Author and Illustrator

I was born in Northern California to parents who valued education. My father was an amazing storyteller, and my mother was an avid reader. I grew up in a very small mountain community where there were no stores and only one 2 room school. I spent the first 4 years of school playing on the playground instead of learning to read. I complained I was tired and my teacher felt sorry for me so she would let me go outside to play. I had a great imagination. You see, I loved being outside with the flowers and trees and creating art.  At the end of my third-grade year, my mother realized that I hadn’t been taught to read. I knew my ABC’s and could only read simple sight words. After lengthy discussions, it was decided that I had to repeat the third grade. I went to a private school, had a private tutor and spent many of hours practicing. I had to learn 4 years of education in one school year.

Fast forward through military training, a failed first attempt at college and having my children, I got the opportunity to go back to college where I was blessed to meet a creative writing teacher who believed in me. She gave us an assignment to turn a family story into a short story. When I received my short story back, she wrote, “You are a great Writer!” at the top of my paper. It sparked a love of writing, a dream and a desire to make sure children know they can do anything!

I am a children's book author, teacher and collector of everyday magic. I love creating stories that spark giggles, curiosity and big imaginations in my readers. As an educator, I spent years encouraging children to explore, dream and discover the joy of reading even if it was difficult.

As an author and illustrator, I create characters using my family stories and personal experiences and bring them to life with my written words and whimsical art in hopes to inspire the curiosity and wonder in my audience. I am a proud member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and am always on the lookout for new story ideas and sometimes I find them in the most unexpected places.

I reside in Hartford, Wisconsin with my husband of 40 years, our two cats Zeus and Zelda, and our two dogs Zorro and Zaidee Mae. I enjoy reading children’s books, rock hunting, but most of all spending time with my children and grandchildren, whose wonder and laughter often inspire my tales. Through my books, I hope to spark a little whimsy and a lot of joy into everyday reading.