[close] I grew up in a small town in northeastern Ohio, the only girl with three brothers (two older, one younger) and a large extended family. I had a typical childhood - water fights in the house, hanging my younger brother upside-down from the laundry pole in the backyard, selling my cousin's friends to little old ladies - you know, the usual. Most of my childhood was spent tagging along with my parents to various church youth events as they were the youth leaders for most of my life. And, as I grew older, I transitioned into a member of the youth group and then into the assistant leader. My love for teenagers stems from my parents and I've always wanted to write for young adults. Which was a little odd when I was in third grade trying to write a story for twelve and thirteen year olds. Hopefully, I've improved since then.

I attended Warren Christian School from kindergarten to graduation and it was, and continues to be, a huge influence in my life. Upon graduation, I went to Kent State University where I earned a degree in English. After graduating from KSU in the winter of 2002, I worked a series of odd jobs - some odder than others. I have worked at a golf course, cleaned bathrooms at Toys R Us, home-schooled a cousin, wrote copy for a cabinet company and have worked customer service at a mall. All have served as great experiences to draw from... at least that's what I tell myself.

I have since returned to WCS as a teacher and hope to encourage my students as much as my teachers encouraged me. My students are a constant source of amusement and inspiration, often assuming the role of sounding board for my new ideas. Fortunately, upon my return to WCS, the administration has finally learned to spell my name correctly. (Two k's and an i.)

I have had a few short stories published in small magazines. My first novel was published in 2005 and the second came out in the fall of 2007. I am currently finishing up my third novel, which I am hoping to be ready to be sent to publishers this summer. [close]