Look and Listen

Biography

Childhood wishes to be known as an actress, artist, and writer eventually came to be- but in the most unusual ways. More than two decades have passed since my second child was born. Within a few years, he was diagnosed as PDD/NOS- changing forever the direction of my life. Since then my talents have been used as an advocate and activist for those on the autism spectrum. While serving on the Delaware Autism Program's Citizen’s Advisory Council for ten years, I co-authored the Parent Handbook for the program and authored numerous letters and articles for parents. In addition, artistic talents were utilized in the design of the handbook's cover and T-shirts. My love of acting was fulfilled while performing Kids on the Block puppet shows on autism to elementary age students. By nature I was a shy individual, but circumstances have led me to find my voice. I was a founding member of the current Delaware Chapter of the Autism Society of America and began support groups for parents. After moving to Maryland I became a member of the Board of Directors of the Arc of Northern Chesapeake Region and also of the local Autism Society. Now that my daughter will be giving me a grandson, I'll assure him whatever road he follows, scattered dreams may yet bloom along his path.

Inspiration

A moving and brilliantly acted film in the late 1980s educated viewers about a previously little-known disorder known as autism. Much has changed about the prognosis and treatments since Rainman debuted. Yet despite the disorder's prevalence now being one out of every 150 children,there are still many misconceptions. Personally instead of reading boring, jargon-filled nonfiction, sometimes I'd rather read an engaging novel. I thought, someone should write a book like that about autism. And then I thought why not me? So whenever I had a few minutes I developed the plot. After nearly completing the novel, a week before Christmas 2004- our house burned! While sifting through ashes, the charred manuscript was found and fortunately our computer's hard drive was restored. But work on A Pebble to Polish had to be put on hold while we rebuilt our home and lives. Throughout the ordeal I felt compelled to finish this work born in my heart. Finally completed, it was meant to be.