Occupation: I’m a gerontologist with a particular focus on the brain. Last October, I founded Busy Minds Box, a subscription activity box designed to promote brain health in older adults. I also do consultant work in project management, writing, and copy editing.

Family: I live in Sandy Hook with my husband, David. My parents, sister, and extended family all live nearby in Trumbull.

How long have you lived in Newtown? We bought our house in mid-October of 2021 — one week after I launched my business, and one week before we got married!

What do you like to do in your free time? I spend a lot of time in the kitchen pretending to follow recipes (but usually, I just come up with something on my own). If I’m not there, I’m crafting or DIYing, learning photography, or traveling.

What is your favorite book? Beantown Girls by Jane Healey and Girls on the Line by Aimie K. Runyan are two of my favorites. Both are about the incredible — yet often overlooked — roles that women played during wartime.

What organizations are you part of in Newtown? I joined the Chamber of Commerce and have had a great experience so far.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My parents. It was hard to admit I had “cool parents” when I was younger, but I do. My dad coached my softball team for years and taught me the importance of exercise, empathy, and teamwork. My mom imparted her love of crafts, planning, and decorating; she taught me the value of creative problem solving. Together, they taught me to find a sense of purpose through what you can do for others.

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? Buck Showalter. As a longtime Mets fan, I am so impressed with his management of the team this year. Buck is a manager, just like many of us, except all his decisions are center stage. Yet he remains incredibly poised, steps up when his team needs him, and maintains a good sense of humor, win or lose. I’d love to learn more about the inner workings of his management style.

Who is your favorite musical artist? I’ve loved Lana Del Rey for a long time. Her vocal range is incredible, and her voice has this breathy quality that seems to lure you into every song.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? Everyone has a different perspective; consider theirs before you speak.

What is something you cannot live without? The internet. I depend on it so much — both personally and professionally — that it would be extremely tough to live without it.

What is your proudest accomplishment? Starting my own business. I never thought I’d do it, but it has been so fun and rewarding.

What is a meal/recipe your family has passed down to you? My grandmother’s Nuts and Bolts, a snack mix. She made it every year for Christmas, both to serve and give as gifts. I spent my 30th birthday learning how to make it. When she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I took over her tradition. It takes an entire day, start to finish — and it’s worth every second.

What is a tradition your family does that is important to you? Friday Night Pizza!

What would you like The Newtown Bee to cover in the future? I love when The Newtown Bee shines its spotlight on “feel good” stories. With all the negativity in the world and news today, it’s so important to celebrate positivity and giving back to our community.