Writer’s Mission Statement: As a writer for children’s picture books, I inspire children to love wild animals, nature, and caring for others, to make for a better world.
I grew up with my parents and two older siblings in Miller Beach in Gary, Indiana, right near Lake Michigan. I was on the shy side as a child, and when friends were not available to come out and play, I would explore nature by climbing over my backyard, chainlink fence. While there, I enjoyed peering at and sometimes picking wild flowers and plants, such as wild Blueberries, red Columbine Nods, and light-green Milkweed Pods. I also loved walking among and observing a group of feral cats that lived inside an abandoned child’s fort.
After I graduated college with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts, I substitute taught. Then a few years later, after getting married, I also obtained my Masters of Science Degree in Education, and taught Spanish and Language Arts for over 20 years.
I settled with my family in Munster, Indiana with my husband, daughter, and son, and dog. When I’m not reading or writing, I enjoy spending time with my family and grandchildren, going for long walks, taking nature photos, visiting nearby towns, and spending time outdoors.
I’m a member of SCBWI, Story Circle Network, International Women’s Writing Guild, 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge, and Storyteller’s Academy. I’m also active in a few writing critique groups, and I attended the April Pulley Sayre Celebration Conference in early November of 2022.
