Fast Facts:

• I am a retired educator. Most of my 40 year educational career was spent as an English teacher (both college and high school levels). I was also blessed to serve as curriculum director, literacy specialist, and school improvement leader–fancy names for some great opportunities to provide professional learning for teachers at the end of my career. Currently, I work as an educational consultant, helping particularly with writing instruction and assessment.
• I am blessed to have called my father, Don Welch, friend and mentor. Even years after his death, he continues to inspire and influence my life and work. I am equally blessed to have called my mother, Marcia Welch, friend and mentor. She has been–and continues to be–one of my most faithful readers and supporters.
• I have four children: Megan (35); Collyn (33); Marinne (32); and Quinn (26) and two grandchildren, Gracyn (9) and Griffin (5), who live only 50 yards from me!
• I grew up in Kearney, Nebraska but have lived in southeast Iowa for the past 35 years. Currently, my husband and I live on an acreage south of Ottumwa, Iowa. We have one dog, nine cats, a domestic white rabbit turned loose and still living in the yard, and a coop full of egg-laying chickens.
• I love to read–fiction, poetry, nonfiction–and retirement has allowed me time to read daily. A benefit indeed.
• Having spent a lifetime of writing comments on student essays, I am enjoying the time to write creatively.