Occupation: I am a designer and a seamstress. I do alterations and custom clothing, and interior design sewing. I work from the home, but I do most of my alterations through Sabrina Style in Sandy Hook.

Family: I’ve been married to Paul for 22 years. We have three kids. Emily is 21, Daniel is 18, and Nick is 16.

Pets: We have a golden retriever, Chloe. She’s 12 years old and she keeps us busy. She thinks she’s another child.

How long have you lived in Newtown? We’ve been here 14 years. We moved from Danbury.

What do you like to do in your free time? We like to hike and travel as much as possible. We like to go kayaking and get out on Lake Lillinonah or Taunton Lake in our boat. I love to read. I listen to a lot of books on tape while I’m sewing. Reading is my obsession.

Do you have a favorite author? I like Barbara Kingsolver. The Poisonwood Bible was very good, and I like Frances Mayes, who wrote Under the Tuscan Sun, which is one of my favorite books.

Do you have a favorite travel destination? Italy. We went just once, for an anniversary and big birthday. We traveled all over — Venice, Rome, and Cortona. I loved the history, the architecture, the way the light was. Everything was so beautiful.

What is the best thing about Newtown? Going down Main Street, whether in spring when the trees are in bloom, or in fall with all the color. And Ram Pasture. I love the people and the sense of community.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? Definitely my parents. They’ve always been young, with a spirit of adventure. They have a fantastic marriage. They are kind, and great listeners, and great friends to everybody they know.

Do you have a personal philosophy? Be kind to people. Give others the benefit of the doubt. Try to learn something from everything that comes along.

Do you have a guilty pleasure? Chocolate and shoes, very typical! I’ll eat just about any kind of chocolate, I’m not particular. But I am particular about my shoes.