What was unique about growing up in New Paltz in the 1970’s? After decades away, why did you come back to stay here?
“When I was a child, I felt liberated. The parenting styles among New Paltz parents encouraged little kids to be just humans with agency and individuality. We enjoyed the beauty of the mountain, the iconic Mohonk Tower always there. We swam at Split Rock. I remember my parents would give me a dollar. I would go to Jack’s Meat Market, survey the whole counter full of sweets and make my choice. My parents, my friends’ parents, and many community members founded The Friends of the Mountain School, which was located at Unison Arts and Learning Center.
When I was a teenager, I hung out on the stoop in front of the Hobo Deli, doing what kids do …
I was proud to be a ‘townie’ in this college town. I even had a romance with a student at SUNY who had a motorcycle, which at the time was very cool.”
Because of the free-spirited manner in which I was raised, I developed a desire for adventure. Starting at about 14, I wanted to leave, discover the world, which I did. I left here in 1988 and returned in 2019. During the years away, I lived in France, Bali, China and India. Then I carried forward the values I grew up with and founded The Green School in Brooklyn where I was the principal. When it came time to change careers, I wanted to return to the place that fed my spirit growing up. In an amazing coincidence, a house right in front of Unison, where I went to elementary school, the same house where I spent countless hours playing with the children who lived there, also now only yards away from where my mother lives, came on the market. I bought it!
Even though the town has changed so much, it’s still home. I have roots here, memories and friends from my childhood who are local. But I did not mind the changes. There is so much more diversity now. I have made many new friends. It doesn’t feel like I have gone backwards. What remains constant is idealism and the importance of community”
I have known Karali all her life. My daughter also attended The Friends of the Mountain School. To this day, they are still best friends, a testament to the depth the roots that were fostered when they were youngsters in New Paltz. My daughter, Rebekah Slotnick said, “Karali is the most community-minded person I have ever known.”
Karali came back to New Paltz. In keeping with the values of this town and her idealism, she coaches people in transformative leadership and career choices that lead to fulfilled and authentic lives. She can be found at karalipitzele.com.
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