Occupation: I am lucky enough to be the elementary school counselor at Middle Gate School.

Family: I have been married to my wonderful husband, Craig Arsenault, for nine years and we have two beautiful children. Our daughter, Camryn, is 7 years old and our son, Austin, just turned 5 in May.

Pets: I have two rescue dogs, Ryder and Chase. I also have two goats and six chickens! We started a hobby farm a few years back and it has been so much fun spending time on the farm.

What do you like to do in your free time? I absolutely love camping, hiking, and baking. During the summer months, one of my favorite activities is to explore new hiking spots with my kids.

What is your favorite book? I am not a huge book reader right now, other than kids’ books with my children. However, I love reading magazines about house renovations, country living, etc.

What is your favorite travel destination? When I was in college, I was lucky enough to study abroad in Seville, Spain. I did a ton of backpacking throughout Europe and I think Ireland would be my favorite spot. Not only was it beautiful, but everyone was so welcoming and friendly.

What is the best part about Newtown? The sense of community! I love working in this town and having the chance to connect and collaborate with other therapists/programs in Newtown.

Who or what has been the greatest influence in your life? I would say that my middle school counselor had the greatest impact on me and more specifically the direction that I went with my career, etc. He was amazing! He inspired me and showed me what an impact a school counselor could have on their students. I still reflect on some of our conversations to this day.

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? This would 100% be my grandmother, Pearl. She has always been such an amazing part of our lives and was involved in everything we did. I would love to see her again and tell her how much she meant to me and for her to have the chance to meet my husband and children. Our daughter was named after her — Camryn Pearl.

Who is your favorite musical artist? Jack Johnson.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? From the wise words of my daughter, “Love is good — we love it! It brightens my day!”

What is something you cannot live without? This would definitely be candy and chocolate. I have such a sweet tooth.

What is your proudest accomplishment? This school year. This school year has pushed so many of us out of our comfort zone in many ways. However, it also pushed us to learn and grow in many ways. Although challenging, I am finishing the year with a Profiles in Professionalism recognition and a nomination for teacher of the year. Of all years, those could not have come at a better time! I am proud of all that I accomplished during a year of such uncertainty.