About the Author: M.A. Koontz
I've lived in the Midwest my entire life (Indiana and Illinois), and found it to be the perfect place to raise two, now adult children. My husband and I are fiercely proud of them, along with their spouses and our adorable granddaughters. Family is very important to me.
My education includes a bachelor's degree in social work from The University of St. Francis in Indiana, and a master's degree in social work from Aurora University in Illinois. While home with my young children, I took a course on Writing for Children and Teenagers. Following this, I wrote children's short stories for a newspaper in the Chicago suburbs.
As my children entered school, I too returned to the schools where I enjoyed working as an inclusion aide, a classroom aide, and a computer aide before pursuing a master's degree and working as a school social worker in Illinois. But life happens, and eventually my husband and I moved back to Indiana where I taught classes in the social work department at The University of St. Francis.
However, my love for writing and art was once again tugging at me. I delved into writing stories for Country magazine and Country Extra, while simultaneously learning watercolor painting.
It was during one of those frigid Hoosier winters, that I began my journey to write a book. (Read more about this journey in my blog.) There is an abundance to explore in this field where words can create a journey that takes us to times, places, and people that become a part of us all. I find it to be both exciting and daunting, but then, I always did love a challenge.
I would love to hear from you, so please feel free to contact me. There is a link to my contact page below.
Mary Ann
P.S. If you would like to read some of my short stories, go to www.koontz1ma.journoportfolio.com
My education includes a bachelor's degree in social work from The University of St. Francis in Indiana, and a master's degree in social work from Aurora University in Illinois. While home with my young children, I took a course on Writing for Children and Teenagers. Following this, I wrote children's short stories for a newspaper in the Chicago suburbs.
As my children entered school, I too returned to the schools where I enjoyed working as an inclusion aide, a classroom aide, and a computer aide before pursuing a master's degree and working as a school social worker in Illinois. But life happens, and eventually my husband and I moved back to Indiana where I taught classes in the social work department at The University of St. Francis.
However, my love for writing and art was once again tugging at me. I delved into writing stories for Country magazine and Country Extra, while simultaneously learning watercolor painting.
It was during one of those frigid Hoosier winters, that I began my journey to write a book. (Read more about this journey in my blog.) There is an abundance to explore in this field where words can create a journey that takes us to times, places, and people that become a part of us all. I find it to be both exciting and daunting, but then, I always did love a challenge.
I would love to hear from you, so please feel free to contact me. There is a link to my contact page below.
Mary Ann
P.S. If you would like to read some of my short stories, go to www.koontz1ma.journoportfolio.com