Occupation: I am the director of Merryhill Child Care Center here in Newtown. I started there as a preschool teacher in 2001 and have been the director since 2005. Merryhill is a small, NAEYC-accredited, nonprofit child care center for children from six weeks through six years old with a family-like environment and a dedicated, genuinely caring team of teachers. I love having the opportunity to be a part of the children’s early learning experience, and I enjoy working with the teachers and parents to support their children’s early growth and development.

Family: My husband, Bob, and I will be celebrating our ten-year wedding anniversary in July. I have a son, James, who is 22 and lives in New York and a daughter, Ashlyn, who is 25 and is in the Air National Guard, currently at Air Force Technical School.

What do you like to do in your free time? I like to spend time with family and friends, read, go for a run or hike, bird watch, and go to the beach.

Do you have a favorite book or author? My all-time favorite book is a children’s book called Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney. As a young girl, Alice Rumphius resolves that when she grows up she will travel to far away places, live by the sea, and make the world a more beautiful place. Alice’s story is inspired by the real life “Lupine Lady,” who, after traveling the world, settled in Christmas Cove, Maine, and began secretly planting lupine seeds wherever she went.

What is your favorite travel destination? Key West is definitely my favorite place. My husband and I have ridden our motorcycle from Miami to Key West several times, and the ride through the Lower Keys is amazing. We have also vacationed with friends on a catamaran in the British Virgin Islands, which was the trip of a lifetime. Sailing to a new destination each day and waking up to such beautiful views every morning was an incredible experience.

What is the best part about Newtown? Newtown is big, but it still has a “small town,” close-knit feel. People in Newtown are so supportive of the local businesses, which is wonderful.

Who or what has been the greatest influence in your life? My grandmother. Family meant everything to her. I was one of four grandchildren, and she had a way of making each one of us feel like her favorite grandchild.

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? My grandparents. Growing up, I wish I had listened more closely to all of my grandfather’s stories about his experiences while being an air gunner in the military. My grandmother and I were extremely close throughout my childhood and young adult years, and I miss them both terribly.

Who is your favorite musical artist? I grew up in a musical family, and I love almost every type of music. My dad was an instrumental music teacher for 35 years, and I played the viola, piano, and guitar. Some of my favorite artists include Diana Krall, Eric Church, Miles Davis, Michael Franti, Vivaldi, and Foo Fighters. I’m all over the place; the music I listen to depends on my mood at the time.

Do you have a favorite TV show? I don’t really watch much TV, but I love to laugh and prefer comedies. The Gilmore Girls is one of my favorites because my daughter and I watched all of the episodes together, and the show makes me think of her.

What is your favorite food? I don’t have a favorite food — I love all types of foods.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? When I was debating about whether to pursue the director position at Merryhill or stay in my position as a prekindergarten teacher, my husband told me, “Life is not a dress rehearsal.” Every success or failure is a learning experience, and the most important thing is that you make an attempt and don’t regret letting the opportunity pass you by.

What is something you cannot live without? Sunshine!

What is your proudest accomplishment? Most importantly, I am proud of raising my two children who are now compassionate, insightful, and empathetic adults. I am also extremely honored to play a role in maintaining Merryhill’s reputation as a quality child care center and to be a part of all of the community events we have participated in and the changes and enhancements the center has experienced throughout the years.

What is your favorite quote? I have two favorite quotes. One is too long to include the entire quote here, but it is by L.R. Knost and starts off “Life is amazing. And then it’s awful. And then it’s amazing again.” My other favorite quote is actually from my dad. When I was trying to decide on a quote to include in my high school yearbook, he came up with this: “For the love of children, never let me lose the child in me.”