilge singing Mo Gheile Mear.
THE ONE PERSON WHO MOTIVATES ME IS… my kids. I do take the role model role seriously and do my best to keep a balance of working, being involved in the local community and being available at home. It’s not always easy but I keep on trying.
THE LAST THING THAT MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD WAS… definitely something the kids did… they are close in age and have fun together.
THE PERFECT DAY IS… a Saturday, temperatures in the 70s, exercise at the Village Club or a hike in the close by Phoenix Nature Preserve, brunch at Lon’s, followed by both kids napping in the afternoon, an early evening family cycle around the neighborhood and dinner, live music and dancing with good friends.
MY FAVORITE LOCAL NONPROFIT IS… Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Their work is cutting edge. We are lucky to have such a talented and growing team local to Phoenix. We now have a burgeoning world class institute for neurological and neurosurgical treatment and research in children on our doorstep. It benefits us all, especially the kids who need it most and we should be proud of it. It’s growing and building year over year.
MY LIFE IS… busy and interesting! I have always kept an open mind and embraced opportunities and new experiences. It has served me well.
THE BEST GIFT I’VE EVER RECEIVED WAS… my engagement ring and a piece of furniture made by my grandfather.
MY DREAM VACATION WOULD BE… learning or practicing a new skill. For the past few years, I have been learning to ski better, surf, sail and speak Spanish (all the S’s). I am an adult learner and basically staying a couple of steps ahead of my already accomplished children.
THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED IS… blossom where you are planted.
