Writer
I love to write across the genres – children’s picture books, short stories, and middle-grade novels, as well as memoir, nature writing, and occasionally poetry.
My favourite place to create is at the kitchen table where I’m often distracted by birds at the feeders and squirrels and chipmunks cleaning up the fallen seed. My favourite place to relax and read is at the pond whose abundant animal and plant life has inspired my writing. From spring to fall, I work in my vegetable and flower gardens in late afternoons. Weekends are times to spend with my friends and family.
And then there are the cats and dogs who have graced my life and given me much pleasure and many poignant and hilarious memories. Lots to be thankful for!
One of my loves is sharing books and stories with children in school visits, library story times, and remedial reading sessions with my students. See Author Visits for more information.
I’m a member of CANSCAIP, the 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge , and the Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators, The Writers Union of Canada , and the Spirit Of The Hills Arts Association.
Teacher
As a certified K-8 teacher for 30 years, I have maintained a private practice in remedial reading at The Reading Room now located in my home in Colborne, Ontario. During this time, I’ve worked with many children teaching them reading, writing, and spelling skills that have greatly enhanced their abilities to read and work at grade level in their classrooms. See Reading Room for more information.