A NOTE FROM ME TO YOU:

So many readers and friends ask me where my writing journey began. In truth, it started in elementary school. I loved to read any book that I could get my hands on, and that naturally translated into writing my own stories.

My 4^th grade teacher, Mrs. Thompson in Roebling Elementary School, was the one who influenced me greatly, telling me that I had an “unlimited imagination.” (Insert special shout out here to Mrs. Thompson!) That encouraged me through the years that followed. When I won essay contests in 7^th and 8^th grade, entering at the urging of my English teacher Mrs. Brown (insert another shout out, this time to Mrs. Brown!), I was convinced I had a little talent. But even though I kept busy with both the HS yearbook and newspaper then college literary magazine, I never pursued my dream of being an author. Instead, I studied and became a teacher (second in my career wish list: lawyer, teacher, writer, actor).

My work in the classroom was very rewarding along with time spent coaching and directing student actors on the stage. (I directed a multitude of musicals, dramas, comedies and satires.) After retiring from thirty-two years in public schools, I continue to work at the university level where I am training teachers. Of course, the balance of my days are pouring out stories through my laptop.

When people say, “It’s never too late to pursue your dreams,” listen to them. They’re right!

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Short Story “Pas sur le Menu” and “Five Tankas on Moonlight” – Short Edition

Author of the MG BOOGER AND BEANS MYSTERY series (10 volumes and growing!)

THE CASE OF THE WHITE KNIGHT received “5 Stars out of 5 Stars” on Good Reads

Member – Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators

Poetry showcased at Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival

Member – SAG / AFTRA; Freelance Actor (Philly, NYC, D.C.) since 1998

Director over sixty-one plays and musicals

Thirty-two yrs. HS / MS teacher of English, Acting, Public Speaking, Creative Writing & Film

Department facilitator and Director of Curriculum & Instruction in NJ public schools

Member and presenter – NCTE  (National Council Teachers of English)

Adjunct professor Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program – 2006 through 2022

THE FAMILY

(Click on Carousel Gallery for captions)

J and I

Miss Sookie

Grammy with Great Grandkids - Evelina, Cameron and Fiona

Cassandra and Seth

Keiko

Kirk and Melanie

Kyber and Kali