Occupation: I'm an interior designer. I've been a designer for more than 25 years, having graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in design. I started out my career working at architectural firms in Atlanta and New York City. In 2006, I started my own business, Smart Design. The highlight of my career has been working for the TV show Property Brothers. I was the lead designer for seasons eight and nine.

Family: My husband, Tim Russell, and I met at the University of Georgia. We've been married for 24 years. He was recently inducted as the president of the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents. I'm very proud of him. Our oldest son, Judge, is a freshman and computer science major at UMass Amherst. He's also a musician. Our other son, Walker, is a junior at Newtown High School and is the snare section leader in the marching band. Our daughter, Mila, is in eighth grade, and she's a talented artist and singer.

Pets: We have two dogs, Kiki and Martha. They're both very spoiled. Kiki is a Shih Tzu and Martha is a Shih Tzu/Lhasa apso mix.

How long have you lived in Newtown? Eighteen years. My husband and I have longtime friends that told us about an antique farm house that was for sale across the street from them in Newtown, and we fell in love with it at first sight. We have done a lot of additions and renovations, but it's been truly a labor of love.

What do you like to do in your free time? I enjoy traveling with my family, hiking, and I have a new-found and unexpected joy of gardening. Recently, my husband and I have been taking eight- or nine-mile walks on Sunday mornings and that's been really nice.

Do you have a favorite book? I don't, but the book I'm reading now is called The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. A client of mine gave it to me, and it teaches us and reminds us to live in the now, as opposed to regretting the past or being anxious about the future. I think we are all searching for that type of peace.

What is your favorite travel destination? Montserrat. It's a Caribbean Island near Antigua. My husband loves researching and finding out-of-the-way places for us to go to as a family. We went there this past April. There are no resorts or large hotels. It's really an authentic experience. The beaches are so beautiful and pristine, and typically we were the only ones on the beach. They also have lush tropical forests to go hiking, but the best part is the friendly locals and the laid-back lifestyle. We dream to buy a house there one day.

What is the best part about Newtown? Of course, it is the people, but I also love the amount of open space and the natural beauty of Newtown. Whether hiking on the river, snowshoeing at Governor's Horse Guard, or just walking the dogs at Fairfield Hills, I think our town has done a nice job at preserving open space.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My dad. He passed away 14 years ago, and he always told me I could do anything I set my mind to. He always taught me to do the right thing, even when it isn't easy. I'm the first generation in my family to graduate college and I thank him for that.

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? My dad. I grew up on a farm in Georgia, and I would just love to be there with him, walking the cow pastures, and hearing his stories about his cows and growing up in Mississippi.

Who is your favorite musical artist? Nanci Griffith. She's a country/folk singer from Texas. Whenever I hear her voice it takes me back to my Southern roots.

Do you have a favorite TV show? My husband, daughter, and I recently binge-watched The Good Place. It is a smart, quirky comedy and is really creative.

What is your favorite food? I eat healthy most of the time, but I'd say doughnuts and french fries.