Aimee, from Long Island, NY, arrived at Central as a second-semester freshman. Aimee majored in graphic design and spent much of her time in Maloney Hall, particularly at The Chen Art Gallery, where she worked as a student under the mentorship of then-Gallery Director Walter Kendra. That hands-on experience proved invaluable, helping Aimee land her first job as the youngest appointed Executive Director of the Visual Art Exchange Gallery in Raleigh, NC, shortly after graduation.
In the spring of 1993, Aimee, along with fellow Central alumnus and now husband Joe Berton ’93, made the leap to move south, chasing opportunity and a new beginning in Chapel Hill, NC. The moment they arrived, they knew they had found their home as UNC's campus reminded them of life in Connecticut. With his entrepreneurial spirit and degree in marketing, Joe recognized a gap in the community and started a successful landscaping business, which he has been running for over 30 years. Meanwhile, Aimee graduated from North Carolina State University's College of Design with a master's in landscape architecture, allowing the two to create beautifully curated spaces together. At the same time, Aimee also launched a design division with the national company Sodexo USA, working on projects with the likes of Magic Johnson. Aimee’s career took an exciting turn as she began teaching graphic design and interior design at The Art Institute- a new campus in the Raleigh-Durham area, and another opportunity to say "yes." Time back in a creative classroom led to a Department Chair role for the Interior Design and Fashion Marketing & Management departments, before she transitioned to Director of Career Services, launching the department and serving alongside the dean and president on the college's executive team.
In 2014, an opportunity arose to purchase an abandoned little white chapel. Aimee and Joe saw the perfect opportunity for creative reuse through restoration, launching an award-winning event venue and gathering space, The Parlour at Manns Chapel. Aimee and her business partner hosted chef dinners, creative workshops, editorial photoshoots, and intimate weddings. Over the next decade, Aimee thrived as a business owner, creating memorable experiences for her clients [even using the venue as a temporary first-grade school during Covid]. In December of 2024, they proudly sold the business. Aimee is now renovating her farmhouse on 11 acres in Chapel Hill and loving time with their 11-year-old daughter, Maeve. Excited to see what new opportunities lie ahead; Aimee is confident that her success results from saying "yes" to every opportunity that comes her way. She knows embracing change and new experiences is key to continued personal and professional growth.
