I am a novelist, short story writer, and essayist.  I spent 27 years teaching creative writing, LGBTQ+ lit, protest lit, graphic novel, disaster lit, & YA dystopian lit to first generation college students at a small & severely resource-deprived state university in the not-very-education-friendly region of north central PA. Since leaving that job, I began to work in public health during the pandemic. I live in Corning, NY and have given readings & taught workshops across the country. My work has been nominated for a Pushcart, and twice selected for inclusion in Best American Essays. I’ve received residencies at the MacDowell Colony, the Millay Colony, & at Norcroft. In 2023, I received a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts to write a play based on interviews I conducted with people about their experiences during the pandemic. This work will premier in November 2024.