About Me
Writer, school psychologist, equestrian, artist, dog agility enthusiast, lifelong learner — and whole-hearted believer in the power of kidlit.
Who I am and why I write
Like many writers, my career path is punctuated with meanders. Looking back, it's now evident that an epic struggle unfolded between my analytic and creative "selves." Why else would an equestrian earn an accounting degree, then create surface designs and custom decorative art, only to devote two decades to serve as a school psychologist, while learning to write kidlit?
Within each looping life-arc, I've experienced new challenges, people, and ideas — and discovered myself. Writing balances my passion for artistic beauty and emotional expression with an analytical, problem-solving mind.
Why kidlit? In addition to uncovering passions on my journey, I’ve also meandered into dark valleys and encountered ambushes but with each new hurdle I became more resilient. I’ve observed many story times with excited, entertained and thoughtful children, as well as the distracted and disenfranchised who become engaged with rhythm, silly rhyme, humor, and high stakes. I whole-heartedly believe in the power of kidlit to responsibly shape internal narratives and provide developmentally appropriate challenges that nurture resilience.
Credentials & background
School Psychologist, BA, MA, CAS — 20 years in public school service
My time spent in classrooms and one-on-one with children, enrich every story I write. I understand how children process the world at each developmental stage, from the Pre-operational child exploding their vocabulary and befriending their stuffies, to the Concrete-operational third-grader just beginning to think logically about fairness and rules. That knowledge lives in the subtext of my characters' voices, their fears, and their triumphs.
What I write
I write picture books and early-chapter books for primary and elementary school children. My stories weave developmental knowledge into narratives that feel effortless to read aloud — because the science only works when it disappears into the joy of the story.
Themes I return to again and again:
- Resilience — children bouncing back from setbacks, learning that difficulty is survivable and even generative.
- Adaptability — characters who adjust to change and discover new strengths in the process.
- Emotional literacy — children naming, understanding, and advocating for their own feelings.
- Curiosity and wonder — the delight of figuring something out and the beauty of not-yet-knowing.
Work with me
I'm available for school visits, book club discussions, and author presentations for educators and caregivers. Please get in touch to discuss availability.
For media and publisher inquiries, download my press kit and media resources.