As much as I would like to say that I was born to write and that when I was a mere youth they couldn't wrestle the pen out of my hand! That wouldn’t be the full story. I enjoyed reading and writing as much as any rambunctious kid, but was "strongly encouraged"  to keep a journal by my parents. After moving around and being the “new kid” in school a couple times my journaling became very cathartic and a great way to deal with anxiety. Eventually I wrote my first book when I was 12, which through a series of serendipitous phone calls found its way into the hands of publishers.  I ended up writing three books in the New York Times Best Selling Just Jake series and was featured on the CBS Evening News alongside the Today Show (twice). I also began my speaking career and visited numerous schools around the country talking with classrooms about  the importance of writing, reading, and finding your passion at a young age. 

 

A few years ago I stepped away from speaking and writing to pursue my education. I’m a proud alumnus of the University of Notre Dame. But I’ve got another book series in the works and I’m returning to speaking and sharing my story to hopefully encourage kids to write their own story!

 

 I currently reside in New York.