Who or what made you want to become an illustrator?

I truly enjoy the collaboration of the book making process and challenge of adding a visual narrative to compliment either my own story or that of another author.  I appreciate the challenge and the opportunity to add a little extra special something visually that may not be explicit in the manuscript, but compliments the story for the reader.  Connecting with little readers is especially rewarding.

Did you attend art school or undertake any other formal artistic training?

I am a graduate of Pratt Institute.

Have you always loved to draw?

Yes!  I have always loved to draw, it felt like home.  I especially loved the fantastical picture books with endearing animal characters such as Bread and Jam for Frances, and any Beatrix Potter strories.  This may show a bit in my portfolio!  I also liked to sketch my Breyer model horses because they were very realistic to me, but they stood still!

What is your favourite medium to work with and why?

I truly enjoy the combination of planning and spontanaeity of watercolor!

Do you offer more than one style, if so – talk us through the different approaches and the audience you are targeting for each.

I love to doodle animals and imagine their worlds. One character I've enjoyed imagining is a little cowboy chipmunk named Bucky Brown. He is part of a story looking for its publishing home.  In general, I work in watercolor, however, I love working in a variety of mediums, including pastel!  It's however the subject matter speaks to me.

Have you taken part in any speaker events?

Yes!  I have done various school presentations, and author visits/signings.  HIghlights include:

I have participated in Museum Explorers at the Brandywine River Art Museum engaging with guests and doing live watercolor demonstrations, allowing the kids to "play" in the paint, and wrapped it up with a book signing.  Working with the Brandywine is a dream come true!

Illustrator's day at the Mainline Art Center, Haverford, PA where I engaged with families and conducted a watercolor bookmark craft with folks.

Held a meet and greet at the Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA related to my book ALWAYS TOGETHER which was inspired by the river otter exhibit there.  What a wonderful full circle moment to get to promote my special book, meet otter fans, and receive otter created artwork from the otter keeper!  

2024 ALA Conference in San Diego, CA, hosted by Capstone Publishing

2025 ALA Conference in Philadelphia, PA, hosted by Capstone Publishing

June 2026 I was thrilled to be the live watercolorist at  Terrain Events in Devon, PA.  I worked with the team at Anthropologie to create watercolor favors which I finished on site during the party celebrating the launch of THE CONTAINER GARDEN book.  It was a blast!

Summer of 2026 I conducted a webinar for the Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators entitled, Picture Stories-Key Elements in Creating Narrative Art  

What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?

I'm a beginner equestrian, and have done some scuba diving!

How important is it for you to be part of a creative community of people?

A lot of what I do happens alone in a studio.  I am a member of SCBWI and attend events, participate in critique groups, and have met many amazing and talented authors and illustrators!  I value constructive criticism and the opportunity to share ideas and work so that I can get informed feedback.  It is so important to me to feel connected to the creative community.

Animals feature heavily in children’s books – do you have a pet?

We had a beloved English Springer spaniel who was truly a part of the family.  She is featured in some of my work!  She had the most expressive eyes.  Currently we own a beautiful mare, Trinity. I am lucky that when our daughter went to college I have her all to myself to learn to be a better rider and she has taught me a lot!  She is so sweet, and as you can see from the photo she also has a sense of humor!