You likely read through my  homepage. You already know the polished version. If you'd like samples of my work, check out the  "portfolio" tab or click on the logos on the homepage.

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If you really want to understand why I write, collaborate, and create, you have to start in a classroom in May of 2021. That's when I decided to write ABCS of Empathy, my first children's book.

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When we started opening doors after COVID-19, there was an adjustment period for everyone. We had spent week after week cooped up in our homes, talking to screens. Now, for the first time in months, I was teaching in person. It was a lot. Kids who usually thrived in my English and creative writing courses were struggling to get back to the old normal. To be honest, I could relate. 

 

But as difficult as things were, having a middle school band director for a husband helped me put things in perspective. He was privy to the same behavior I was, just much, much noisier. One night, we had a discussion about our shared concerns. Talking to someone who genuinely understood what I was going through helped me contend with the weight on my shoulders. Maybe, after so long in isolation, we all needed a reminder about empathy. So over the next few nights, I wrote a book.

 

At first, I used ABCs of Empathy as a classroom tool. My students loved creating their own verses or bringing the words to life through their art. I peaked as an artist at age 10, so I found real joy in watching others interpret kindness and understanding through their own imaginations. ABCs has continued to leave its indelible mark in my classroom to this day. The experience reminded me of what storytelling can do. Stories aren't merely entertainment or flights of fancy; they are capable of healing and so much more.

 

In 2025, I realized empathy was popping up a lot more in my talks with friends and family.  I decided to share ABCs of Empathy with them, and they gave me the courage to share it with the world. I reached out to Mauro Lirussi of Moon Cow Studios, who gave the book his trademark hand-painted illustrations full of color, heart, and emotion. Publishing ABCs, for me, was a small contribution to a larger conversation about how we treat each other. It was personal.

 

Since publishing, I’ve been deeply moved by the response from children, parents, and fellow teachers. It turns out I wasn’t the only one who needed a reminder about empathy. No matter how old we are, we all need to consider what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes.

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The written word is how we connect with each other. It's how I've stepped out of my own comfort zone. If you’ve got a story of your own to share, I’d love to help. Whether you’re writing a book, building a brand, or simply trying to figure out what to say next, I’m here. Drop me a line here or send me a DM.  

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A few of my favorite films: East of Eden, Cinema Paradiso, Donnie Darko, Ed Wood

A few of my favorite shows: Lost, Twin Peaks, Party Down, Buffy the Vampire Slayer

A few of my favorite bands: Fleetwood Mac, ELO, Tom Petty, Day Wave, The Midnight

A few of my favorite doughs: Cookie, Pizza, Brioche, Sourdough

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