I grew up in a multicultural family in Austin, Texas, where I enjoyed the places that brought people together—local parks, rec centers, and libraries that buzzed with activity. As a girl, I loved connecting with international pen pals and discovering the magic of stories from distant places. Today, I enjoy writing children’s books that blend heart and humor. My favorite stories are about everyday people who make a difference.
Many of my stories reflect the warmth of my Mexican heritage and have been recognized with awards from the Texas Institute of Letters, the National Council of Teachers of English, and the Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. I received the Austin SCBWI Scholarship for Creators of Diverse Worlds in 2018 and 2020, and I was a finalist for the 2018 We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) Mentorship Contest. I have had the honor of presenting at the Texas Book Festival, the Greater Austin Book (GAB) Festival, and SCBWI conferences.
Outside of writing, I hold a B.A. in French and an M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies, which led to a decade of work in international programs, helping people from all over the world. I later earned my Master’s in Social Work from NYU and am a licensed clinical social worker. Whether I’m writing, mentoring, or spending time with my family, I’m always inspired by how stories bring people together.
I am represented by Rob Broder of Martin Literary Management.
