Heila (Hi-la)'s love for art, and the powerful magic of words started in childhood.

She grew up both visiting the library and on frequent camping trips all over the U.S.

Reading, writing, noticing  and drawing while traveling became a way of life.

As a military wife for 20+ years, she and her family lived in Maryland, Nebraska, England, North Carolina, Colorado and Texas.  Frequent moves as an adult led her to further develop an explorer's eye.

She enjoys making connections and meeting new and different (but the same!) people.

Heila holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a focus in Language Arts from the University of Northern Colorado (Greeley); and a Certificate in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia (Norfolk, UK).

She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators.