A public school teacher and soon-to-be picture book author living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
President Barack Obama recognizing me as a 2014 National Teacher of the Year Finalist at the White House.
First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden honoring me as the 2013 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year in Washington, D.C.
In 2015, I gave Oprah Winfrey a picture book written by my 2nd grade students during her visit to Australia.
What does the "M" in your name stand for? "Mowrey" (My middle name is my mom's maiden name.)
What picture books did you love as a kid? Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes, "Each Peach Pear Plum" by Allan and Janet Ahlberg & "No Jumping on the Bed" by Ted Armstrong.
What chapter books did you like? The "Ralph S. Mouse" books by Beverly Cleary, "Wayside School" by Louis Sachar, "Goosebumps" books by R.L. Stine & Shel Silverstein's poetry books.
What are some of your all-time favorite books now? "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom, "The Hunger Games" series by Suzanne Collins & Billy Collins' poetry books.
What movies did you love as a kid? Wizard of Oz, Cinderella, Aladdin, Heavyweights, Troop Beverly Hills, Clueless & Mrs. Doubtfire.
What cartoons did you watch? Inspector Gadget, Scooby Doo, Rugrats, Hey Arnold & Doug.
What TV shows did you watch? Saved by the Bell, Power Rangers, The Nanny & numerous Nickelodeon shows like Legends of Hidden Temple. I also liked classics like I Love Lucy & Bewitched.
What music did you like? New Kids on the Block, Reba McEntire, The Spice Girls, Cher, TLC, country music & numerous Disney soundtracks.
What video games did you play? Sonic the Hedgehog, Clue & Power Rangers on my Sega Genesis.
What computer games did you play? Oregon Trail, Barbie Fashion Designer & Sim City.
Who were your favorite superheroes? Batman, Captain Planet & the Ninja Turtles.
Who were your favorite villains? Poison Ivy, Catwoman & Carmen Sandiego.
What sports did you play as a kid? Baseball & Soccer.
What do you enjoy doing now? Jogging, going to concerts, traveling, bike riding, watching TV, & spending time with my family.
What are your favorite foods? Guacamole, Sushi, Ice Cream & Sweet Potato French Fries.
What countries have you visited? Australia, Thailand, Canada, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Ireland, Jamaica & Mexico.
What subjects have you taught? I've taught 2nd grade, 8th grade computer science, along with high school English and multimedia/video production.
Who are your role models? My parents, my sister, grandparents, Rupaul, Fred Rogers, Aaron Blabey, Lin Manuel Miranda & teachers like Miss Worokey, Mrs. Cavalline, Dr. Mulvaney & many others!
