About Me

As the founding director of a preschool, my  direct experience with educators and children has inspired me  to write children's stories that tap into early-childhood experiences. My multicultural and international perspective often slips into my  stories. 

I grew up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, making forts, climbing trees, and playing soccer.  When I'm not writing children's books, I  work as a professional imagineer for preschoolers in Harlem.    

I live in New York with my Ghanaian husband and children. I'm Cape Verdean (West African), born in Brazil and raised in New England. I speak Portuguese, Spanish, and Cape Verdean Creole. My stories introduce children to immigrant families and world cultures. 

I'm a member of SCBWI, AWP, Inked Voices, Storytelling Academy, and the Children's Book Academy. I'm a collaborative writer who enjoys working with other creators to elevate children's literature.