WRITER BIO
As a child, Lee read about a writing contest in a magazine and secretly filled out a postcard, requesting information. She penciled in her responses, including an "8" in the box designated for age, and mailed it off. After months of waiting, she came to the sad conclusion that the contest was only for grown-ups.
But Lee was determined. She continued to read and write and, at age eleven, recorded in her first diary that she would, one day, write books for children. In high school and college, she took creative writing classes and began writing poetry. She later took classes at Rochester's literary center, Writers and Books. It was at Writers and Books that Lee met her first writing buddies. They formed a critique group called the Potluck Poets and gave readings at several local venues. Lee also published poems in Comstock Review and Clackamus Review.
After retiring from teaching and attending several writing conferences, Lee finished the first draft of her debut novel, Summer of Rescue, and was accepted into the Highlights Whole Novel Workshop at their writing center in the Pennsylvania Poconos. Going on retreat with other writers and being mentored by award-winning author and writing coach, Jennifer Richard Jacobson, was a turning point. Lee continues to take classes with Highlights, work with an amazing critique group, and is active in the 12x12 online picture book community.
Lee's stories are written with optimism and humor. She believes that age-appropriate books, addressing tough topics, teach compassion and reach kids who are suffering in silence. A child who finds his/her/their story in a book is no longer alone.
TEACHER/PSYCHOTHERAPIST BIO
During Lee's years as an elementary teacher, she taught kindergarten through sixth graders, including many with special needs. Lee also ran the school newspaper, directed a popular poetry club, taught writing courses for teachers, and summer writing classes for children. During a sabbatical, Lee created poetry lessons for kindergarten through twelfth grade teachers to enhance their writing programs.
While still teaching, Lee earned a master's degree in counseling and licensure as a mental health therapist.
With post graduate trainings in mind-body therapies and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Lee specializes in trauma recovery in her private practice. She has assisted clients of all ages with a wide range of past, current, and complex traumas. Many of her clients have been artists who have reclaimed their talents, interests, and full creative potential. Respect, gentleness, and humor are integral to her work. Being present through a client's healing journey is a privilege and an honor, and her faith in her clients is unwavering.