Occupation: I'm an art teacher in Danbury at the middle school level, at the Endeavor alternative program. I have a job-share partner, so I'm home three days of the week and work at Endeavor two days.
Occupation: Iâm an art teacher in Danbury at the middle school level, at the Endeavor alternative program. I have a job-share partner, so Iâm home three days of the week and work at Endeavor two days.
Family: My husband Mike and I have three children. Andrew, 5, is our oldest. Benjamin is 3 years old, and Claire is 7 months old.
Pets: We have a newt named Newtie. Heâs actually a Valentineâs Day gift I gave to my husband when we were in college â and we graduated in 1999. Newtie is all the pet I need.
How long have you lived in Newtown? We have lived in Newtown for eight years. We moved from Sandy Hook into the house weâre in now the week that Tropical Storm Irene hit. That was quite a welcome to the new neighborhood.
What do you like to do in your free time? I craft, I sew, and I love to do stuff outside, like gardening and hiking. I belong to a book club in town, and I do like to read when I have a chance.
What are you reading now? I tend to read a lot of young adult fiction. It helps me have an edge and keep up with the kids that I teach. I read The Hunger Games trilogy recently.
Do you have a favorite travel destination? I would love to go back to Stockholm, Sweden, with my family. We lived there for a year in 2003, for Mikeâs job. Itâs just beautiful there. People are warm, and itâs clean. Itâs an idyllic place if you want to live in an urban setting.
What is the best thing about Newtown? We love Newtown for many reasons. We love its proximity to Danbury, where we both work, and the fact that itâs close to New York City, especially by train. It has a small town character. There are the Sandy Hook Center small businesses, and more businesses down Route 25, so you have most of what you need. We enjoy all of the trees and the rural feel, but like the closeness to cultural events. The Newtown location is kind of in the middle of everything. We never considered living anywhere else.
Who has been the greatest influence on your life? My mom and dad, and my husband have all helped me grow and supported me when I needed help. I couldnât be where I am without them.
Do you have a personal philosophy? As an art teacher, my philosophy is that itâs about the process, not about the product, so thatâs the way I try to live my life, too.
Do you have a guilty pleasure? Chocolate. Dark chocolate with any kind of espresso flavor.