My Professional Background

I obtained a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology in 1985 and have been providing therapy for a diverse population of children and families in the public mental health system for thirty years.  I have learned so much from these children and their experiences over the years, I am very excited to share my experiences with others through writing.  I have specialized training in trauma, loss and autism spectrum disorder, including Child Parent Psychotherapy for traumatized children and PLAY Project for Autistic youngsters.  I have had much experience and other training in my career in many areas, including Infant Mental Health, Foster Care and Adoption, Mood Disorders and Severe Behavioral Disorders. 

​I am a graduate of Children's Book Academy and a member of the Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrators.  I am a member of Storyteller Academy and am currently participating in classes and workshops through their resources.  

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My Personal Background

I was born and raised in Michigan and suffered through the winters there all of my life...well, until recently.  In August, 2018, my husband and I started an amazing and crazy adventure and temporarily (probably) moved to Costa Rica!  No more cold winters for us!  I am now concentrating on learning about a new culture, learning Spanish and revising and developing my stories and writing skills.  Oh...and how could I forget... checking out the amazing animals in Costa Rica!

We have two adult children and their significant others(whom I have adopted!) who live in Los Angeles and Seattle.  I also have a grand puppy named Ollie!

​My grandparents on both sides of my family were immigrants from Greece.  Here I am with my grandmother at her home in Detroit.  My grandparents owned a candy store and made their own chocolates.  Hanging out there with them is one of the fondest memories of my childhood.

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Other Endeavors

I have been active in other creative endeavors including card making, scrapbooking, cake decorating, candy making, crafting of all kinds and reading(of course!).  I have a special passion for children and books and am combining these passions to create meaningful picture books.

Here are some of my creations!