My name is Kathleen Gardner, and I am currently pursuing the publication of my debut novel. I hold a Master of Arts in English from IUP and work as a 9th-grade English teacher in southwestern Pennsylvania, where I inspire young minds to explore the power of words and storytelling. As a writer, I am passionate about crafting stories for middle-grade and young-adult readers. My goal is to contribute fresh, relatable narratives, especially those set in modern rural communities like my own, that reflect these spaces' unique challenges and beauty. Beyond teaching and writing, I am a proud mother of a 9th grader whose experiences and insights continue to shape my perspective on the importance of meaningful and inclusive literature for young people such as herself.