About

I always want to know how a process works—that analysis of “what happens next”—and I am passionate about books for kids that share  processes and the science that underlies them. I have written five books for the educational market, and my debut trade book, DAWN CHORUS: CONSERVATION EFFORT THAT HELP PROTECT BIRDSONG AROUND THE WORLD is slated for publication with Holiday House’s “Books for a Better Earth” collection in the Spring of 2027. 

I am a two-time finalist with PB Party (2022 and 2025), a Nonfiction Fest Semifinalist (2023), the Dog Writer’s Inspirational Feature Award Winner (2018) and have won articles of merit awards over several years with the American Rose Society. I served for three years as Co-Regional Advisor of the vibrant Rocky Mountain Chapter of SCBWI, and will now be leading our chapter’s mentorship program. I’ve also written for the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the Rocky Mountain Chapter of Canine Companions, and the Denver Rose Society. I have leveled and written for the on-line Colorado Encyclopedia, including series on Colorado Suffragists and sports heroes, and you can find those articles here. 

I have a strong commitment to service and volunteering. I’ve been involved in the animal assisted therapy world for over a decade, and volunteer with our therapy dog Nella at Children’s Hospital Colorado. In addition, I lead a support group for parents and caregivers of Twice Exceptional kids (kids who are highly gifted and who have a number of learning differences). You can find information about that group on the Neurodiversity & 2E tab. My educational background is in engineering and foreign affairs. 

When I’m not writing, you can find me in my garden listening to the birds, or working at Colorado Children’s Hospital with our family’s therapy dogs. 

 

Writing Awards:

  • Golden Pen Finalist 2025 (Starting Small)
  • PB Party Finalist 2025 (Tracking Santa)
  • NF Fest Semi-Finalist, 2023 (Euxoa’s Journey)
  • PB Party Finalist 2022 (Miracle Fossil)
  • Golden Pen Finalist 2019 (Miracle Fossil)
  • Dog Writer’s Association of America Inspirational Feature Award 2018 (Perfect Match)
  • American Rose Society Article of Merit, 2022
    • (Barb Carvallo’s Garden of Dreams) from the April edition of Rose Window
    • (A Waterwise Pollinator Paradise) from the April edition of Rose Window
    • (Two American Beauties) from the October edition of Rose Window