Q: First tell us something about yourself.
I grew up in Newport News, Virginia, and moved to Atlanta, Georgia, after graduating from college. My vast education and experience highlights specialties in subjects spanning corporate communication and marketing, educational leadership and curriculum and instruction. I am an educator by profession, having taught at a number of schools in the U.S. along with a variety of countries — spending a decade as an elementary school teacher. I have taught at an international school in Qatar, an all-girls American International school in Dubai, and an American International Baccalaureate school in China.
Q: How and when did your journey start as a writer?
As a child I was always an avid reader as a child, however as I became a classroom teacher, I began to model the skills my students needed to be successful writers. I always felt that if my students were going to follow the writing process, so will I, as a teaching opportunity. No matter the genre, I would always get excited to develop my creative skills alongside my students. As an elementary teacher I always need to come up with creative story ideas on the spot that included interesting plots, settings and characters. Outside of my professional life, my passion for creative writing spilled over into my personal life, as I began writing stories to help children process and learn about empathy. I am also very passionate about animals and my dog, Carmelli, was the best inspiration in my writing life, apparent in my book, “Carmelli and the Big Race.” Additionally, I have always found solace in creative expression, such as journaling for self-care, and I truly believe the power of storytelling and literacy are key to achieving success.
Q: When did you write your first story? Is it published or not?
My first story was co-authored with my students. My student’s original assignment was to create a full story using two random animals. The story was to include a lesson or moral, descriptive setting, and an interesting plot. Although, it wasn’t published, I was able to have my students provide illustrations, story content, and I fashioned it into a book with a laminated cover. Each student contributed either to ideas, illustrations, and story content and direction. I made copies of our book for each student, and was even able to put a couple in the school library for checkout – with its on barcode and everything! My students and I felt so proud.
Q: Tell us about the important messages in your book.
Carmelli & The Big Race, is a dog’s tale of acceptance, friendship & empathy. Character education is essential for school-aged children as it helps develop emotional intelligence, kindness, and a strong moral foundation. I wanted my book series to play a crucial role in this process by exposing children to diverse perspectives, teaching them to understand and respect others’ feelings, and guiding them in making ethical choices. Through relatable stories and cute dog characters, my hope is for children to learn important values like compassion, honesty, and resilience, which shape their social interactions and personal growth. By fostering empathy and character development through literature, we equip children with the skills to build positive relationships and contribute to a more understanding and inclusive society.
Q: What inspired the characters and the story?
Being an Elementary school teacher, I would often have to play “friend match maker.” Some students know how to connect with others instantly, and others need a little help to make friends. Students with disabilities struggle a lot with finding their “tribe” and feeling a sense of belonging. Carmelli, the main character in each book in the series, plays the role of an empathetic advocate. His job is to help others to see the good in us all. In the story, “Carmelli & The Big Race” it was important to showcase that it is ok to dim our own lights in order to help others shine brighter.
Q: Do you have any future books in mind?
I have a 6 book series that I am hoping to get published soon. They all speak to stories of feeling accepted from all walks of life and situations we find ourselves in, all told through the eyes of a dog’s tale.
