secret [ se' kret] guarded from discovery; kept hidden; concealed from general knowledge
Stories make us dream, learn, love and hope.
Life is truly fascinating. You just have to look for it - like watching the crocus flower peek through spring snow, seeing dragonflies float on a summer breeze, listening to the lively songs of birds in the dead of winter, watching the colors of the rainbow dance across a misty sky.
The magic of the Earth is real. Miracles happen everyday.
If we have no hope in our heart, we have no magic in our soul.
I was born Cheryl Ann Kusala in Binghampton, New York in October, 1966. When I turned three, we moved to Hoosick Falls, New York on the border of southern Vermont. My childhood there was truly blessed with memories that will span the ages. ~ Poems, family activities, teasers, and How-to articles for UNHCE ~ Veggie Volunteer Program - ~ Nutrition Connections Cultural Cuisine Program: (2004) Newsletters and Student Journals. Integrated basic curriculum and research into interactive newsletters and journals. Created and authored problem-solving and hands-on activities for fourth grade students at the ~ Authored UNH Professional Development Grant - Awarded December 2004 EDUCATION
I attended St. Mary's Academy Elementary School. My first true inspiration was Sister Elizabeth. She was a devout advocate of the written word. My first-ever contest win was a $25 savings bond from the Read-A-Thon she organized. After reading Stuart Little, I was hooked! I must have read at least 30 books for that 2nd grade contest.
Mrs. Ann Donovan, my 7th grade teacher, was my next victim. I inundated her with poems, essays and short stories for extra credit for two years. Her patience and enthusiasm never wavered.
Life took over after high school. I entered the working world at age18 and never looked back. It wasn't until I moved to New Hampshire with my husband that I began to start writing seriously again. I spent seven years at the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension where writing became a huge part of my life. But the stories that were forming in my mind took on a life of their own - I had to tell them . . . write them down . . . share them with the world.
I currently live in the beautiful region of North/Central Kentucky, known as "Horse Country" with my husband, Steve, our house cats, three salt-water fish and one snail.
My current project is a middle-grade fiction adventure, The Stone Keeper. Set in present day, 12 year olds, Jack and Calvin, are complete opposites. They come together in the most unlikely way imaginable and discover it's up to them to save the world.
This heroic adventure for the new age is very dear to my heart, stemming from wonderful childhood memories . . .
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PROFESSIONAL CREDITS
Carroll County News.
Short Story contest winner: Santa and the Egg – (2008)
College for Lifelong Learning - The Writing Process 2004-2005
Institute for Children’s Literature - 2005 Graduate
