Originally from Washington state, Judy lives in Brevard, of North Carolina, home of the white squirrels, with her husband, Jim, and rescued dogs.  After earning her master's degree from the School of Journalism at Southern Illinois University, Judy moved to the SE and taught mass communication courses at the university level.  Her interest in herbs led her to also teach adult education classes on  their uses, and she has published extensively on incorporating herbs  in cooking, medicines and cosmetics. She was instrumental in expanding a conservation education program for the island of Guam and has published numerous articles on the environment.   Judy's writing is influenced by her love of nature and work with Bichon Frise rescue and wildlife rehabilitation. When she's not writing, she loves to garden, bicycle, hike, camp, photograph white squirrels  and visit family on the West Coast.    Tales from Farlandia: Ozette's Destiny was written after Judy had been writing short stories for several years for an online group.  After much urging, her friends convinced her she should write a book about the lovable white squirrel.  Ozette is a composite of  the white squirrels in Brevard, NC, and at Ochlockonee River State Park in Florida.   Judy has two children, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.  She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. 

Ozette's Destiny is a part of the Accelerated Reading Program