About me

Author, school psychologist, equestrian, artist, 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, though? I could write poetry, or blog about gardening, art, or traveling. 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 witnessed children and families crippled by setbacks, but I whole-heartedly believe in the power of children's literature to provide developmentally appropriate challenges that nurture resilience.

Credentials & background

School Psychologist — 20+ years      Child Development      Surface Design      Fine Art      Equestrian

My psychology background shapes every story I write. I know how children process the world at every developmental stage, from the Sensorimotor infant exploring object permanence 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 small triumphs.

What I write

I write picture books and early-chapter books for children ages 2–8. My stories weave child-development research 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.