Occupation: I am a zoologist. I serve as the Curator of Education for Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, where I direct education and conservation initiatives for this nationally accredited zoo.

Family: I am a proud husband and father. My wife Eileen and I have three amazing children: Katie, Meagan, and James, who have all grown up in Newtown and graduated from Newtown schools. Katie recently got married to my wonderful son-in-law, Cory. There is no better place to raise a family!

Pets: Although we have had pets over the years — from rescue rabbits to hermit crabs — we don’t currently have any pets. When Katie and Cory come home, we get to spend time with Piper, a super-smart, energetic rescue pup and Catahoula/Lab mix. I’m lucky to have a career and a life in which I am surrounded by living creatures. Working with more than 500 hundred animals and over 120 species, I get to experience animals every day!

How long have you lived in Newtown? We have lived in Newtown nearly twenty years. We decided on Newtown for the quality of life and the exceptional schools. While it may sound silly to some, fellow Newtown parents will agree that those years fly by. A life filled with school, sports, scouts, and friends tends to move so fast; you blink, and your kids are in college!

What do you like to do in your free time? In my free time, I love to catch my son’s games (he’s a college athlete), hike with my wife, catch movies at Edmond Town Hall, and go fishing. I also love to write, both fiction and non-fiction.

What is your favorite book? That’s a tough one. I have so many books I love. Some of my favorite authors include Michael Crichton, Clive Cussler, Ursula K. Le Guin, Vince Flynn, and Kyle Mills. Some of my favorite books have stayed with me from my childhood. Among them are Call of the Wild by Jack London and The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling.

What organizations are you part of in Newtown? Over the years I have supported, and continue to support, those organizations that have given to our community and to my family. They include Newtown Schools, Newtown Scouts, St Rose of Lima, C.H. Booth Library, and many more.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My wife Eileen has been the greatest influence in my life. For love, support, guidance, and inspiration, she is always there for me.

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? Another tough question! From an intellectual and creative standpoint, I would want to spend a day with Michael Crichton. Most people think of him as the creator of the Jurassic Park movies, but he was also a division one athlete, a medical doctor, a best-selling author, and a humanitarian.

Who is your favorite musical artist? The music I grew up with has a hold over me. Olivia Newton John and Elton John are among my favorites, but I think The Beach Boys top my list.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? There are many people in my life who have shared advice that is timeless and wise. My dad recently said that we have two ears for listening and one mouth for speaking. One should listen at least twice as much as they speak to permit learning to take place before one speaks.

What is something you cannot live without? Finally, an easy question! Ice cream ... in particular, Bad Habit ice cream from The Creamery. A few years ago, I committed a critical family error — I failed to submit the Thanksgiving and Christmas orders for holiday ice cream from The Creamery on time. My kids still won’t let me forget it!

What is your proudest accomplishment? My proudest accomplishment is a shared one — raising three incredible kids. I couldn’t be more proud of the young adults they have become. I learn from them every day. They inspire me.

What is a meal/recipe your family has passed down to you? My wife bakes the best scones I’ve ever tasted. They’re glazed cranberry orange scones (her grandmother’s recipe). It’s impossible to have just one.

What is a tradition your family does that is important to you? We have a Christmas grab bag present exchange that brings us together, builds anticipation, and generates a lot of laughs. You might get tickets to your favorite show, a 1-pound peanut butter cup, or a case of Q-Tips. You just never know.

What would you like The Newtown Bee to cover in the future? Anything relating to nature, the outdoors, and wildlife has my vote. Continued coverage of the successes of our young people is a great thing!