About Me
Here I am in the company of wolves.
I have worked with animals for over 25 years, as a veterinary assistant, and professional all breed dog groomer. My love for animals and nature lead me to volunteer at Brookfield Zoo near Chicago IL, where I educate our guests about animals and the homes they live in. I enjoy observing animals and study their behavior especially wolves and dogs. I have attended many wolf ecology work shops, seminars and interacted with wolves, coyotes, and foxes, getting hands on experience while learning more about their behavior. I have shared my knowledge about Mexican gray wolves with people at several institutions around the country. I have received a Spotlight Award for my dedication to educating our zoo guest about wolves and their habitat.
I am an Award Winning Children's Book Author/ Illustrator, Artist, and Photographer.
I enjoy nature, hiking, dog sledding, and showing my dogs in obedience competitions, and visiting nursing homes.
I am an Award Winning Children's Book Author/ Illustrator, Artist, and Photographer.
I enjoy nature, hiking, dog sledding, and showing my dogs in obedience competitions, and visiting nursing homes.
How I became a Writer and Illustrator
First Place painting of Kia
Since animals and nature have always been my favorite subjects, I loved to draw pictures of animals especially dogs. I studied the anatomy of every dog breed recognized through the American Kennel Club and learned how to draw them. I always had a natural talent for drawing and took a couple of art courses in High School and a Community College. My teachers were always impressed with my animal drawings. Later, I wanted to try something new, and picked up a paint brush, watched a couple of How to Paint videos, and surprised my family with an amazing landscape painting. I then decided to show my work in art shows along with my photography. I later became an award winning artist.
One day at the zoo, a couple of fellow volunteers were impressed with my knowledge of wolves and dogs and loved my method of teaching people about them. They suggested I should write books about animals for children. I thought is was a wonderful idea, and learned how to write for children. I later joined a writers group who loved my story and suggested I draw illustrations for it. So I did, sent it to a publisher and she loved it too.
I now find writing and illustrating children's book as a passion. It has fulfilled my creative side, and allowed me to continue educating both adults and children about animals while enjoying the process.
One day at the zoo, a couple of fellow volunteers were impressed with my knowledge of wolves and dogs and loved my method of teaching people about them. They suggested I should write books about animals for children. I thought is was a wonderful idea, and learned how to write for children. I later joined a writers group who loved my story and suggested I draw illustrations for it. So I did, sent it to a publisher and she loved it too.
I now find writing and illustrating children's book as a passion. It has fulfilled my creative side, and allowed me to continue educating both adults and children about animals while enjoying the process.
Organizations I belong To
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
Writing4kids
Highlights Foundation
Green Hills Writers Group
Midwest Author's Club
Town and Country Art League
Association of Zoo and Aquarium Docents
American Association of Zoo Keepers
Alaskan Malamute Club of Wisconsin
Illinois Alaskan Malamute Rescue Association
Collie Rescue of Greater Illinois
Therapy Dog International
Project Malamute
Morris Animal Foundation
Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield Zoo
Betty White Fan Club
Wolf Park
Painted Dog Protection Initiative
Click on My Books in the menu bar to learn more about my upcoming books.
For more information about my art and photography, go to my other website at http://annasworldofnature.weebly.com
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
Writing4kids
Highlights Foundation
Green Hills Writers Group
Midwest Author's Club
Town and Country Art League
Association of Zoo and Aquarium Docents
American Association of Zoo Keepers
Alaskan Malamute Club of Wisconsin
Illinois Alaskan Malamute Rescue Association
Collie Rescue of Greater Illinois
Therapy Dog International
Project Malamute
Morris Animal Foundation
Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield Zoo
Betty White Fan Club
Wolf Park
Painted Dog Protection Initiative
Click on My Books in the menu bar to learn more about my upcoming books.
For more information about my art and photography, go to my other website at http://annasworldofnature.weebly.com