Venus started teaching soon after college, when she took a long-term substitute position in a special education classroom. She loved it so much, that she went on to earn a masters degree in the field.  Knowing that each child is unique, she wrote her master’s thesis on using Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory in the classroom.  She later followed her interest in the Montessori Method and became a Montessori teacher for early childhood.

Her passion for picture books began with the birth of her first son, fourteen years ago. Since then, her list of favorite books has grown innumerably.  Among her favorite authors and illustrators are Tad Hills, Mo Willems, and Ezra Jack Keats.

The idea for Sami and the Orange Balloon was born when she observed her youngest son Sami collect his favorite things to take on a car ride.   She soon discovered that when she wears her writer’s hat, she remembers to be present in the moment and often finds material for a story. Her boys are her greatest inspiration. Observing them inspires her to be more mindful, imaginative, creative, spontaneous, and joyful. 

Venus now primarily stays home to be a Mommy and is a writer, artist, and speaker when her boys are busy at school.  She still very much enjoys reading aloud in classrooms and sharing her love for the arts with children. She and her book have been featured on The Six Fifty  She also loves her Flamenco dance classes, hiking in the mountains, and reading at the beach.