Occupation: I have been a Special Education Teacher at Newtown High School for two years now. I student-taught at Hawley Elementary three years ago with Kelly Lilly, and I fell in love with the district and never left.

Family: I am very blessed that my parents, who are both 88, are still living in the town next to me. My son Kyle (25) is an Annuity Sales Consultant for Guggenheim Life and Annuity, in Indianapolis and my daughter Kelly (22) just graduated from college and is a Party and Events Coordinator for the Beardsley Zoo.

What do you like to do in your free time? In my free time I enjoy reading, walking with my friends at Fairfield Hills, and gardening.

What is your favorite book? As an English co-teacher you can imagine that I have many favorite pieces of literature. If I had to choose only one favorite, it would have to be Jane Eyre. It is a very untraditional love story that has been made into countless movie versions. It is a classic!

What is your favorite travel destination? My favorite travel destination is anywhere my family is. I love to visit Minneapolis to see my sister Mary and her family; the Hudson Valley to visit my sister Suzy and her family; and Indianapolis to visit my son Kyle and his girlfriend, Amanda. I am hoping that one day we all meet in the middle of the United States for one big celebration.

What is the best part about Newtown? The best part of Newtown, besides all of the great families and co-workers that I have come to know and love, has to be the complex at Fairfield Hills. I enjoy walking there with my friends, stopping along the way to pet dogs and admire the views and ever-changing landscape. During summer and into the fall I buy fresh fruit and veggies at the Farmers Market. I’ve taken family members to the NewSylum Brewery for a bite to eat. Lastly, our Newtown Board of Education Central Office is headquartered there, providing support to all who live and work in the District.

What organizations are you part of in Newtown? Last year, I was the NHS Improvisation Club supervisor. Because of COVID we weren’t able to meet this year. Next school year I hope to get involved in the Unified Sports Program.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My parents have influenced me in so many ways. I know that sounds a little cliché, but it is true. But if I had to look outside my immediate family, it would have to be Eleanor Roosevelt. She worked tirelessly and selflessly to help others. One of my favorite quotes of hers is “Do one thing every day that scares you.” A dear friend of mine even gave me an oil painting of her that hangs in my home office.

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? If I could spend one day with someone it would be my younger self. I would let myself know to enjoy the present more and not to worry about the future as much. What you have now is guaranteed; the future is not.

Who is your favorite musical artist? I enjoy all kinds of music from classical to pop. My favorite artist is currently John Mayer. He is coming out with his first album in four years and the thought of it is making me nostalgic for his earlier music.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? The best piece of advice I have ever received is “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Because if you like it today you can do it again tomorrow!”

What is something you cannot live without? Given the extreme weather conditions that we have been having you would think it would be air conditioning, but in truth, the one thing that I can’t live without is laughter.

What is your proudest accomplishment? There are several accomplishments that I am most proud of. The first is raising two amazing, successful, independent children. The second is being awarded the 2020-21 Profiles In Professionalism Award from NHS, and lastly becoming a certified Special Ed teacher during a time in my life that I could have been planning my retirement.