Hey There!
I am a former educator of seventeen years. My educational background includes teaching second grade, elementary media specialist, middle school television production teacher and middle school media specialist.
After my fourth child was diagnosed with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder, I left my full-time teaching career so I would have the flexibility to meet the demands of this special parenting role.
I am the author of IT TAKES A VILLAGE: HOW TO BUILD A SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR YOU EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS FAMILY, GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS: UNDERSTANDING AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER, and my debut Young Adult novel, WORTH IT, is coming in 2024.
I currently am also a freelance developmental editor for Wild Ink Publishing and an Associate Literary Agent at The Purcell Agency.
When I am not busy writing, my family and I enjoy traveling, sports, and the wonderful weather in our home state of Florida.
Current Experience
The Purcell Agency – Associate Literary Agent
(2023-Current)
I started at The Purcell Agency in the Summer of 2023 as Senior Literary Agent, Cathie Hedrick Armstrong’s assistant. In September of 2023 I was promoted to Associate Literary Agent. While I am not currently open to submissions, I hope to be soon!
Wild Ink Publishing – Author, Anthologist, Freelance Developmental Editor
(2021-2023)
Since I signed my publishing deal with Wild Ink in October of 2022, I’ve co-authored a book. on marketing for authors, earned the role of lead anthologist for Uncensored Ink: A Banned-Book Inspired Anthology, and been offered a role as a developmental editor.
The Autism Helper – Blogger
(2021-2023)
I am a proud contributor to Sasha Long’s The Autism Helper blog.
Big Abilities – Blogger and Podcaster
(2018-current)
I started the Big Abilities blog and podcast to offer support and a community to parents of children impacted by developmental disabilities such as ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Collaborative Corner for Exceptional Children – Parent Advocate and Early Intervention Specialist
(2020)
At Collaborative Corner I offer support to families of exceptional children by helping to bridge the gap between families and the services they need and assist families with young children in helping to get diagnosis and early intervention.
The Mighty – Contributing Author
(2018-2020)
I contribute content to the The Mighty that I believe can have a national impact on families impacted by developmental disabilities.
Playground Magazine – Freelance Writer
(2018-2020)
I write articles for Playground magazine that appeal to Central Florida families covering a broad range of topics from female entrepreneurs to local businesses to personal interest stories.
Partner With Me
I’d love to come to your next event, fundraiser or be a guest on your podcast!
Here are some autism-related topics I can discuss.
- Early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder and the importance of early intervention
- How families of special needs children can build a support system
- Why funding is so necessary for programs that support autism intervention
- Why it is important to not only focus on children with special needs struggles but also their strengths
- How to find balance in your life when you are the parent of a special needs child
- The importance of self-care for families of special needs children
- How to find not just the right resources but the best resources for children with special needs
- Using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies at home
Here are some writing and publishing topics I can discuss.
- How to craft your opening pages.
- How self-edit.
- Showing versus Telling.
- Write a query that gets attention.
- How to get a literary agent.
- How to score small publishing wins.
- How do you know when it’s time to query?
- Ask Me Anything: Writing or Publishing
Big Abilities 