I founded Opposable Thumb Press to create books that improve people's connection with nature, animals and the world around them. My first book, Chimpanzee, Like Me! is in honor of my love of primates (which includes humans) and animals in general. I found the courage to write and illustrate this book after spending a day with Dr. Jane Goodall at the 2004 Chimpanzoo conference. She is one of my heroes, specifically for the message she brings to the world, and more broadly for the example she offers of how to live one's own life. I have a BA from Columbia College, Chicago, and grew up in St. Charles, Illinois. I've studied Middle Eastern Dance for thirteen years, and have taught for the past eight years. I am a docent at Lincoln Park Zoo. My language skills are functional (I can't say fluent) in both ASL and Spanish, and it is a personal goal to study a new language each decade of my life.