I have always loved storytelling and children’s books.  This love came from the nightly bedtime rituals from my mother.  When my children were small we went the library weekly.  They too became book lovers. To this day, my youngest son will flange the pages of a good book, just to inhale the smell!

Writing a variety of genres is most appealing to me, but currently I’m focusing on children’s picture books. My current work includes retelling great old Appalachian folktales for a new generation of readers.  

I received my certification in children’s book publishing from The Institute of Children’s Literature.  I continued to study creative writing at Northern Virginia Community College.   Art is another love of mine and my favorite mediums are watercolor and pen & ink, which I've studied over the years with several local artists.  Currently I’m employed with the Fairfax County Park Authority, where I manage the volunteer program that numbers over 500 volunteers.  Working with such a great group of talented people is very rewarding.

Years ago I had the pleasure of meeting Patricia Polacco at a book signing.  She told me about the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), and I have been an active member since.   I lead a local critique group and reside in South Riding, VA.  My husband and I have three children and one grandson. We love the outdoors and visit our vacation home in WV frequently. “Peace and tranquility from a long hike really helps me with my writing.”