Occupation: I am a reading specialist at Reed Intermediate School. I was the remedial reading specialist for eight years at Newtown Middle School, and have been at Reed for 2½ years, since it opened. I have taught in all of the elementary levels in some capacity, K–8, in Redding, Weston, and in Newtown.

How long have you lived in Newtown? I have lived in Newtown for 25 years this past May. We have lived in the same house on Taunton Lake that we moved into after our honeymoon. I get use out of the lake every day; I sit out and enjoy it. I love the lake.

Family: My husband, Kevin is a marketing specialist in the furniture industry. I have a daughter, Shannon, who is a senior at Temple University in Philadelphia. She’s 20. Scott is 17 and a senior at Newtown High School.

What do you like to do in your free time? I like to be outdoors, hiking, jogging, or walking. I love the cross-country skiing. I used to be on volleyball leagues, too. I also like cooking, and singing, and reading, of course.

Do you have a favorite author? Frank McCourt. I loved his writing style in his books Angela’s Ashes and ‘Tis.

Where is your favorite place? For cross-country skiing and hiking, I like White Memorial in Litchfield. I most frequently go around the lake and the trails in the woods here. I also want to visit every state. I have visited a lot of them, but I would especially like to visit the western states and Oregon and Washington.

What historical figure would you most like to meet? Martin Luther King. I remember in middle school watching clips of him and I just found him so inspiring. He did so much for the Civil Rights Movement. My dad was a history teacher, and he always talked about the rights of individuals. We would have discussions and talk about the issues and the inequality of them. I guess I was influenced by him.

What is the best thing about Newtown? The education system is outstanding, I have to say. One of the things I love is their support for professional development. That has helped us achieve the standards we have here. But the best things about Newtown are the beautiful areas: the hills, the woods, the lake. And people are nice here, they’re friendly.

Do you carry anything interesting in your purse? I carry everything but the kitchen sink in my purse! One time I counted 22 pencils and pens. And I have Deep Woods Towlettes — the mosquitoes love me.

What is your philosophy of life? To work hard but have fun, too. Have a positive outlook on life.

What do you most cherish? My family, definitely. My husband, parent, grandparents, all of them. My family is very close.