Occupation: I am a teacher at Mr Turtle School in Sandy Hook. I've been there almost seven years.
Occupation: I am a teacher at Mr Turtle School in Sandy Hook. Iâve been there almost seven years.
Family: My husband, Don, and I have two daughters. Rachel is 14 and Madilyn is 10 years old.
Pets: We have a dog, Melody, that is a rescue dog from Puerto Rico; two cats, Melissa and Theo; a hamster who is named Potato; a guinea pig named Anni; and a Beta fish, Elizabeth. Thatâs all at the moment. We usually have a lot more.
How long have you lived in Newtown? I grew up in Newtown. Itâs fun to see my kids go to the same schools I went to when I was little.
What do you like to do in your free time? Iâm collecting cards from the community for people undergoing cancer treatment at the Praxair Center. Itâs a program called CHEM-pals, which stands for âCheerful Heartfelt Encouragement Message.â Iâd like to collect at least 1,200 cards. (Contact chocolatcole@sbcglobal.net). Iâm a breast cancer survivor, and thatâs what got me started doing this. I like to take walks every day up at the Fairfield Hills campus. I do all kinds of crafts. I like to be creative. My family and I enjoy going to the beach.
Do you have a favorite musical artist? I like Alanis Morisette, Matchbox 20, and all the rock bands from the 1980s.
Do you have a favorite travel destination? Anywhere that there is a beach, Iâm pretty happy. We collect the rocks and shells. We just got back from Cancun, Mexico, and that was really nice.
What is the best thing about Newtown? The people, first and foremost. They are so supportive of each other and get on board for whatever cause. I also like the simpleness of the community. I want my kids to have the ability to play outside and feel safe.
What is the biggest change you have seen in town? The housing. The sheer fact that there are houses now where there werenât any when I was growing up. Iâm always surprised when I go somewhere and thereâs a new housing development.
Do you have a personal philosophy? Say what you mean, and mean what you say.
Who has been most influential in your life? I would say Cheryl Koeber. She is a counselor at Annâs Place in Danbury and is an amazing woman. She has touched my life profoundly.
What makes you laugh? My girls. They can be so silly. And the little kids I teach are between 20 months and 3 years old and are balls of joy.