I completed a Baccalaureate Degree at Ohio University and earned a Master's Degree and Ph.D. from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. I was a public school teacher for ten years prior to teaching at the university level. I'm currently a professor and the department chair in the College of Education at California State University, San Bernardino, where I teach courses in reading methods and children's literature.

I began writing stories as an elementary school teacher when I modeled the writing process for my sixth grade students. One of my students challenged me to attempt one of the assignments I had given to them! The students advised me to "include something funny" in my stories, so I always keep that in mind.

Aunt Minnie McGranahan and Aunt Minnie and the Twister are about a real member of my family. When I was a little girl, my grandfather used to tell me funny stories about Aunt Minnie. As an adult, I discovered that she was actually a member of my family and began to research the events that brought nine small children to come live with her. I am currently working on one last Aunt Minnie story called Aunt Minnie at the County Fair.

I also write educational material, but writing for and discussing writing with young people is my greatest joy. I have visited many schools, libraries, and bookstores in California, Texas, and Ohio, where I have had the opportunity to talk with students and teachers about writing and how books get published.