My Story

I grew up in Texas, one of six siblings and the youngest of two girls. My love of cooking and compassion for others I learned from my mother. While my love of adventure and storytelling I learned from my father. As a child, I wrote and directed plays, casting neighborhood friends in just the right roles.

I also loved school and eventually became a special education teacher. Reading picture books to and with my students helped them to catch up academically, while cultivating their imagination and empathy for others. As doors opened, I left the classroom and followed many paths—a K-12 education trainer, editor, project manager, and even a mayor. Each adventure led me to new worlds and taught me new skills, but I never forgot the feeling of reading a picture book. The stories. The illustrations. I was forever hooked.

Today, I combine my love of writing with my love of helping others. In 2024, I joined Storm Literary Agency as an associate literary agent (Sheila Fernley). I continue to write picture books, creating worlds and adventures for children and count my lucky stars to be a part of my clients’ literary journeys.

And my tale? It is still being written.

Fun Facts About Me:

• I did not grow up speaking Spanish, but I embrace my heritage and culture.

• I am the only child of six who moved away from Texas.

• I let my coffee get cold and still drink it.

• When given a choice of diamonds or a dog for a birthday, I picked a dog and named her “In Lieu of Diamonds” (we called her Diamonds).

• I was voted Mayor, not by choice. But my father always said, “If you’re going to complain about something, you better step up and change it.”

• I was invited to a Presidential Inaugural Ball (and didn’t go).