Occupation: I am the co-owner and operator of Phinney’s. I am also the co-founder of a small food, beverage, and hospitality consulting group called Orchard Hill Consulting.

Family: My husband, Stephen Forgione, is the other co-owner and operator of Phinney’s. My parents, Bob and Kathy, recently relocated to Sherman, Conn. My sister and brother-in-law, Kim and Adam, live in Quincy, Mass., and my in-laws, Kate and Lou, live here in Newtown.

Pets: Stephen and I have an 18-month-old mixed-breed rescue named Leon.

How long have you lived in Newtown? Stephen and I moved to Newtown in September 2020 to open Phinney’s. Stephen grew up in Newtown, but this is my first time living here.

What do you like to do in your free time? In my free time I enjoy hiking with Stephen and Leon, as well as yoga and spending time with family.

What is your favorite book? I am a non-fiction reader and love reading to learn. One of my favorite reads for putting life in perspective is Stephen Hawking’s Brief Answers to the Big Questions.

What is your favorite travel destination? Bhutan — I lived there for a summer in college to study forestry and Buddhist religion. The country is full of some of the most beautiful flora and birds I have ever seen along with a deep culture based around respect for others and the land. It was one of the most beautiful and educational traveling experiences I’ve ever been on.

What is the best part about Newtown? I love all the new businesses opening and the overall vibes of the town. I also appreciate the proximity to nature and the amount of hidden hiking trails.

What organizations are you part of in Newtown? Phinney’s is part of the Newtown Chamber of Commerce.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My sister, Kim, has always been a great inspiration and influence in my life. She exemplifies what it means to work and love hard, and I respect her an incredible amount.

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand. I studied abroad in New Zealand in college and have always had an affinity for the country. Jacinda is a unique and admirable leader and I would be fascinated to see a day in her life.

Who is your favorite musical artist? It’s a tie between Justin Vernon of Bon Iver and Amelia Meath of Sylvan Esso.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? Listen more than you speak.

What is something you cannot live without? Coffee, good wine, my husband, and my dog.

What is your proudest accomplishment? Getting married to my favorite person and opening a business with said person.