Occupation: I’m a traffic agent through the Newtown Police Department. I have three schools that I work at: Newtown High School, St Rose, and Hawley School, plus St Rose Church, once every three weeks.

Family: I have two daughters, both in their 20s, Carole and Crystal, and my heart’s desire, my 5-year-old grandson, Damien. And a very supportive husband, Steve. We’ve been married 16 years.

Pets: We own two barking “cats”: Pomeranians, and a real cat. The dogs’ names are Gus and Montana, and our cat is Monster. He attacked me so many times when he was a kitten.

How long have you lived in Sandy Hook? I’m in the house I was born in. I moved away for a time, and we bought the house back from my stepmother in 1999, so I’m right back where I started.

What do you like to do in your free time? I like to motorcycle ride with my husband — just let the bike take us where it will. I like to hang out with friends on their boat, on Lake Zoar, or with our friends around the bonfire at my house. I love being with people, making them laugh and smile. I write poetry when I have the time.

Do you have a favorite place to go biking? Every place is always different. Mostly we go on the country roads, avoiding the noise and traffic.

Do you have a favorite travel destination? My favorite vacation was with my daughter Carole, in 2004. We went to Germany with Newtown High School. We went to Munich, and we went to Austria, too. I loved the old-style buildings there. They take a lot of pride in the craftsmanship. I’m big on antiquities.

What is the best thing about Newtown? I’m fourth or fifth generation here. The town has always been one big family. If you don’t know someone now, you will. People eventually become family.

Who has been the greatest influence on your life? With my smiling and trusting nature, that would be my father, Lenny Ballwig. He was a kind and generous soul. I always say I carry on his legacy.

Do you have a personal philosophy? Anger and sadness will never get you through your problems. A smile will help you through, and maybe give you a clear head.

Do you have a guilty pleasure? I like to have a beer with friends. That’s my guilty bad girl pleasure.