I fell in love with reading as a child and I am honored to bring this love to children through my own books and connected works. 

My first published book, "Everyone's Sleepy but the Baby," was published in March 2021 by Familius, a growing independent book publisher based in California. The book is illustrated by Adele Dafflon. I wrote this book as a sleep-deprived new mom and I hope it will help other exhausted parents laugh through the long nights, and maybe convince their children to sleep. More importantly, I am excited that creating a book geared to 0-2 year olds could help spark a love of reading even before a baby has its first laugh. The spare, poetic text evokes the humor, beauty, and frustration of new parenthood. I collaborated with the publisher and illustrator to create a sweet and silly visual layer to the story, while representing safe sleeping environments.

My second published book, "Trick or Treat, Bugs to Eat," was published in August 2021 by Sourcebooks, and is illustrated by Nancy Leschnikoff. This book shows bats trick or treating for bugs. A fun rhyming main text should bring smiles to kids, while a non-fictional addendum gives educators opportunities to use this book as a way to make science fun. I worked with the publisher and illustrator to increase the accuracy of the illustrations while remaining appealing to kids.

My third published book, "Hide and Seek, Nuts to Eat" was published in September 2023 by Sourcbeooks, and is also illustrated by Nancy Leschnikoff. This book shows how squirrels store up food for the winter--and how the food they don't eat can become new plants in the spring. 

My fourth published book, "Call Your Mother," comes out in March 2024 from Familius, illustrated by Vivian Mineker. It celebrates all the times you need your mom, from when you're a baby to when you become a mom yourself. 

I also have a fifth book, "Call Your Father," contracted with Familius and anticipated to publish in 2026. 

Along with my writing, I have also been visiting schools, bookstores, and festivals, to share my love of writing (particularly in rhythm and rhyme) with children. I also lead discussions about how bats and squirrels affect ecology, and hopefully increase children's appreciation of nature. 

I also teach classes about writing; most recently I launched two on-demand courses, one about rhythm and rhyme in picture books, and one about picture book basics.

As a freelance editor, I work with many writers locally and nationally on books, essays, and short stories. Many of my projects have been regional in nature. As an editor, I work to help authors reach their visions and realize their books' full potential.

I served as an editor for the "Baltimore Love Project Book," a photojournalistic review of the 20 murals around Baltimore created by artist Michael Owen and executive director Scott Burkholder. The book was written by Rafael Alvarez and photographed by Sean Scheidt. 

I edited "The Holy Shroud: A Brilliant Hoax in the Time of the Black Death" and helped author Gary Vikan, former director of the Walters Art Gallery, find his publisher, Pegasus Books. "The Holy Shroud" explores who made the famous Shroud believed to be the burial cloth of Jesus, when they made it, and how they made it. Vikan uncovers why the Catholic Church persists in perpetuating the myth behind this false relic.

Branching out from Baltimore, I worked with author Candace Buford on her book "Kneel," which was published by Harper Collins. "Kneel" follows a high school football player who refuses to stand for the National Anthem as a protest of police violence.

In addition to my work on published books, I also help many new writers hone their craft. 

 

I am passionate about helping people find their voices by improving their writing. 

My work as an educator has spanned from working with Baltimore City high school students, to teaching undergraduates at the University of Baltimore, to leading continuing education classes via Johns Hopkins Odyssey program. Whether my students are taking my courses as a requirement or for fun, I aim to inspire them to see themselves as writers and use their voices. 

I have offered free webinars, articles, and courses via Reedsy, an organization geared toward helping self-published authors. I also regularly publish free resources on my own website.