I was raised in Red Wing, Minnesota and lived in Miami, Florida for many years. I received my bachelor's and master's degree in English at Florida International University where I taught until I moved to Pennsylvania. I researched girlhood in the Victorian era for my graduate work. I have a deep passion for the rights of children. I believe that they should be raised in love and given opportunities to succeed and fail. There are many powerful outside influences that disrupt the natural growth cycle - it is what I call, stealing childhood. My question is how does one create a moral compass for one's children so that they can make good decisions? My triology: Lavinia's Window, Lavinia's Heart and the last in progress Lavinia's Dance are uplifting and thoughtful and provide a moving reading experience that views the world from a different perspective - love, courage, creativity, empathy for others, and weighing circumstances versus impulse reactions. My partner, Paul Mahoney and I also wrote In My Own World for special needs kids and are working on a video sequel, Share my World. We donate to the National Austism Foundation. The smallest gesture of caring has a long reach. I write to make a difference.
