About Me

As a child, I was no stranger to change. My family moved frequently, and I attended eleven different schools in just twelve years. Each new town brought with it a fresh set of challenges including bullies at school, but it was during these early years that I discovered the comfort of writing.

Even amidst the constant disruption, I found stability in putting pen to paper. From an early age, I was drawn to the world of words, finding comfort in the act of crafting stories and expressing myself through written language. My teachers noticed my passion, and my homework assignments became noteworthy examples, often making their way from the grade school to the nearby high school as shining samples of literary skill.

Life took a turn when, at the age of nineteen, I enlisted in the Army. Stationed at Walter Reed, I served as a surgical technician for four years. The discipline and structure of military life were a stark contrast to the transient nature of my childhood. It was during this time that I sharpened my skills as a writer, contributing non-fiction articles to magazines like Trailer Life, Family Motor Coaching, and Black Belt. These pieces allowed me to share my experiences and insights with a wider audience.

After my military service, I continued to work in the medical field as a surgical technician. As part of the trauma and transplant teams, night shifts in the operating room of Oregon Health Sciences University provided me with a wide variety of experiences that I would later work into my characters in my writing. 

An opportunity to become a hearing-aid dispenser led me to move to New Mexico. It seemed like a good transition away from the stress of the trauma team. I had no idea about how much that choice would impact my life. 

The course of my life changed dramatically when I was involved in a rollover car accident in 1994. The aftermath left me in a three-month coma. Upon waking, I discovered that I was now quadriplegic. 

Determined to overcome the challenges that lay ahead, I turned to writing once again. Embracing the technology available, I began using voice-to-text software to convey my thoughts and experiences.

Despite the physical limitations, I continued my writing journey, contributing nonfiction articles to publications like Inside Kung Fu, Black Belt, PN (Paraplegia News), and Accord (Spinal Cord Injuries Australia). Writing became a form of therapy, a way to navigate the complexities of life from a new perspective.

Undeterred by difficulty, I decided to return to college, driven by a desire to expand my horizons. I pursued and earned a master’s degree in counseling, a journey that was as intellectually rewarding as it was personally fulfilling. My dedication and hard work were recognized with two university awards, marking me as the top master’s student on campus.

Armed with my newfound knowledge, I ventured into private practice, specializing in treating anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The experiences and techniques I learned during my counseling years became the foundation for my self-help book, "Living Less Stressed: Keeping Calm in the Chaos." This book, born out of a desire to help others navigate life's challenges, captures the knowledge I taught to my counseling clients.

As I shifted from counseling to retirement, my passion for writing continued to evolve. I explored the world of mindfulness and stress reduction, penning blogs that shared insights and practical tips. But my literary journey took a delightful turn when I ventured into a different genre – middle-grade children's scary books.

Titles like "Stay Out of the Attic," "Bigfoot in the Basement," "Brain Bounce," and "Lost Trains of Thought" allow me to tap into my imagination and create stories that captivate young minds. It’s a departure from my earlier works, but it brings a new sense of joy and fulfillment to my writing.

In a surprising twist, I’m also studying the culinary world, writing a cookbook that focused on foods and recipes designed to increase brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin. This unexpected venture combined my love for writing with my interest in the science of nutrition.

Looking back on my journey, from a nomadic childhood to military service, a life-altering accident, counseling practice, and retirement, I see the threads of writing woven throughout. It has been a constant companion, offering comfort, release, and a means to connect with others. 

Whether sharing my experiences, offering guidance, or crafting stories for young readers, the written word has been my steadfast ally, shaping the narrative of my life in unexpected and enriching ways.