About

I am a dance educator and author. My verses and stories for children are written from the point of view of a dance educator. I enjoy using prompts to encourage children to move and use their imaginations. I began dancing as a child, and have been dancing ever since. I attended Denison University, and received my MFA from the University of Michigan.

I performed professionally for ten years in ballet and contemporary dance companies, in both the US and in Latin America. I have taught ballet and contemporary dance to all ages from preschool to senior citizens. My writing career flowed naturally from my career in dance and dance education, and I have been writing about movement for the past sixteen years.

Featured Work

From A to Z with Energy!

2019

26 Ways to Move and Play

From A to Z with Energy! is a rhythmic ode to an action-packed day in a young child’s life. It is filled with movement ideas which will inspire children to use their imaginations as they hop, gallop, twirl, and try lots of different activities and sports. The lilting verses set the tone for a lively day of movement and fun.

"Skate along the Ice for I! For J we Jam and Jive. K's for Kicking as you swim, and float and splash and dive." Watch the alphabet come to life as children run and twirl and jump and play their way through the ABCs with energy! This imaginative alphabet book teaches young learners not only how to move from A to Z but also how to creatively have fun as they stay active and keep their bodies healthy and strong. The book is filled with playful and colorful illustrations by Gareth Llewhellin, and includes a special section for parents and caregivers with tips for using movement to teach social-emotional skills.

Other Works

  • Let's Dance (Cricket Babybug)

    2022

  • The Octopus (Highlights Magazine)

    2020

  • Splishy-Splashy Drops (Highlights High Five)

    2020

  • Animals 1.2.3.4 (Highlights High Five)

    2018

  • Dancing in the Streets? No, Dancing OFF THE STREETS (Dance Education in Practice)

    2017

  • A-Dancing We Will Go (Highlights High Five)

    2016

  • Stand and Sit (Highlights High Five)

    2016

  • Opposites (Highlights High Five)

    2015

  • Fly Away (Highlights Hello)

    2014

  • Little Birdie (Highlights Hello)

    2014

  • One, Two, What Can I Do? Dance and Music for the Whole Day

    2011

  • Dance, Pop Culture and Community: A Tale of Two Flash Mobs (Journal of Dance Education)

    2011

  • Young Children and Movement: The Power of Creative Dance (Young Children magazine)

    2010

  • Dance, Turn, Hop, Learn! Enriching Movement Activities for Preschoolers

    2006

Awards and Recognition

  • 22 NYC Big Book Award, Distinguished Favorite, Picture Books, Ages 4-8; Story Monsters Approved, 2022; Finalist in two national children's literature contests, 2018