Teacher Couple - Ms. Ostrem and Mr. Nicoloff

Riverdale Review: How did you meet?

Ms. Kari Ostrem: I was running outdoor programs trips for Bronx Lab School, a public school in the Bronx, and I was going around getting equipment from all my friends for a backpacking trip, and then someone said to me: “the AMC runs backpacking trips. You know who you should call? You should call the AMC.” And when I did, Mr. Nicoloff answered the phone.

Mr. Marshall Nicoloff: Not exactly how it went down. The AMC's Opportunities Program lends out equipment for outdoor trips. Ms. Ostrem called me, and I started working with her school. We started working together, and that's how we met.

RR: What’s your favorite thing about the other person?

KO: I think it's his sense of humor combined with the generosity of spirit. 

MN: I think Kari is brilliant, and I think Kari is really funny.

RR: What’s a pet peeve that your partner/friend does?

KO: He always wants to be too early for airline flights.

MN: And I'm on the opposite end. She's not happy unless she's running to catch the flight.

RR: Would you still like the other person if they were a worm?

KO: Can you talk? I don't know because talking is the best part.

MN: I don't think I'd have a friend that's a worm, so I don't know

RR: What’s the best part of your relationship/friendship?

KO: Joyful moments in the outdoors.

MN: Yeah, I'd go with that.

RR: Who's most likely to cry reading a book or watching a movie?

KO: I probably am. I probably cry at a movie. It depends on the movie.

RR: How are you celebrating Valentine's Day?

KO: Making Valentine's Day cards with our youngest to bring to school.

MN: Every day is a celebration of love, so just like every other day. 

RR: What’s your favorite thing to do together?

KO: I mean, in the outdoors, but picking one, I guess yours is probably skiing, but mine is probably hiking.

MN: I'd say anything—spending time outside.