As a kid, I loved playing with my stuffed animals - my favorite was a monkey named Congo. My family had plenty of real pets, too - lizards, dogs, fish, a parakeet, and, at one point, 24 gerbils. My uncle had a farm in Kansas City, MO where I loved riding his horse. 

I've always loved to read and write. I have fond memories of my Mom taking me to the Adriance Library in Poughkeepsie to pick out books. She read to me every night and fostered my love of books at a very young age. My imagination soared with my best friend Renee. When we weren't 'bee keeping' or spying on the neighbors and writing about it (shhh - don't tell!) we'd battle squids in her pool or escape bubbling lava around her deck. 

I went to SUNY Oneonta and was an Education/French major. I traveled to many places for fun and to take French classes - France, Belgium, England, Germany, Italy and Switzerland.

I was a DJ for my college radio station. My favorite show was the 'Saturday Night Sock Hop' where I played music from the 50s and 60s.   

I landed my first teaching job right after college and went on to earn a M.A. in French from Middlebury College in Vermont. 

Now I'm a children's book writer and (recently retired!) French teacher. I'm blessed with a wonderful family.

Some people ask where I get my ideas for writing?

Well, if you've had the chance to read my first picture book, HOW WILL I EVER SLEEP IN THIS BED? then you may have guessed that my kids' love of stuffed animals and bedtime routine were the inspiration for this story. In fact, all of my books were inspired by my children in some way. PRECIOUS BABY was a work of love begun when my son was a newborn. HUGGLE WUGGLE, BEDTIME SNUGGLE is another bedtime book that begins with silly play, then soothingly ends in prayers and lights out. GOD BLESSES ME, is a sweetly-illustrated lift-the-flap book that reminds us of God's blessings in our day to day lives. THE MOUSE BUFFET is a nod to my family's love of holiday desserts and not getting caught sneaking them! And my forthcoming JANE THE TRAIN AND THE CHRISTMAS STORM is likely rooted in my son's love of playing with trains as a child. The story features a smart, take-charge character - just like all my kids!

So you see, ideas come from people, places and things all around you!