I have always loved children's books. In fifth grade I was excited when our teacher told us we were going to create one. I sat down and wrote a story about a string bean that married a celery stalk and had lots of little celery strings. I'm not sure if it was the pictures, the story, or just the goofy way my ten year old mind worked, but the teacher liked it so much she asked me to read it to the principal. I was scared to death but dutifully read my book glancing up from time to time at the lady on the other side of a vast expanse of desk. Humble beginnings, but a spark was ignited.

I attended Moore College of Art as an undergraduate, then taught Art to 700 kids each week in 3 different schools. I completed my Master's Degree at Tyler School of Art and went to work for Hallmark Cards, Inc., in Kansas City, Missouri. That tiny fifth-grade spark began to burn more brightly!

When I married a physics teacher from Pennsylvania, I left Hallmark and set up a studio in our new home. My first published book featured art projects for children -- it was a subject I felt I knew well. My other books have been about things such as Ukrainian Easter Eggs and the Christmas Star -- none, however, have been about string beans.

I teach part-time Cabrini College in Radnor, Pennsylvania. Here I have the opportunity to share my love for children's books including the wonderful stories and art found within their pages.

Awards:

2012 - Honorable Mention - PHILLUSTRATION V
2011 - Winner of The Don Freeman Grant from SCBWI given for a children's book in progress.
Bronze Award - Society of Dimensional Illustrators
Clients: Compass Publishers, Carus Publications, Spider Magazine, Baby Bug Magazine, Augsburg, Revell, David C. Cook, Regina Press, Silver Burdett and Ginn