Occupation: I am a Residential and Clinical Services Manager for Ability Beyond. I have worked there for 14 years and am extremely passionate about the work we do and the agency as a whole. I work with individuals who have mental illnesses, drug addictions, as well as developmental disabilities. I also work part-time for Danbury Youth Services as a therapist.

Family: My mother and stepfather, Linda and Sal Manganaro, live in Newtown. I have a brother, Joel, and sister-in-law, Dani, who live in Torrington with my three nieces, Taylor, Kenzie, and Mila. I have a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins throughout New York, New Jersey, and Florida. I am so fortunate to have such an amazing and supportive family. I love them all dearly.

Pets: I have one cat, Dolce, who was a rescue I fell in love with six years ago at a local shelter.

How long have you lived in Newtown? I was raised in Newtown and then moved around Connecticut a little bit through and after college. I moved back here about ten years ago.

What do you like to do in your free time? I love to spend time with friends and family. Movies, day trips, shopping - anything can be great with the right company. I enjoy taking some "me time," as well, doing relaxing things that are good for me.

Do you have a favorite book? I don't, but I am currently reading Bessel Van der Kolk's The Body Keeps The Score. I am excited to hear him speak locally later in August at the Edmond Town Hall for the Avielle Foundation.

What is your favorite travel destination? Travel has been somewhat limited for me; however, I did go to St Lucia last year with friends and absolutely loved it there! I hope to go back soon.

What is the best part about Newtown? One of the best parts of this town is the small town feel that is still so prevalent even though it has gotten bigger through the years. I love seeing people I know and have known in the past as well as so many local shops that I love to patronize.

Who or what has been the greatest influence in your life? I don't have a specific person that I can attribute this to, but in general the animal rights and veganism movements have made a significant impact on my life, my ethics, my outlook, and the choices I make. I have had so many great people influence me in so many different ways, but I would have to say my mother is one of the strongest people I have ever met. She has conquered so much in her own life and is someone I am so proud of, and I am amazed by her resiliency and beauty.

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? I would love to spend the day with Jane Goodall. She is someone who has really helped shape some of my ethics. I admire her and the work she does.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? I remember someone very special to me told me "People won't remember what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel." I keep that near and dear to me in the work I do every day. I also remember my father telling me to find a job you love, then you never have to feel that you are "working" a day in your life. I have been lucky to be a part of two amazing organizations that I can honestly say I love to "work" at.

What is your proudest accomplishment? My proudest accomplishment was helping write legislation at Western Connecticut State University when I was an undergraduate to ban all circuses with animals at the college. We worked very hard to advocate and educate for animal rights and it's one of the things I felt truly made an impact in a significant way.