The author earned a bachelor's degree in science, physical education, and secondary education in 1981 and an MSW in Social Work in 2002. After beginning her career in child welfare, she spent 34 years serving children in foster care, including 21 years as a caseworker and 13 as a supervisor. She began writing this memoir in 2009 as a healing journey and published it to help others understand the realities of child welfare work. In retirement, she remains active in her church, Habitat for Humanity, and CASA while enjoying time with her three children, four grandchildren, and great-grandchild.