Occupation: I am the Math/Science Specialist at Middle Gate Elementary School here in Newtown.

Family: My husband Matt and I have been married for 26 years, and we have two children. Orion is 18 and Maia is 16. They both attend Newtown High School.

Pets: We have a cat named Monkey.

How long have you lived in Newtown? We moved to Newtown 12 years ago. We love it here, and I’m so happy to call Newtown my home.

What do you like to do in your free time? To stay active, I love biking, hiking, yoga, and tennis. I also enjoy gardening, cooking, and reading.

What is your favorite book? I have so many favorites! Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God is one that I love to re-read every few years — it’s that good.

What is your favorite travel destination? I love to travel, and usually wherever we go becomes my new favorite. If I had to choose one place, though, it would be Paris. The city is just so stunningly beautiful and filled with cool things to do.

What is the best part about Newtown? The best part about Newtown is the kindness and generosity of the people who live here.

What organizations are you part of in Newtown? This past summer I began playing tennis with the Newtown Tennis Association. It has been great fun!

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My parents. They taught me a love of life, of learning, and about the importance of kindness. They showed me how to see life, with all its challenges, as an adventure to be celebrated.

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? I would choose to spend the day with my dad, who died eleven years ago. I would love just to sit and talk with him. I miss his humor, curiosity, and wisdom.

Who is your favorite musical artist? Right now, it’s a jazz pianist named Hiromi Uehara. She plays with tremendous precision but also with such feeling. I was able to see her play a couple years ago and she was incredible.

What is something you cannot live without? I’m pretty sure I’d be lost without my morning cup of coffee.

What is your proudest accomplishment? I think my relationships with my immediate and extended family are what make me the most proud and happy. I’m not sure it’s an accomplishment, but I am beyond thankful for my relationship with my husband, children, siblings, my mom, and all my nieces and nephews.