About Me

          Hanging out near a waterfall in Washington

    I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. As a kid, I had trouble making friends. When the other girls my age were getting interested in boys, clothes and makeup, I had my head in the clouds. I enjoyed playing drawn-out "pretend" games. I also learned to read and write at a very young age... I knew how to read before I was even potty trained! Books were my friends. Writing my own stories was my connection to the world. 

    When I write for children, I like to create stories that encourage them to be kind to others, and to enjoy being themselves. I would love to give kids the message that there are so many ways to be different, and we need to appreciate the differences in ourselves and others. 

    I currently work with children with special needs. I have a degree in special education, and I am hoping to earn my early childhood education approval to that soon. I dream of being able to have my own classroom where I can help children express themselves and enjoy learning new things. I also have ADHD and Aspergers... another reason it is so important to me to encourage kids to be themselves and appreciate differences in others. 

    I love animals. Right now I have two dogs named Trixie and Lily. They light up my life! 

Facts About Me

BORN IN - Evanston, IL, which is a suburb of Chicago. Interesting fact... Three of my grandparents, plus my parents and most of my aunts and uncles, were born in Evanston. My maternal grandparents, and my paternal grandfather, were raised in Evanston, but moved to Northbrook as adults... and thats where my parents met each other. 

GREW UP IN - Palatine, IL, mostly. It is another suburb of Chicago. 

SIBLINGS: One brother, who is two years younger than me. 

PETS: Growing up, we had a bird named Woody, and then two dogs, first Zip and then Chopper. Currently I have two dogs named Trixie and Lily. I also had a cat, Sammy-Joe, who died this year. 

FAVORITE COLORS: Red and purple, but I like all bright colors!

FAVORITE FOODS: Dr. Pepper, pizza, and chocolate!

FAVORITE THINGS TO DO: Reading, doing arts and crafts, writing, being with my pets.

FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL TO: Manitowish Waters, WI, which has been my family's summer vacation spot for generations. More recently, I traeled to the Pacific Northwest and spent time in Northern California, Oregon, and southern Washington. I loved it there and I am hoping to move there within the next year!

WEIRD FACT: I cannot blow a bubble gum bubble.