I am a wife, mother, and author, who resides in Illinois with my husband, a retired fire lieutenant, military veteran and our three youngest children. In my spare time, I read, write and sing. In June 2000, I graduated suma cum laude from DePaul University with a BA in sociology. I am also a certified substitute teacher. Today, as I continue to work on my manuscripts for my children's books, my husband and I are dedicated and focused on the ultimate success of our children's education, as well as championing the empowerment of reading for all children. I lend this advice to aspiring writers, "Always write from the heart."