Home2020-04-03T00:01:23+00:00

Welcome!

I write to understand my life, my family, my world. I write about addiction, my Italian heritage, my relationship with my grandmother and mother. I write with the hope that you will find yourself in my stories.

Libby Cataldi

Libby writting

Born in Pittsburgh, I grew up in an Italian family and surrounded by an Italian community. My early years were steeped in faith as I attended St. Mary’s Elementary School and Canevin Catholic High School.

My dad, the patriarch of the family, dictated that I could attend college only if I majored in education or nursing, so I entered Indiana University of Pennsylvania and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. A year later, I applied for and received an internship position at the University of Pittsburgh where I earned both a Master’s and Doctorate. For seventeen years, I was Head of The Calverton School, an independent day school in Maryland.

My maternal grandmother, Carmela, served as a role model for me. Her strength and steadfast love forged the path that led me to move to Italy where I learned the concept of Stay Close, the thinking that eventually helped my son find his way to health after a fourteen-year addiction.

Woman and kids christmas

Today, my two sons, Jeff and Jeremy, and granddaughter, Iysabella Carmela, fill me with joy. Iysa is the only child of Jeremy, my younger son. My older son, Jeff, is now twelve years sober from the addiction that changed our lives. My sons and I joined together to write Stay Close: A Mother’s Story of Her Son’s Addiction. Jeff and I speak to groups throughout the world about the hope of recovery.

I have residences in Annapolis, Maryland, and, since 2004, in Florence, Italy. I am a proud member of the Florence Dragon Ladies, a rowing team of breast cancer survivors, a former board member of the International School of Florence, and a member of the American International League of Women, a group dedicated to raising money for charities. I have dual citizenship through my maternal grandparents, who were born in Rotondella, Italy.

Our family has experienced miracles and sorrows, but like Pittsburgh steel we have survived and are strong. Today, we live in a space of gratitude. My hope is to offer a steadying hand to others who are facing addiction. Where there is life, there is hope.

Libby sitting on bench

View Latest Posts