1I have always loved reading, even as a young child. I found the classics captivating, and devoured volumes of the complete works of numerous authors by the time I was 15. My summer job during college was at a rare books boutique, where the manager allowed me to take books home to read. My all-time favorite books are The Count of Monte Cristo, Jonathan Livingston Seagull, and The Moon and Sixpence.
In 1989, with a bachelor’s degree in Education, and a Masters’ in Performing Arts, I immigrated to the United States, where I worked as a cellist with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra and taught at Metropolitan School for the Arts for children and adults. My love for academic and self-development reading never left me, and over the years I collected various degrees and certificates in computer science, psychology, Feng Shui, holistic healing, and Real Estate.
Looking back, my thirst for education allowed me to combine together the pieces of what became my Extraordinary Life. After testing it on myself and living it, I created a coaching program, available at www.CallNonna.com. I love sharing my knowledge for the wellbeing of others with my clients throughout Western NY and around the country.
I had always wanted to write, but never got beyond the draft stage, until my 5-year-old granddaughter, already an avid reader, asked me to write a book for her. My first book, Magic in Mauve, wasn’t the one she wanted, but a story that had haunted me for many years, and had to be finished before I could fulfill her wish.
I live in Buffalo, NY. When I am not working or writing, I enjoy spending time with my son’s family of four, hiking in the park, playing cello, or reading on the beach under the palm tree with my husband of 30-plus years.