Bio

In 2007, everything changed.

After nearly a decade of producing breaking news, Dutton published my memoir, The Devil, The Lovers & Me: My Life in Tarot, in hardcover, which launched a new career as a writing teacher. At age 35, fearing I might not have children of my own, I welcomed the chance at being more maternal in the world. I was over myself, and wanted to help others tell their stories.

Through various continuing education programs—Mediabistro, Gotham Writers' Workshop, UCLA Extension Writers' Program, The Open Center, and New York Writers Workshop—I helped adults shift their narrative from victim to active protagonist. This work quickly developed into a thriving private practice, where I help clients develop book proposals and manuscripts that have landed them top agents and sold to prominent publishers.

Simultaneously, I ran a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) group called “Sister Circle” for Bank Street College of Education’s Liberty LEADS program, designed to empower underrepresented youth by helping them attain higher education and embrace leadership in their communities. Teaching girls to advocate for themselves and better their relationships with their families, teachers and peers proved to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

In 2013, I became a mother, and was thrilled beyond belief.

Needing an emotional break from the often heavy subjects of memoir writing, I began to help teenagers navigate the college application process. Using my humor, kindness and empathy, I am able to get the best out of the kids I work with, and have helped a diverse range of students get into top schools such as Duke, MIT, Harvard, The University of Michigan, Princeton, Georgetown and The University of Pennsylvania. I also work with younger kids, helping them to hone their writing and executive functioning skills.

I am the Founder CEO of BUILD UP BOYS, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and publishing evidence-based programs specifically for boys and their caregivers to combat gender pressure and redefine traditional masculinity norms.

I live in Montclair, NJ, two blocks away from my mom. I have two amazingly energetic and emotionally-in-tune sons who keep me young and like my silver hair!