I am author of the non-fiction book, Forever Hellos, Hard Good-Byes: Inspiration, wit, & wisdom from courageous kids facing life-threatening illness; a groundbreaking book that presents the insights, advice, stories, and humor—in their own words—of 34 kids from across the nation who face life-threatening illness. The book is endorsed by the Make-A-Wish Foundation; the National Institutes of Health; Robert B. Brooks, Clinical Psychologist, Harvard University; The Society of Pediatric Nurses; and Child Life professors and instructors.

I hold a M.F.A. degree in creative writing from Arizona State University (where I taught writing), a B.A. degree in English from the University of Minnesota, and am the founder and president of Shadow Writer, Inc. I have been writing ever since I could hold a crayon, initially on walls, couches, and patient animals. I knew I found my calling when I heard those encouraging words from Miss Rich, my second-grade teacher, who said, “This is good.” I’ve never looked back.