Occupation: I am an elementary school educator. This is my 28th year of teaching. I started at Holy Family School in Fairfield teaching 4 year olds, then kindergarten. For the last 25 years, I’ve been teaching in Trumbull, at my childhood elementary school. I currently teach second grade.

Family: I have been married to my husband Tom, for 21 years. We have one son, Matt, who is 18. Matt is currently attending Naugatuck Valley Community College while he decides what path he would like to choose.

Pets: We have an African Pygmy Frog, Yogi Zon-a-rock; three cockatiels, Ralph, Alice, and their baby, Rocky; and a Rescue pup, Roscoe P. Coltrane.

How long have you lived in Newtown? My husband and I moved to Newtown from Fairfield, following in my sister and her family’s footsteps, almost 20 years ago.

What do you like to do in your free time? In my free time, I love spending time at the beach and listening to music. I am also a huge Disney fan.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? The greatest influence in my life is my mom. She has always been a kind, patient, funny, and thoughtful individual. She cares for those around her, always wanting to help and include others.

Who is your favorite musical artist? I enjoy many different types of music. I enjoy live music and have been to numerous concerts ranging from Kiss to Andrea Bocelli. Music has always played an important part in my life.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? The greatest piece of advice would have to be, “Forgive often and love with all your heart.” Life is too short for grudges.

What is a meal/recipe your family has passed down to you? My grandmother made a sweet Easter Bread every year. She taught my mom (her daughter-in-law). My mom, sister, and I continue to make the bread each Easter.

What is a tradition your family does that is important to you? On Sundays, we go to my parents’ house for dinner. When I was young, my family would go to my grandparents’ house with our uncles, aunts, and cousins. I’m so grateful that we have continued this tradition and hope to with the future generation.

What would you like The Newtown Bee to cover in the future? I would like to see more stories of kindness within our community.

What is your favorite TV show? My favorite TV show is Abbott Elementary. It shows many of the challenges of working in education now, but with a light-hearted spin to it.

What is your favorite food? If I could eat lobster every day, I would be in heaven. For 25 years, my mom had a home in York Beach, Maine. We would purchase lobsters straight off of the boat and cook them in the house. Those memories help to make lobster dinner even more special.

If you could travel to the past or future, which would you choose and why? I would travel to the past. Having listened to the stories of my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and parents reminisce about the past, I would want to see and experience the world as they lived it.