From the first time I picked up a chubby Crayola crayon, I have been writing stories. I always wanted to be an author, but my mom told me I needed to get a job that paid actual money. So, after four years of college and $2,500 in student loans—it was a long time ago—I spent thirty-six years honing my writing skills. Clearly, I am a slow learner. During most of that time, I taught middle school, because I fall in about the same place on the quirkiness scale as they do, and trained teachers to help students personalize their learning.

 

I am an award-winning Minnesota teacher. Some of my awards include the 1995 June Gills Inspiration Award finalist, 2006 Fox 9 Top Teacher, 2010 Eastern Carver County Teacher of the Year, and 2011 Minnesota Teacher of the Year—Top 10 finalist. I also present at educational conferences across the United States as well as freelance for educational companies.

 

I hold a master’s degree in education, but, while I loved teaching, I jumped ship four years ago and retired to a small Minneapolis suburb. I now have time to spend with my husband, Mitch, a retired principal, my son, Brandon, and my daughter, Taylor, who both still come home to see what’s cooking in my pots and pans, my Parti Yorkie, Harper, and my two grand pets: Baxter, a Wheaten Terrier, and Guinevere, a tabby cat.

 

We spend a great deal of time at our cabin in Northern Minnesota, where I lose at waterskiing, but win at cornhole. We enjoy boating, ATVing, jetskiing and entertaining. Of course, there is never a lack of food due to the fact I was raised by the Food Devil herself.

 

My husband has a gold personality, planner, and I have an orange personality, spontaneous. That makes us the perfect pair. We love to travel. He likes to plan, and I don’t ask where we are going until we get on the plane.

 

Between all the family shenanigans and laughter, I spend time spinning tales—stories that entertain, inform, and teach. So, stay tuned. There will be many more to come.