How would you describe your occupation? I’m an animal control officer at Newtown Animal Control. We deal with anything from barking dog complaints to rescuing injured wildlife or anything in between. I’ve been working in Newtown for almost five years.

Who is in your family? My mom, my dad, and my brother.

Do you have any pets? I have a dog, Chase.

What do you like to do in your free time? I just started going to the gym regularly and started playing co-ed flag football, which is a lot of fun. And, I like to travel a lot — as much as I can.

Who has been the greatest influence on your life? My parents. My dad came to this country with $20 in his pocket and didn’t speak the language. My mom, her three brothers, and her parents lived in a studio apartment in Brooklyn. They came from nothing and made something of themselves. I think that’s pretty awesome. If they can make it, anyone can make it.

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose? Melissa McCarthy, as long as she had all those labrador puppies from Bridesmaids. I think we would have a blast and laugh all day long.

Who’s your favorite musical artist? Jay-Z. I think he’s really talented, and aside from music he’s a really good businessman.

What’s the greatest piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Life is short, just do what makes you happy.

What’s something you can’t live without? My chapstick. I bring it everywhere.

What is your proudest accomplishment? Being my true self, and getting away from the generational curses. I’m Albanian, and Albanian culture is very strong. My parents were in an arranged marriage and wanted me to be married to an Albanian man at like 18. I have tattoos; it’s unheard of for Albanian women to have tattoos. My proudest accomplishment is just being me.

What’s your favorite travel destination? Montenegro. There’s mountains, there’s beautiful beaches. I still have family there, so it’s nice to get together in that atmosphere, sit back, relax, and feel at home in another country.

What’s the best part of Newtown? The compassion people have for animals. People are very supportive of us here. If we say we need something, they flood the doors with donations for us. In Newtown, everybody cares, and it’s nice.