About Me

I was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania. My parents were avid storytellers. My father’s army stories and my mother’s bedtime tales were my earliest inspirations to write.

My first encounter with reading was the Dick and Jane series. They merely left me longing for real stories, fanciful, and filled with real language like my parents told me. I didn’t like reading until high school when I was permitted to take literature classes as elective courses. It was then that I became interested in books, because of the teachers and their passion for literature.

In 1982, I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. After graduation, I worked as a department store clerk and a day–to–day substitute teacher, as I was unable to find a full–time teaching job. Then in 1983, I worked for an all women’s flagging company for highway construction. The job was grueling. I recall working in the bitter cold of late fall and the scorching heat of summer. I wore a hardhat, work boots and gloves, a reflective vest, sunglasses, and carried an 8–foot stop sign, with a walkie–talkie mounted on it. All the gear was awkward for me to handle, because I’m only 5’3”. But I managed.

In 1985, I married Terry Skultety, and the following year, I was hired as a first grade teacher. Four years later, my first child, Breanne, was born. Wanting to devote more time to raising my baby, I left my job, returned to substitute teaching and took graduate classes. The following year I was awarded an assistantship at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and I earned a Masters of Reading Degree in 1992.

My young daughter’s love of books kept me busy. At age two, Breanne could recite entire books verbatim. Soon I began to write stories and songs for her just as my mother did for me.

In 1993, I started working as a reading specialist in a public school district, where I still work today.

The following year, I met Joy Cowley, who mentored me and told me about the Highlight’s Writer’s Conference held in Chautauqua New York. I attended and truly believe it changed my life. I met so many wonderful people and felt, for the first time in my life, I truly belonged somewhere. I was stunned to find out that Newbery award winning author Jerry Spinelli, would act as my mentor. I’m grateful to both Joy and Jerry for their friendship and guidance.

In 1996, my second child, Kolby was born. It was his love of construction vehicles that inspired the writing of From Here to There.

In 1997, while serving on my school’s Visiting Author Committee, I met Peter Catalanotto. He became a friend and mentor. With his insight and suggestions, I sharpened my skills. He made me realize that it’s writing that makes you a writer, not being published.

Without the support of the fine people I’ve met along the way, I may not have persevered. They picked me up when I was down and always encouraged me to work harder.

In 2000, my third child, Keely, arrived. Like her siblings, she loves books, but she also likes to make up stories for me.

I live in western Pennsylvania with my husband Terry, and three children. Terry worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for twenty–five years before retiring and taking another job. From Here To There seems a fitting tribute to a family with so much transportation history.