The last photo I took of Ace in my home before we went to his adoption meeting to meet his forever family.
Ace, my first foster dog with Muddy Paws Rescue, has found his forever home! I only had him for 13 days, and he will always have a special place in my heart. He’s a cuddly, silly, loving guy. It’s incredible to me that in two weeks he went from being in rough shape on the streets of Kentucky to a loving home in New York City with people who adore him.
I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I’ve cried a lot – sad tears for me and happy tears for him. Many people have asked me how I can foster, knowing I will get attached and have to let them go. I’m doing this because the need in our shelters and for the many homeless animals we have all over the U.S. is so great. I’m dedicated to helping as many dogs as I can to honor my soul dog, Phineas, who was a shelter dog. I lost him nearly a year ago in January 2024. I want to help heal the hearts of these animals, and the people who adopt them, even though it may break my heart every time to say goodbye. It’s worth it to see these animals happy and loved.
In less than 2 weeks, Ace taught me so much. He showed me that our lives can change, for the better, so quickly with love and support from someone who cares. His resilience to trust and love people, even after all he’s been through in his short life, is something I aspire to embrace myself. Most of all, Ace showed me I’m ready to adopt a dog again when the right match comes along.
A part of me died when I lost Phinny, and I worried I might not be able to love another dog again. Ace helped bring that part of my back to life. I have no doubt that Phinny sent Ace to me, and that his spirit helped Ace feel at home in our home. Taking care of Ace, and getting him to his forever home, was something Phinny and I did together – me here on Earth and Angel Phinny across the rainbow bridge working his magic. And I’m sure he’s already at work lining up another foster dog for me, and a dog to adopt, too.
IN BRIEF
Author, journalist, digital product manager, and licensed New York City tour guide. Creator and host of NYC's Secrets and Lies. Alumna of the University of Pennsylvania (BA), the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA), Arizona State University (Biomimicry), and the University of Cambridge (MSt in Sustainability Leadership).
I build digital media platforms, report on urban climate resilience and biodiversity, and produce live narrative experiences that connect communities to history, nature, and place.
THE DEEP DIVE
My work centers on a single thread: building systems and stories that foster deep connection to our shared world. Across digital streaming, environmental reporting, and live civic storytelling, I design experiences that help people understand complex ideas and the environments around them.
DIGITAL PRODUCT STRATEGY & MEDIA LEADERSHIP
At Carnegie Hall, I serve as Digital Product Manager, leading product strategy, operations, and technical delivery for the video streaming platform Carnegie Hall+. I translate artistic mission into scalable, high-performance streaming architecture that reaches audiences globally. Previously, I led agile product and delivery teams across operations and compliance at American Express, managed Broadway theatrical productions and national tours, and guided strategic initiatives across cultural institutions.
ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISM & AUTHORSHIP
As a freelance journalist, I investigate how living systems, urban infrastructure, and human culture intersect. My reported features on urban decarbonization, biodiversity, coastal resilience, and biomimicry appear in publications including Smithsonian Magazine, The Washington Post, Mongabay, Natural History Magazine, and Foreign Policy Magazine. In fiction, I write the Emerson Page young adult novel series, alongside upcoming historical fiction and nonfiction works on New York history, mythology, and human resilience. I also write Togetherhood, a LinkedIn newsletter focused on urban ecology and community restoration, and co-host the podcast Frameworks in the Wild.
LIVE EXPERIENCE & CIVIC STORYTELLING
As a licensed New York City tour guide and live event producer, I transform urban landscapes into shared narrative encounters. I created, produce, and host NYC's Secrets and Lies, an interactive live storytelling series staged across cultural landmarks including the New York Transit Museum, the South Street Seaport Museum, and the historic tall ship Wavertree. I also design and lead site-specific walking tours exploring coastal ecology, food history, and neighborhood evolution, often with partners at Climate Week NYC and the Natural Areas Conservancy.
DOUBLE OR NOTHING MEDIA
Through my independent production studio, Double or Nothing Media, I develop ventures across media, ecology, and public history:
Digital Products & Strategy: Architecting scalable digital platforms, streaming experiences, and operational models for mission-driven institutions.
Environmental Reporting & Publications: Delivering long-form reporting, books, and newsletters grounded in climate resilience and regenerative design.
Site-Specific Live Storytelling: Producing immersive live shows and educational walking tours that engage public audiences in community history.
CONNECT
Website & Production Hub: doubleornothingmedia.com and christaavampato.com
Newsletter: Togetherhood on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/newsletters/togetherhood-7273771832221089792/
Instagram & Threads: @christarosenyc
Emerson Page Novels: emersonpagebook.wordpress.com/
View all posts by Christa Avampato
I'd love to know what you think of this post! Please leave a reply and I'll get back to you in a jiffy! ~ CRA Cancel reply
