I grew up in the suburbs of Maryland, outside the city limits of Washington D.C. I received a BA degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland in Baltimore (UMBC). I've worked at a State facility for severe emotionally challenged children and adolescents for over 13 years. I currently reside in Florida as a children/young adult author where I do book signings at retail stores, special events, festivals, and school visits.
Ever since I was a child, I've always had a dog. Each dog was special, sharing major segments of my life. My first dog, Ginger, grew with me for 15 years of my life, having her since I was a little girl throughout my teenage years. Her passing when I was 18 years old was like losing a family member. My next dog, Mandy, grew with me through my young adult years, going through college and moving out on my own. Her 14 years of life with me carried me into my early thirties. My next dog, Lindsey, overlapped Mandy's life with me, making Mandy's passing...manageable. Lindsey was with me as I developed my career as a Mental Health professional. Lindsey went to work with me on a daily basis, sharing her unconditional love and acceptance of the students whom I counseled. Being the Unit Coordinator of the girls' residential unit, I incorporated the use of a volunteer dog therapy group to help with the students' therapeutic treatment. The dogs were very successful with the students. The simple act of brushing and petting the dogs, lowered the kids' anxieties and defenses as they opened up with their issues of past abuse. The unconditional love that their assigned dog showed them with a wag of the tail, gave the students the feeling of acceptance, importance, and love. After 13 successful years of working at the residential facility, I decided to move on into a new chapter of my life. I moved to Florida and a year later Lindsey passed away. I now have another dog, Xia.
Xia is the inspiration for my first book, Angel in a Fur Coat.
