: About Me

I majored in journalism at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri, but did not complete my course of study and instead opted to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. I later had another opportunity to complete my journalism training by enrolling in print and photojournalism courses at the Defense Information School located in Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana. Instead of pursuing a career in writing, I chose the health care insurance industry while still active in the Marine Corps Reserves.

I was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps after 13 years of service (but that's another story) and began writing again while on maternity leave with my second child.

My first book, "Jasper's Magic Blanket" was published in March 2001. In addition to selling books, I work part-time at a public library where I can be around books and people who love to read.

I also work as an advocate for victims of domestic violence at six hospitals in the Kansas City metro area through a program I am proud to be affiliated with called BRIDGE.

My husband Mitch and I have two daughters: Rachel Miranda (age11), and Skyler Flint (age 9).

I have been training in the martial art of taekwando for over two years and earned my recommended 1st degree black belt in March. I am an avid reader and I very rarely go to sleep before midnight.

My parents always told me ...

to wear clean underwear in case of an accident.

My childhood ambition ...

was to be an actress.

Why I write ...

because I can.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

reading: the Bible inspired by GOD, Pure Dead Batty by Debi Gliori, and The Good Guy by Dean Koontz; watching: not much, but an occasional "reality" TV show; listening: You Suck: a love story by Christopher Moore [audio book], Contemporary Christian music, and country music

My first job ...

kept me from having children 'til I was 32...I babysat.

My best moment ...

is yet to come. I am still waiting for the 15-minutes of fame that is said to fall upon everyone at least once during their life.

My inspiration ...

comes from quiet moments when I hear that still small voice telling me a truth that ought to be shouted from the rooftop.

Arts & Humanities > Children's Literature Popular books for young children

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I work part-time as a Library Assistant in a fairly large branch of a 30-library system. On of my responsibilities is to lead a story time for pre-schoolers on Thursday mornings. I absolutely love my job. Imagine getting paid for reading books aloud to children! Here are my picks for some of the best-loved picture books for young children: Don't let the pigeon drive the bus (Mo Willems) Knuffle bunny (Mo Willems) Parts (Tedd Arnold) Scaredy squirrel (Melanie Watt) Jasper's magic blanket (Debbie Atwood) It's the bear! (Jez Alborough) A camping spree with Mr. Magee (Chris Van Dusen) Krong! (...

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