Occupation: I am the Parks and Recreation Director for the Town of Newtown. This is my eleventh year as director, but I became involved with the department 23 years prior. I started out as an intern, then I was the recreation supervisor, I worked part-time for the department while I raised my family and was fortunate to return back full-time as the director.

Family: I have a very large family. My parents, Andrew and Rita Willie, started their first home in Newtown in the late 1950s. They have five children, and we all stayed in Newtown or nearby in surrounding towns. My husband, Bill Mangold, is from Newtown, and we started dating while attending Newtown High School. Many of his family members have remained in the area, too. We have four children, Andrew, Shaun, Kyle, and Cory. Andrew graduated from Hampshire College, is living in Massachusetts, and has a nursery and leather shop; Shaun graduated from Keene State University and is currently living in Newtown; Kyle is living in Virginia attending Shanendaoah State University and is about to graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting and musical theater; and my daughter Cory is almost finished with her freshman year in Boston.

Pets: We always have a wild assortment of pets. Currently, our most unique pet is our Red-Footed Tortoise named Little Red, who we got as a baby 12 years ago. We also have six cats, a dog named Sophia, six chickens, and I sort of share my parents’ miniature horses.

How long have you lived in Newtown? I have always lived in town except for the four years I lived in New Haven when going to Southern Connecticut State University for my bachelor’s degree is Recreation and Leisure Studies. We’ve had three homes in town — the home I grew up in, our home in Sandy Hook that we outgrew, and the home we built next to my parents’ house that we live in now.

What do you like to do in your free time? I love to take care of my physical fitness by going to the gym to exercise. I go to Joanne Keane for yoga, and she’s incredible. I also love to garden and be outside in the yard.

Do you have a favorite book? The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. I love books that help you keep growing as an individual. I’m currently reading The Alchemist for the second time. It’s a great story that makes you think about your own personal growth.

What is your favorite travel destination? We have been going to Long Beach Island, New Jersey, since I was a child. It’s become our favorite place to go as a family. A year ago, my husband, children, and I went to Costa Rica and stayed in Nosara. The philosophy there is “pura vida,” which is pure life. We had such a wonderful time there together; I would like to return there.

What is the best part about Newtown? The community is filled with so many wonderful, caring individuals. Even though it has gone through many changes, it still has a small town feel and unique charm. I’m fortunate I get to both live and work in Newtown.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My parents. They have shown us what true love is and about values, hard work, and integrity. They support their children and community through thick and thin.

Who is your favorite musical artist? I enjoy listening to Jack Johnson, but my son Shaun has been writing music lately, and he is my favorite musician. He’s been playing the music around the house, and I adore it. I’m so lucky to have that in my life.

What is your favorite food? Bananas. I love organic fruits and vegetables.

What is your personal philosophy? Be impeccable with your word, don’t taken anything personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best.

What is something you cannot live without? Exercise. I always need to have that in my daily routine.

What is your proudest accomplishment? I am proud that I was able to obtain a position in my community where I can make a difference and be involved with shaping my community for the health and well-being of the individuals living here. There are so many wonderful individuals, groups, and organizations that do great work and work very hard to make Newtown a better place. I cherish working with them to make Newtown the wonderful community that it is.