Shannon Tomai has been a practicing corporate attorney for 17 years. Her interim position at the Board of Education is the first in her appointed or elected municipal service history, but a conversation with The Newtown Bee revealed her willingness to give back is nothing new.

“I’ve always volunteered for things related to my children,” she said, adding she is a Girl Scouts troop leader and has been a recreational soccer coach. “This position relates to my children’s education, so it’s just an obvious step in volunteering to make our community better.”

With one step, Tomai prepares to take another. The Republican reported she will attempt to extend her stay at the board, with “every intention of being on the ballot” this fall.

To Newtown families, Tomai stated, “I’m not a political person,” adding she has only the best intentions at heart for her children and the children of Newtown.

“I have every intention of helping Newtown become a blue ribbon school district again,” added Tomai. “That really means supporting our great teachers and administrators, and making sure our children have the best education we can possibly provide them.”

Tomai said this goal has an added benefit to everyone in the community, even those without children in the school system.

She said she views Newtown as “a beautiful place to raise families,” but after raising a family and establishing friendships, it’s nice to stay, too.

“The better our systems are, the better our property values are,” said Tomai, adding new families moving into town can benefit, as well. “I just really want to serve all of us the best way I can.”

Tomai said in Newtown she has felt connected to other parents, realizing they all want to help out, be kind to each other’s children, and raise them in “a very similar fashion.”

Despite not coaching for the recreational league anymore, Tomai identified herself as a “soccer mom,” which she confirmed is becoming even more of a lifestyle now that her kids are on travel teams.

On relaxing days without sports travel, Tomai said she loves to be out on the boat to get away on the water and enjoy her favorite season.

Tomai cited Malcolm Gladwell as a favorite author of hers, particularly for his work David and Goliath.

“All of Malcolm Gladwell’s books are very well-written and they help me view the world in a different way,” she said. “Every time I read them, I gain a new perspective.”

Beginner’s Guide to the Universe by Mike Dooley was another favorite book of Tomai’s. She explained it is a philosophical work that includes a theme she believes in — getting back what you send out into the universe.

Tomai said in the future, she would love to help create sets for Newtown Theatre Co, which is currently producing The Little Mermaid, Jr.

“Even though I’m a corporate lawyer and in front of the computer a lot, I’m very, very artsy and love decorating,” said Tomai, who said the production will be “fun and special for the town.”

“To create the scenes would be amazing,” said Tomai. “Hopefully, for the next one I’ll be able to help them.”

In reflection on her favorite part of Newtown, Tomai quickly affirmed that for her, it is the people.

“I’m relatively new to Newtown; I’ve been here about three years,” said Tomai, who relocated from Farmington. “The people in Newtown have been really welcoming.”

Tomai said she really does feel all parents help to parent together and look out for each others’ children, citing her volunteer work, time on playdates, cooperative transportation to games and practices as part of her experience with this phenomenon.

“It’s a sense I get every time we’re in the school, or doing anything,” Tomai added. “I really feel that we are all in it together. And that is what I love about this place.”

Reporter Noelle Veillette can be reached at noelle@thebee.com.