Occupation: I have been teaching family and consumer science at Ridgefield High School for 32 years, covering such topics as nursery school, child development, interiors, and fashion. I earned my bachelor's degree from the University of Rhode Islan
Occupation: I have been teaching family and consumer science at Ridgefield High School for 32 years, covering such topics as nursery school, child development, interiors, and fashion. I earned my bachelorâs degree from the University of Rhode Island, my masterâs degree in fashion and textiles from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Penn., and did my sixth year work at Michigan and Connecticut state colleges. I am certified in elementary and secondary education.
How Long in Newtown: I have lived in Newtown for 30 years. I was born and raised in Rhode Island and also lived in New Fairfield and Detroit, Mich.
Biggest Change Seen in Town: The farms turning back into woodlands, and the increase in deer, turkeys, and pheasant you see on your own property.
Family: I was married in April to John OâByrne, a certified public accountant in town. I have three adult stepchildren, Beth, who lives in Boston; Trish and Kevin, who live in Denver, Colo., and John and Kim, who live in Lakewood, Colo. They have two little girls, Heidi, four months, and Kalyn, who is 4 years old.
Pets: I have a Cairin terrier, Madison, who is 16.
Hobbies: Gardening and reading. I also play tennis and enjoy swimming. I once sewed a lot but I donât any more.
Favorite Books and Authors: I like contemporary authors, such as Mary Higgins Clark and Nelson Demille. I also like to read Steinbeckâs novels. Iâm also a little into mystery books, but I donât enjoy anything thatâs bizarre.
Favorite TV Show: Boston Public. I like the issues they deal with, and they deal with them in an appropriate way most of the time. I also enjoy Providence. Since I grew up there, I like to see if I recognize anything.
Organizations: Town and Country Garden Club, Business and Professional Women, National Education Association, Ridgefield Education Association, Connecticut Family and Consumer Science Association, and Connecticut Nutrition Council.
Most Vivid Memory of Newtown: I live above what used to be Dr [Thomas] Draperâs farm, which once had cows. A calf was born right across the street from us. They had to carry the calf down to the barn. It was neat. The cows would eat all the wild roses, poison ivy and other things so we could see the view. Now we only have a view in the winter.
Favorite Vacation Spot: The Southwest. I especially enjoy the food in New Mexico. I also enjoy going to Rhode Island. We have a summer place there.
Personal Philosophy: I try to be positive and to treat people the way I would like them to treat me. With my students, Iâm open with them and let them know Iâm there for them to learn and to strive to become responsible adults. I am involved in the Outreach Club, which is valuable for students. It gives them an opportunity to see people who have different needs or who donât have as much as they have. I try to instill in them that sometimes we donât have money, but we have time, and that when you donât have time, then you give of your resources.