Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia
Anne is a longtime Pleasantville resident and the president/founder of A Joyce Design, Inc. As an entrepreneur, she is as passionate about local businesses as she is about her design projects and clients.
Why did you choose to return as a judge?
I was asked last year, but I was unable to attend the onsite meeting. So, when they asked me again this year, I couldn’t say no! I really wanted to have the full judging experience, and I’m so glad I did.
Based on your experience, which reality show would you be best suited to judge?
“Dancing with the Stars.”A few years back, I was a contestant on Dancing with Our Stars, which was a fundraiser for Food Outreach. My professional dance partner and I did the tango and won. It looks a lot easier on TV, I’ll tell you that! But I think it was a great experience, so maybe I could combine it with my judging for CTB to produce a fair and deserving winner.
What stood out to you during the judging process this year?
All of the judges are truly so smart and interesting. It was a great experience to really be at the table and meet all these professionals.
Did you take bribes? Be honest…
No! Of course not!
You’re going on the judge circuit. What type of contest would you rather judge?
Most creative excuse for being late or best secret handshake?
Most creative excuse for being late. It’s hard to create one that people would laugh at or understand.
Most soothing song created exclusively with cat sounds or best attempt at building an IKEA dresser without instructions?
IKEA dresser. I do it all the time, and I never use instructions. It’s like a puzzle, and I love puzzles. Plus, I’m kind of handy, and I love IKEA.
Most dramatic eye roll or worst parallel parking attempt?
Most dramatic eye roll. I’m the queen of them.
Funniest kid dressed up as Charlie Chaplin or most aerodynamic wheel of cheese to roll down a hill?
Wheel of cheese. There again, it’s another puzzle; you have to figure out how to make it that aerodynamic.
Best pleated skirt ironing or most creative use for an old cell phone?
Pleated skirt ironing. I bought three of them this year, and they’re kind of permanently pleated, but you kind of have to judge them once in a while, so I love pleated skirts. And I love to iron. If it’s a nice rainy Sunday afternoon, I’ll watch an old movie on TV and iron.
Funniest impersonation of a cat throwing up or best folded fitted sheet?
Best folded fitted sheet because, there again, it’s another puzzle to solve. And I can fold a fitted sheet very well.
This article was published in the January/February 2026 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.
To view all 2026 Connect to the Best winners, click here.
Gia Miller is an award-winning journalist and the editor-in-chief/co-publisher of Connect to Northern Westchester. She has a magazine journalism degree (yes, that's a real thing) from the University of Georgia and has written for countless national publications, ranging from SELF to The Washington Post. Gia desperately wishes schools still taught grammar. Also, she wants everyone to know they can delete the word "that" from about 90% of their sentences, and there's no such thing as "first annual." When she's not running her media empire, Gia enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, laughing at her crazy dog and listening to a good podcast. She thanks multiple alarms, fermented grapes and her amazing husband for helping her get through each day. Her love languages are food and humor.
Kayla Schmidt
Kayla Schmidt is a sophomore at Horace Greeley High School. She is part of the newspaper and the SADD club, and she is also the co-manager of the track team. In her free time, Kayla enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and dogs, along with reading (preferably on the beach).
