Occupation: I'm the office manager at William Raveis here in town. I've been there three years. I've been a realtor since 1999. I had been home with my kids for many years, and my friend was a broker and said you really need to come work with me. Thanks to Bob Gleason, I started selling real estate.

Family: My husband Kevin and I will be married for 30 years this June. I have three children. Will is 28; he's a mechanical engineer. and works in Wilton. Chuck is 26; he's a graphic artist, and works in New Haven. Kelly is 22; she is a dietetic technician, and works in Bristol.

We have a dog, Maddie; she's 11. She's a puggle and is the cutest thing in the world. She got attacked by coyotes in August and miraculously - thanks to the Newtown Veterinary Specialists - she is 98 percent back to herself. They did a great job.Pets:

How long have you lived in Newtown?When we were first married we took a transfer out to Indiana, and then they transferred us back. We chose Newtown, because Kevin parents live here and we have friends who live here. It is a great town. We love it more every year. Twenty years. I grew up in South Salem, N.Y., and Kevin grew up in Ridgefield.

What do you like to do in your free time? I really like to be in the garden. If I could spend all day in there, I would. I do the perennial garden and my husband does the vegetable garden. It's nurturing and soothing to watch something grow. Also, I like to be out on the water on the boat.

Do you have a favorite book or author? I really like detective books and mysteries. Right now I'm reading James Patterson's new book.

What is your favorite travel destination? Owasco Lake in New York. The reason for that is Tracey McManus, who lives here in town. It's her family home. It's a fantastic, beautiful lake that is nothing but lovely. I love going there.

What is the best part about Newtown? Any sandwich at the General Store.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? I am one of seven children; there are six girls and one boy. I am blessed with the most beautiful, wonderful family that I grew up with. My mother taught family, and she taught us to teach family. The greatest part is that now all the cousins have so much fun together - they go away for weekends, and do everything. That's thanks to my mother, who always taught family.

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? If I could spend one more day with someone, I wish it could be with Benny Atkinson. He grew up in town and was a friend to many. Benny passed away much too early and unexpectedly and has been sorely missed by so many ever since. I cannot think of a better way to spend an afternoon than sharing a beer and a conversation with Benny once more.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? When I was having my first baby, one of my sisters said, "If you want your husband to help with the children, don't correct him." I have a husband who has always been involved - changed diapers, fed babies - and I thank my sister for her advice.

Who is your favorite musical artist? Billy Joel, because I'm a New Yorker and his music was always around. My daughter knows how much I love him, so she bought Kevin and I tickets for Christmas to go see him at Madison Square Garden in February. Also, Stevie Wonder. I fell in love with his song "Isn't She Lovely." My son and I actually got to see Stevie Wonder last winter, and to stand next to your child while Stevie Wonder is singing "Isn't She Lovely" - there is nothing better. It was a perfect day.