About Me
I have worked in book publishing for more than twenty years. And since day one, I have been on a mission to deliver page-turning books that hook new readers.
My love of books started early! I remember exactly when I became a voracious, independent reader: after my third-grade teacher started reading Matilda aloud to our class. I simply had to borrow the book so I could read ahead. Then I went on to immediately read every book Roald Dahl had written. And that was that—I was off and running as a reader!
I attended college at Fordham University and soon after began my career in marketing and publicity on the adult side of book publishing, working for HarperCollins and Penguin Group Inc. Feeling drawn to children’s literacy, I left after a few years to earn my master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education.
I went on to teach 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades, and it was during my time as an elementary school teacher that I saw how many young readers craved complex stories, yet how few quality books were available on their reading level.
When I returned to book publishing, I intentionally entered children’s editorial. My master’s degree paired with my experience as a classroom teacher had given me the tools I needed to know how to craft book series that address the specific needs of emerging readers. I first worked at Penguin Young Readers Group, later joining Scholastic Inc., and it’s there that I came up with the concepts for the Branches and Acorn formats.
Scholastic launched the Branches imprint in 2013, filling a gaping hole and forcing the market to carve out space for an early chapter book category. As Branches became more and more successful, my role grew. While in my role as Editorial Director, Scholastic launched the Acorn imprint in 2019.
My favorite parts about being a children’s book editor are working closely with authors and coming up with new ways to reach young readers! Whether I’m having a collaborative brainstorming session with an author or coming up with the concept for a brand-new format, I remain focused on my mission of reaching and growing new readers with strong, engaging stories.
I speak at writers’ and educators’ conferences that give me the opportunity to connect with early-literacy colleagues across the industry. There, I often offer written and in-person critiques to prospective authors. And when I do, I always share lots of constructive feedback—because one thing published authors learn right away is: The revision process is (almost) never-ending!
When I’m not busy growing readers, I can be found growing tomatoes in my garden. I also enjoy doing crossword puzzles (in pen!), crafting friendship bracelets, sipping lattes, and biking around Nashville, TN, with my friends.
