My kindergarten cubby!
About Tina
Tina, an award-winning teacher of 33 years and an award-winning author, now inspires, educates, and engages kids writing children’s books. Author of Walkout, The Sorry Seeds—a Children’s Book Council Teacher Favorite, 2025, and Canines Unleashed: Hank’s New Pack, she created and hosts @thelilleaderspodcast.com, celebrating young leaders and literacy by interviewing kids about their life experiences in the hopes of impacting others, contributes to Inspiring Minds Magazine with articles supporting family and child leadership development, and volunteers with the Book Buddy Program, enhancing students’ literacy skills. She writes both fiction and nonfiction for children, including educational content full-time, often fueled by coffee, chocolate, and her Akitas, Ollie & Mitzi nearby. When not writing, this winter enthusiast embraces Upstate New York and the Catskills with her husband, daughter, and two Akitas, one snowstorm at a time.
Can you spot the author in this kindergarten photo? (click to enlarge)
Growing Up
My literary journey began at the age of eight with simple tools: paper, pencils, crayons, yarn, and a hole punch. I loved words and the crinkling sound of turning pages. I wrote and illustrated stories, shaping them into story booklets, and shared them with younger kids in my neighborhood. Sometimes, I even created paper dolls so everyone could act out the scenes together. Those early creations opened doors to babysitting, teaching, and ultimately, a lifelong love of storytelling.
Today, I bring my experiences as a child, teacher, mother, and dedicated pet owner into everything I write. My passion is inspiring kids to fall in love with reading and empowering them to become the best version of themselves!