I unearth curiosity for a living, writing fun and fact-based poetry and lyrical nonfiction picture books for elementary age readers. I am honored to announce STUCK! The Story of La Brea Tar Pits (2025 Bushel & Peck Books) is the 2026 winner of the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award for the Midwest Division! I am ever so grateful for this honor.
Stuck! is also listed in Bank Street College of Education’s Best Children’s Books of the Year (2026 Edition), received NSTA | CBC 2026 Outstanding Science Trade Book award, Long-listed for the Green Earth Book Award, nominated for the Keystone to Reading Award List, awarded 2026 Teacher Favorites and Librarian Favorites by CBC. and ALA | ALSC Notable.
“Dragonflies: After Summer’s Heat Fall” received a 2025 Grand Prize #SunWriteFun award, and my poem “For A Good and Sweet Year of Abundance and Hope” received an award at the Fall Writing Frenzy. My poetry appears in several anthologies (Pomelo Books, Hey Hey Books, The Dirigible Balloon, and Northern Loon Press). I currently serve as the Regional Advisor for SCBWI Wisconsin.
I love family gatherings, gardening, and exploring the world’s national parks, water, mountains, and all things in between. You can find me at my sit-spot writing, bird watching, or on a wonder walk.
