I am the author of Fly, Forever and Always, Opal Watson: Private Eye, and more! My picture books and middle-grade novels focus on children pursuing their dreams despite fear. These stories are steeped in Black joy, resilience, heritage, and the brilliance of childhood.

My inspiration comes from many sources, including the stories my grandmother told. Those stories have found their way into what I write today.

My background: I am a former children’s library specialist and museum educator. I hold a Master of Fine Arts in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from Kingston University, London, England. I currently reside in my hometown of Louisville, KY where you’ll find me biking the waterfront, enjoying a musical, hanging out with my family, grilling in the backyard, or snuggled up with a good book.

Most influential person:

My grandmother is my rock. Her strength, beauty, and outlook on life keep me going. My grandmother was born in the 1940s, grew up during the civil rights era, and has endured more than I can imagine. If I can become half the woman she is, I've done well.