I grew up in Wisconsin and got in trouble in elementary school for drawing too much during class.

After graduating magna cum laude from Columbus College of Art and Design as an Illustration major, I worked as a layout artist at Seedling Publications, and now I do freelance illustration full-time.

I've illustrated 4 upcoming picture books: THE GOODBYE CANCER GARDEN (Spring 2011), DO YOU LOVE ME MORE? (Jan 2011), OLIVER'S FIRST CHRISTMAS (Oct 2010), and DANCING DREAMS (Sept 2010). A picture book that I illustrated in 2009, CORA COOKS PANCIT, was the APALA Picture Book Winner! I've also illustrated chapter books, dozens of leveled readers, hundreds of black & white line drawings, and greeting card designs. Some of my clients include:

Albert Whitman & Company
Accord Publishing/Andrews McMeel
McGraw-Hill
Shen's Books
Highlights magazine
Continental Press
Nazarene Publishing
Theatreworks USA
Christian Collection
Battat

I enjoy telling stories through my artwork and also with words. I've written picture book manuscripts that I'm currently making into dummies.

I'm an active member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). If you're interested in writing or illustrating for children, I strongly recommend joining SCBWI, going to their conferences, and joining a critique group.

Some of my favorite things in life are my husband and baby, coconut ice cream, mochas, swing dancing, musicals (especially old Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers type ones), reading, mind-puzzle video games, collecting picture books, and above all, my faith in Jesus.

2010