Occupation: I’m a pediatric dentist at Dental Associates in Newtown. I’ve been there about four months now. I graduated from the UConn School of Dental Medicine in 2012, and completed my pediatric dentistry training at Children’s Medical Center in Hartford in July 2014.

Family: I’ve been married to my wonderful husband, Elijah, for seven years. We have a 2-year-old, who is my husband’s namesake, also Elijah. He’s a very spunky 2-year-old, and the light of my life. I grew up in Brookfield, so my extended family is still there.

Pets: We have one cat, Bailey. She’s a 3-year-old toddler’s play toy, and probably the most tolerant cat ever.

How long have you been in Newtown? We’re actually in the process of buying a house in Sandy Hook. I’ve always wanted to practice in the community where I work, and see all the smiling faces, and be a part of the kids’ lives as they grow up. Currently, we’re living in Farmington, so it’s a long commute.

What do you like to do in your free time? I don’t have a huge amount of free time, being a working mom. I go home and do bonding activities with my son. We like going to a lot of parks and being outdoors. And my husband and I are big movie buffs and athletes. We like to play basketball together, and go to movies. I play some pickup volleyball when I can. I do like to read.

 

What are you reading now? I’m reading Gone Girl, before we go see it in the theater. I just completed the Lord of the Ring series. I’m a big suspense/thriller reader.

Do you have a favorite movie? I have to say Mrs Doubtfire. I could watch it over and over again.

Do you have a favorite vacation destination? For my parents’ 30th anniversary, they took the whole family on a vacation cruise to Bermuda. That was my favorite trip. It’s just stunning — the pink sand beaches, the caves, and the culture. When I was 12, we moved to Paris for four years, and we got to tour around Europe a lot.

What is the best thing about Newtown? Definitely the sense of community. You walk out the door and feel like you’re part of an amazing town. And you can’t beat the patients who come through the doors at Dental Associates, spouting about how much they love this town.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? I would say my parents. I’m a perfect mesh of the two of them, My father is pragmatic and very generous. My mother is the kindest woman I’ve ever met. The combination of pragmatism and kindness, and the ambition they’ve instilled in me, has had a big influence on who I am today.

Do you have a personal philosophy? You always have a choice in how you feel and how you express those feelings. I always choose to be happy and be kind to others around me. My other one is to listen first, and talk later.

Do you have a guilty pleasure? Bubble baths — just taking some time to relax in one. And a good hearty meal full of comfort food. The combo of those two would be an amazing night.