MONICA COUILLARD
ADSO-FS SECNY-S
14-10-02
Seacaucus NJ
I joined the Auxiliary after observing the efforts of flotillas in NY/NJ following the events of 9/11 and officially joined in 2003. I’ve served as Flotilla Commander, ADSO-PA, Interpreter, Boat Crew, and Publications Staff Officer. I enjoy teaching boating safety courses in English and Spanish and translated materials for the very first Spanish-language boating safety course in the NY area nearly 15 years ago.
My Auxiliary career has taught me countless valuable skills which I’ve applied to my professional career as Head of Recruiting in the US for Aon, a large global financial services firm. One of the best learning experiences I’ve encountered in the Auxiliary has been earning my AUXOP and the recent District Staff Officer College. I’m also the Cubmaster for over 80 Cub Scouts between the ages of 6 and 12 and a member of the Woman’s Club of Rutherford. As a student of conversation and leadership, I’ve earned the Distinguished Toastmaster designation and am a member of two Toastmasters clubs.
One of my favorite Auxiliary experiences was cooking aboard the USCGC Eagle in 2019. I also relish cooking at Station Sandy Hook and aboard the cutters docked in Bayonne, NJ, especially during the holidays. I appreciate that my eight-year-old son, Oliver, and my husband, Eric, enthusiastically support my passion for the Auxiliary.
My favorite dish to serve Coasties is Cuban Chocoflan, made with rich condensed and evaporated milk, eggs, and mouthwatering chocolate. My parents immigrated from Cuba in the early 1970s and I delight in sharing the flair of Cuban cuisine with our Coasties. Smell pulled pork, rice, black beans and fried plantains? That’s me in the galley!
I anticipate sharing the galley with our volunteer chefs for many years to come and continue training members interested in exploring the gratifyingly hard work that is Food Services.