Occupation: I am a Mind-Body Wellness Coach and Reiki Master.

Family: My sister, her husband, and my niece and nephew live here in Newtown. About a year ago, I relocated from Colorado back to Connecticut, so that I could be closer to them and share more family time. I was in Colorado for 20-plus years and had been missing the warm comforts of holidays, laughter, and sharing life together.

Pets: I have an affinity for dogs, and while I don’t have pets right now, whenever the right one finds its way to me, I’ll know.

How long have you lived in Newtown? I’ve been here just over a year.

What do you like to do in your free time? I really enjoy being out in nature, taking in the beauty of my surroundings, whether that’s hiking, paddleboarding, reading, or just sitting on a well-placed bench. I also practice yoga and meditation daily, which is the space for me to connect into source and renew.

What is your favorite book? I have two which have been deeply meaningful for me: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and Siddhartha by Herman Hesse. These stories of self discovery, triumph, challenge, renewal, and rebirth of Self have been inspiring in my own life.

What organizations are you part of in Newtown? I’m still finding my way, but I have opened Newtown Wellness Collective in Sandy Hook, I practice yoga at The Newtown Yoga Center, I support Newtown Forest Association, Faith Food Pantry, the Junior League of Eastern Fairfield County, and I lead a Heart-Centered Living Facebook group.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My dad. He held kindness for just about everyone he met and taught me to have a lust for living, taking moments as they come, while living in integrity with oneself. He helped me believe that anything is possible.

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? I would love to learn from Pema Chodron and Michelle Obama. Their life experiences have empowered them to rise up and give back to the global community.

Who is your favorite musical artist? Jamiroquai.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? “Don’t sweat the small stuff; it’s all small stuff.”

What is something you cannot live without? Chai lattes!

What is your proudest accomplishment? I’ve had several times in my life when I could have chosen to stay the course, even though it felt inauthentic to me, but I didn’t. I think honoring that I needed something different and taking courageous action to make a change has been defining for me.

What is a tradition your family does that is important to you? Something I hold sacred is intentional time to share meals together. Growing up, we always had dinner together, with music, candles, and sharing about our days.

What would you like The Newtown Bee to cover in the future? The powerful impact of living mindfully and in the present. We are all so busy, life seems to zip by, and when we can find the joy of the present moment, we begin living more wholly.