I have written poetry since 1977. I am a teacher first and poet second. In 1983, I graduated from Western Michigan University with a BA in English with an emphasis in elementary education. I taught for a few years and life happened. I needed to stay home to care for my son with asthma and some immune system issues. In 2003, I became a teachers aide and did that for 12 years. Now I am substitute teaching in that same elementary school. My children are grown. My son is a farmer/poet. My daughter is a classical saxophonist and working toward a degree in music performance and education.