About Me

EARLY LIFE

       I grew up in Michigan and spent weekends at our family's cottage on a tiny island in Canada.  We loved waterskiing, tree forts and running around in the woods. I was incredibly fortunate to have loving and supportive parents who nurtured my creative side, while my three older brothers made sure I didn't get too "soft".

       I attended the University of Michigan where I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Flute Performance and fell in love with a french horn player named Scott. 

ADULTHOOD

      Scott and I were married and eventually settled in a vibrant suburb of Philadelphia where we raised two wonderful humans. Our son, AJ, got involved in theatre when he was little and pretty soon we were all sucked into that magic. 

       If variety is the spice of life, mine has been pretty flavorful. My music career included being a private flute instructor, chamber music performer and part-time school teacher. I also volunteered with organizations that helped victims of human trafficking and promoted fair trade. 

      A family trip to Mexico changed my life, leading me to cofound and chair the non-profit organization, Tecolutla Turtle Preservation Project. I continue to oversee this endeavor, which is near and dear to my heart. 

​

​

WRITING

       When my mom turned 75 we had a big surprise party for her. Part of our family's gift to her was the performance of a song I wrote in her honor. More birthday songs followed. I was having fun and decided to branch out.

       I took on the project of writing the script and lyrics for a children's musical. It was a joy to collaborate with our daughter, Tricia, who brought my lyrics to life with her music. We were proud that a professional theater produced it and delighted that they commissioned two more musicals from us. Tricia and I continue to collaborate, writing original songs to express our own feelings, as well as songs requested by others. 

        The inspiration for writing children's books sprang from my desire to introduce kids to my hero, Fernando Manzano. I was honored to work with him on Nando: Sea Turtle Superhero. After his passing, I continued writing more about him and sea turtles. I joined SCBWI and found a wealth of information and support which furthered my creative inspiration and goals. Picture books are my "thing" now and I'm eager to share my stories with children of all ages!

​

PRESENT DAY

       My husband and I retired to Florida to be near our parents. We continue to enjoy summers on the island up north. We get a kick out of paddle-boarding, traveling, motorcycling, making music with friends and hanging out with our snuggly shih-tzu, Chandler.

​

My "happy place" is still in the woods.

​