Occupation: I am an Independent Talent and Acquisition Consultant. Previously, I taught intermediate and middle school, and I was a flight attendant.

Family: My husband, Benjamin, and I have three girls. Khloe, age 18, is a first-year college student at a small liberal arts school in Maryland. Nia, age 12, and Leila, age 11, are both homeschooled and dancers with The Hartt Community Division in Hartford.

How long have you lived in Newtown? We have been Newtown residents for about three years now. Prior to living here we lived in Monroe, by way of Mars, Penn., a small town outside of Pittsburgh. I have literally lived from coast to coast and a few areas in between. I am originally from Atlanta, Ga.

What do you like to do in your free time? I am really a homebody, an introvert, and a bibliophile. Give me a good book and a nice latte and I am in heaven. Trying new restaurants with my husband is a favorite pastime. I also dabble in painting, watercolor in particular, dance fitness classes, and yoga occasionally. Lately, I have been immersed in uncovering my family’s genealogy. As an American Descendant of Slavery (ADOS) I have always craved opportunities to learn about my ancestral roots. ADOS usually hit road blocks, particularly during the years of enslavement. Some of my ancestors were freed in the 1700s. Through their property and census records I discovered that my paternal fourth great-grandfather served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution at Valley Forge. I have traced ancestors back to their arrival on slave ships that came from Ghana, and located immigrants born in the Netherlands coming to colonize the New World. I also found Mississippian Choctaw Indian ancestors listed on the Dawes Registry. The most surprising discovery, however, is that I have ancestors who were born in Fairfield County back in 1642. Finding my roots has been an astoundingly exciting and emotional experience.

What is your favorite book? I treasure so many books. Lately, I have been reading quite a bit of non-fiction and YA fiction literature. The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson is a phenomenal piece of literature, and is high on my favorites list. As for YA fiction, my favorite book is anything written by Jason Reynolds. He is a phenomenal author and his ability to engage young people is delightful.

What is your favorite travel destination? My favorite place to travel is Manchester by the Sea, Mass. I delight in the quaint town, the hidden culinary treasures, and Singing Beach is absolutely beautiful. It’s quite a charming place, and I dream of retiring there one day.

What is the best part about Newtown? If I had to pick one thing, it would have to be the restaurants. We’ve had some delicious culinary experiences in Newtown. When we first moved to Connecticut about five years ago, we fell in love with a few restaurants in the area, and decided plant roots. We love the emerging food scene here, and we are very glad we made the decision to settle in Newtown.

What organizations are you part of in Newtown? I am a member of the Newtown Allies for Change (NAFC) executive council. I am most fond of facilitating book club sessions for our group. Through NAFC, I have met some great humans who are extremely committed to making Newtown an equitable place for all who live here.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? Undoubtedly my father. He passed away in 2017. He was the kindest, most humble soul I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. A man a few words, calm, cool, and collected, my dad always led with his actions. He taught me so many valuable lessons, chief among them was his work ethic. I admire him greatly and miss him immensely.

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? It would be my husband, Ben. Raising three girls, homeschooling, and not having family local to us, we seldom get to spend time alone. I would love to spend the day traveling around New England touring breweries and sipping IPAs with him.

Who is your favorite musical artist? Musically, I’m a huge fan of soulful artists. Right now, I have Snoh Allegra, Jacob Banks, Beyoncé, Tobe Nwigwe, Summer Walker, and Billie Eilish on my playlist.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? The best advice I have gotten yet is from the late Dr Maya Angelou. She once said, “When people show you who they are, believe them.” When I don’t lead with this in mind, I typically come to regret it.

What is something you cannot live without? I can’t live without my morning cup of coffee. There is something about the morning ritual of sipping coffee out of my favorite mug that really jump starts my day.

What is your proudest accomplishment? My little family. They are my whole heart, and they make me incredibly proud.