Our Story
Flower Again all started out of a call to compassion...
Jill Robey
founder & chair
Hi, I am Jill Robey, and I am the founder of Flower Again. Flowers have always brought me great joy. I love choosing them, arranging them and giving them away. I love the smile they produce in others.
Flower Again all started out of a call to compassion. Through my church, I have had the opportunity to create and repurpose flower arrangements for the benefit of those in our congregation who have experienced a death in the family, an illness, isolation due to aging, or other personal difficulties. I have witnessed first-hand the joy this activity brings to anyone who could benefit from more human connection and something beautiful to brighten their day. It simply feels right to spread happiness.
I decided to expand this ministry throughout Fairfield County to make a greater impact, serving those of varying backgrounds, circumstances, and situations. I believe that the good desires of God take shape when we dare to follow our instincts and to care for others as we would our own families.
I also care deeply about our environment. By reusing flowers from weddings, funerals, florists, or corporate events, we are ensuring less floral material is added to our landfills. Flower Again is trying to do our part to keep our planet healthy and beautiful.
Flowers elicit smiles. Now, we can share in those smiles and be environmentally friendly at the same time. A win-win for humanity.
meet our board of directors
Laney Lloyd has been a New Canaan resident for 30 years, where she and her husband raised their triplets. After a career in investment banking and asset management — including roles at JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, and Deutsche Bank — she has channeled her professional expertise and creative talents into community service.
An avid photographer, Laney has lent her skills to numerous nonprofit and conservation organizations, including the Waveny Park Conservancy, the Darien Land Trust, the New Canaan Land Trust, Planet New Canaan, Live Girl, and Stamford Animal Care and Control. She also serves as Volunteer Coordinator for Food Rescue US/Fairfield County. Laney is honored to contribute her photography to Flower Again.
Favorite Flower: Iris
Laney Lloyd
board member
Meg is a manager at the Connecticut Flower Collective in Middletown, CT, a collaborative growers market that regularly donates their blooms to Flower Again! Her background is in the animal and plant sciences, with a resume including zoos, veterinary clinics, and farms. When not at the Collective, Meg can be seen assisting floral designers around Connecticut, doing farmhand work at CT flower farms, or relaxing in her own small garden with her dogs
Favorite Flower: Poppy or Columbine
Meg Blake
board member
Julia has degrees in business, public health, and social work. She developed start-up businesses and worked in global strategy and innovation for Pfizer Inc. She currently serves as Executive Director of Fairfield County Hospice House, which is a Flower Again recipient. Julia also has a private therapy practice with offices in Stamford and New Canaan. Her community activities include the New Canaan Land Trust and Roton Point Club boards, Trustees, Adult Education and Middle School Ministry committees at the New Canaan Congregational Church, and leader of Girl Scout Troop 716.
Favorite Flower: Gerber Daisy
Julia Portale
board member
Jill has a degree in Early Childhood Education; she pivoted to work in financial services and spent over twenty years at Merrill Lynch. Jill has served on many non-profit boards including as President of her children’s elementary and high school PTA’s. She has also served as Chair of the Flower Ministry, Welcoming Ministry and Board of Deacons at the Congregational Church of New Canaan. Jill has recruited and led hundreds of volunteers throughout all of her experiences.
Favorite Flower: Hydrangea
Jill Robey
founder & chair
Lesley has a degree in interior design and worked for 10 years within the corporate interior design field. When her children were young, Lesley refocused her time toward many volunteer positions within the New Canaan community such as the Newcomers Club, New Canaan CARES and New Canaan Preservation Alliance. Lesley currently serves as the chair of Women’s Fellowship at The Congregational Church of New Canaan. Through her current position at Jane Beiles Photography, Lesley continues to use her creative, technical and organizational talents.
Favorite Flower: Magnolia
Lesley Cousley
secretary & board member
A seasoned Corporate Event Planner with 15 years of industry expertise, Lindsey has spent the last 5 years leading the events team at Toast, Inc., following a decade of refining her craft at third-party agencies.
Driven by a lifelong passion for events, she has seen firsthand the immense floral waste generated at large functions. This sparked a deep commitment to sustainability and a passion for giving these arrangements a second life.
Outside of work, Lindsey is a proud mom raising her two kids in Norwalk. She loves sharing her creative talents by helping family and friends bring their personal milestone events to life.
Favorite Flower: Peony
Lindsey Leboza
board member
Kathy utilized her degree in communications working for home furnishing and interior design clients in New York for 10 years before moving to Connecticut with her husband to raise their five children. She has held many volunteer positions in the Darien community while also serving as a lay bible teacher and study facilitator at Noroton Presbyterian Church Darien and Trinity Church Greenwich. Kathy is an active member of the Garden Club of Darien and her forever passion for flowers led her to pursue a certificate in Floral Design from the New York Botanical Garden.
Favorite Flower: Ranunculus
Kathy Armstrong
board member
Julie is an executive-level strategic marketer with a proven track record in leadership, change management, and team building. She specializes in developing consumer-focused marketing strategies that optimize brand reach and drive revenue. Julie has worked with agencies, clients, and startups, building strong partnerships across various sectors. As EVP of Marketing Strategy at AMC Networks, she led marketing for a portfolio including AMC, AMC+, and BBC America. Previously, she co-founded Hyphen3, LLC, and held senior roles at WWE, SS+K, and Grey Entertainment. Julie lives in New Canaan, CT, and enjoys paddle tennis, pickleball, and hiking.
Favorite Flower: Orchid
Julie Hoffman
treasurer & board member
a special thank you...
We are grateful for these organizations that make our work possible.
