Welcome to my Website

I write children’s stories that reflect my life experiences. I grew up in a Jewish family that lived in blue collar, close knit, city neighborhoods. My grandmother stayed with us, which is how I came to understand Yiddish and the culture she brought from Russia. I entered Kindergarten with a physical disability which was corrected later in childhood. I was a sensitive kid that worried over the tiniest bits of life. Despite these obstacles, I was a competent, optimistic child who learned to overcome issues that arose.

As an elementary school teacher and then a reading/writing specialist and Language Arts program coordinator, I especially enjoyed collaborating with teachers to create Language Arts materials that met the needs of all the students in their class. Often, I wrote stories if I couldn’t find a book that supported an individual student.

When I moved out of state, I had the opportunity to organize a rescue for a Muscovy duck that had been shot with an arrow. That experience led to my first picture book, Archie the Lucky Duck. Since it was self-published, I marketed the book by visiting schools, libraries, book fairs, and bookstores. I created a curriculum guide with activities that teachers could easily pair with the book. I sold almost 1,000 books and donated the proceeds to the animal hospital that took care of Archie’s injuries.

That’s when the writing bug bit. I attended as many online classes, workshops, webinars, and conferences as possible. Highlights, The Writing Barn, SCBWI, 12x12 offered most of the programs. I continue to take classes whenever they fit into my schedule. PJ Library chose me to attend a summer retreat at the Highlights facility in the Poconos.

It is my hope that children will see themselves in my stories or gain empathy by walking in the shoes of someone with different experiences.