Hi! I am children’s author on a mission to help children deal with difficult situations that arise at school. As a teacher, reading and gifted and talented specialist, I have seen firsthand the difficulties of growing up in today’s society. I love to share my lesson focused, inspirational children’s book series, The Adventures of Oliver the Clownfish, with children through school visits, book signings and special events. This series has been a USA Best Book Award Finalist and has won a DOVE award for family friendliness.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband and I have been married for 19 years and have lived in the same house in Belcamp for 22 years. We have one beautiful daughter who is about to turn 16 and start driving. In addition, we have two excitable puppies! Kiki is our corgi and Daisy our Doxie. They both just turned 1 year old and keep us busy chasing them around.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I became a 2nd grade teacher in 2001. From there, I taught 2nd grade for 7 years, then became a reading specialist at the same school in Harford County for another 12 years. In 2020, I transferred to another school, where I became the reading specialist and gifted and talented specialist. In 2022, I added to those roles the role of Teacher In Charge. This additional role is giving me additional leadership experience that I might use in a future career. I am deeply grateful to have been nominated for Teacher of the Year in 2024.
What I love most about teaching is being able to make lasting memories with children. Most recently, my students wrote letters to community members asking them to donate to their Adopt a Tree project. From this project, we planted 7 new trees on the school property. Talk about a lasting impact. I hope the students remember that their voice matters for years to come.
Besides my teaching career, I am also a local author. I started with the concept of The Adventures of Oliver the Clownfish series before the Finding Nemo movie came out. It took several years to figure out how to publish my first book, but in 2005, the first addition of The Adventures of Oliver the Clownfish: Invitation Slip-Up was finally out there to share with the world. The inspiration for this book came from my childhood, when I had difficulty speaking up for myself and talking to my friends when I had a problem. I also noticed that students in my 2nd grade class were having difficulty with this too. The 2nd book in the series came out in 2008 right before my daughter was born. The title of it is The Adventures of Oliver the Clownfish: Acting Cool. My students inspired this story, along with the 3rd in the series, The Adventures of Oliver the Clownfish: Sticky Fins. In Sticky Fins, Oliver sees his friend taking things that don’t belong to him. Oliver sees what is going on and needs to decide whether he is going to join in, or convince his friend to put the objects back. I am so excited about the 4th book to be released. The next book is all about developing grit in kids. Since COVID, it seems like kids want to give up on things once they become hard. My daughter is working on the illustrations, and hopefully it will be available in September 2024 in time for the Bel Air Festival of the Arts.
The best part about being an author is when you are doing a school presentation and the students decide they want to be an author too! Another awesome feeling of being an author is when a newspaper writes about you. In case you are wondering about the picture above, that is exactly what I am showcasing. A press release was shared about Acting Cool and an upcoming book signing I was having at Browse About Books in Rehoboth, DE.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My husband and I love going to One Eleven Main for a fancy date night. If we just want sandwiches then Vagabond is our go-to.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in this community for 36 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
There are so many interesting people it is hard to narrow down to one. I have enjoyed the community of local children’s authors I have bonded with over the past few years. I always feel like we are stronger together.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I have always been a Gilmore Girls fan. Sweet Home Alabama and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days will always be at the top of my movie list!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
My advice would be don’t be so hard on yourself. I think we are always our own worst critic. Don’t tell yourself something hurtful that you would never say to anyone else.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
As a teen loved going to the Harford Mall. Deb was my favorite store.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would have lunch with Brene Brown. I think she is very interesting and real. She is a wonderful model of leadership. The way she opens up about vulnerability and shame gives us all something to think about. I think I would take her to Savona and enjoy a glass of wine.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I like the small town feel and so many local independent stores.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 10 years I hope to be retired from education and making more books. I look forward to a time when writing children’s books can be my full-time job, instead of something I do on the side for fun.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Many people do not know that I tried out for American Idol in 2007. I did not make it but it was a great trip with my mom and an interesting behind the scenes look at what goes on at this type of show.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A sunny afternoon on the beach, under an umbrella, eating Kohr frozen custard, with no seagulls in sight.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My daughter.
Q: What community service or volunteer work do you participate in for your local community?
I am on the welcome team at Mountain Christian Church in Abingdon. I started out as a greeter with my daughter and then we moved to the hospitality side to make the coffee for everyone who comes through the door on a Sunday morning.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace, Comfort, Joy.
