Occupation: I’m an attorney at Collins Hannafin, PC, in Danbury. I’ve been with the law firm for 20 years. I’m a member of the litigation department. My primary areas of practice are employment, worker’s compensation, and family law. I’m on the board of directors of Family & Children’s Aide and on the advisory council of Women’s Center of Greater Danbury, and recently I was honored to be selected for the Board of Trustees of the C.H. Booth Library.

Family: I’ve been married to Steven Vine for 17 years. He’s a systems accountant at Praxair in Danbury. We have a wonderful 11-year-old son named Eric, who attends Reed Intermediate School.

How long have you lived in Newtown? We’ve been here since 1999.

What do you like to do in your free time? I enjoy spending time with my family. We like going for long walks in the neighborhood and state parks, and on the beach, collecting sea glass. My son wants to be a geologist when he grows up, so we spend a lot of time rock collecting and doing mining adventures. I enjoy going to the movies, reading, and listening to music. I’ve played the piano most of my life. I’m lucky enough to have my father’s childhood piano.

What are you reading right now? I’m reading The Giver quartet by Lois Lowry, and can’t wait for the movie. I’ve always loved the classics, too. My son is a voracious reader, so now I have the pleasure of being introduced to a whole new genre through him. I really enjoyed Wonder by R.J. Palacio. We both read it, and it’s a wonderful book for all ages.

Do you have a favorite travel destination? I think Acadia National Park in Maine is breathtaking. We were there last summer, and had been there other times. We just got back from Narragansett, R.I., one of my favorite vacation destinations. We try to go to Boston at least a couple of times each year. I went to college just outside of Boston, and my father’s family is from Boston, so I feel very connected.

What is the best thing about Newtown? The people are very friendly and welcoming and have a strong sense of identity. Every year, I look forward to the C.H. Booth book sale. Growing up in Ridgefield, we would go to Edmond Town Hall Theatre and it was a real treat. Now I live just a few minutes away and it’s still a treat. I think Newtown is a great place to raise a family. We’ve been really happy here.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? Definitely my family. My father’s determination and equal treatment of people and my mother’s kindness to people have been integral to who I am today. My husband is very supportive and I feel like we’re a team. My son is unusually generous and wise for a child his age. He inspires me every day.

Do you have a personal philosophy? Appreciate every day. Notice something new, even in the familiar.

Do you have a guilty pleasure? Cookie Jar ice cream from Ferris Acres Creamery. My birthday is August 20, and I’ve already put in my order with my husband for a Cookie Jar ice cream cake.