My first career was in education—as a classroom teacher, literacy coach, and reading interventionist. I have a BA in English and Education, and a master's degree in Bilingual Literacy with endorsements in ESL and Reading. I'm a recipient of the Illinois State Board of Education Those Who Excel Award, The Kane County Distinguished Educator Award, and East Aurora Making Choices For Education Award.

I bring that same passion and dedication to writing. After I sold my first novel, Canned and Crushed, I moved from the suburbs to the Chicago's South Loop to spend time on writing instead of weeding. Since then, I've written—The Gift (2016 e-book holiday sequel to Canned and Crushed), Crossing the Line (2017-Christopher Award Winner), and Another D for DeeDee (2018-Starred Kirkus review), all published by Sky Pony Press.

I still love sharing books with kids as I volunteer in Chicago's Public Schools, substitute at a private charter school, and make author visits. When I’m not working with kids, I’m writing or learning how to be a better writer. My goal is to write books that inspire readers to be everyday heroes/heroines.