Having been raised in an Irish Italian family--telling stories was a way of life.  For years I believed my father's fictional pie stealing pig named Ralph was real.  I wanted to be able to keep that tradition alive as it is a way to reflect on history, society, and to entertain.  I began as a nurse and I found that what I loved most about my patients was hearing their stories.  Mr. gallbladder in room 112 had been in a concentration camp.  I once had a patient from Cambodia who had a harrowing escape--I wrote is biography for him.  Although I began my professional career as a nurse, I always wrote and at that time, it was children's stories and poetry. I decided to follow my passion and returned to college as a single mom of two daughters--this time I studied theatre and literature.  I recieved my B.F.A.  in Theatre and English--another goal checked off. Soon my theatre career took off and I was performing all over the San Francisco Bay area.  My daughters were in a few shows with me and then I discovered world dance.  My world exploded, each week I studied West African, Congolese, and Haitian styles of dance.  The live drums called to my spirit--and my daughter who I brought along.  There is no greater joy than dancing with your duaghters!  All the while I kept writing and reading.  But something was missing. Finally I decided to pursue my M.F.A, in Creative Writing.  I felt that I needed the degree to support my writing and to afford me the opportunity to teach.  Teaching is to me an incredible way to set others on their path.  My philosophy is be postive and give students permission to explore.  I finished my thesis and gradatue work and complete two novels.  With Crow; The Tale of Two Sisters is a middle grade novel laden with Native American themes.  Artista by the Sea, is an adult fiction novel that spans from Monterey California to Italy.  Juliana is an artist trying to find her way in the world while detangling from two men who love her. My children's stories are still my first love and I continue to write them.  My books are packed with muliticultural themes and characters that reflect the diverse world in which children live in.  Frederick the Forgetful Rattler was my first published book about a sweet, friendly, but very forgetful rattlesnake named Frederick.  He has memorry pebbles and sticky notes but they don't help.  This is a series as Frederick travels the world with his friends Samson and Matilda in search of his memory. Upcoming children's books are Rosie the Dog Who Forgot to Grow, The Legends of B.B. Fibberpants, Zanipolo Pop-Pop's Tree, and The Little Bush Who Saved E Street.  As far as for the bigger folks, The Ships of Monterey is a middle grade novel I am finishing up about two friends who father's are at war and Between the Vines, a family saga that takes place in Sonoma California after WWII has ended.   For now--just need to focus on getting myself out there.  I love to do free readings for schools, libraries, and bookstores.  I still teach dance, writing, and perform in live theatre.  "Be the change you want to be in the world."  Mahatma Ghandi.   

Irene Ryan Award
M.F.A. Creative Writing Magnum cum Laude
B.F.A. Theatre Arts
Film--honorable mention in Happily Ever After