Kelli believes you should always say yes when asked if you want to learn something new. This willingness to learn new things has led to a resume that includes working at a dance studio, an interior design firm, the University of Redlands (Och Tamale!), a temp agency (but not as a temp), a men’s clothing store, Disneyland, a scrapbook store, the Institute for Writers, the Writing for Children Podcast, and Picture Book Summit, the original online conference for picture book creators. It was her work with Katie Davis on the Brain Burps About Books Podcast that brought her into Julie Hedlund’s orbit. So, when Julie asked if she would like to help run a membership group for picture book writers, the only answer was yes. While she’s the go-to expert for all things 12 x 12, her favorite role in the group is cheering on our creators and celebrating their successes—big and small.
Originally from Southern California, the beach is her favorite place to be. Currently living in Oklahoma, Kelli likes to tell stories in her scrapbooks, walk her dogs, play board games with her family, listen to pop culture podcasts, look for the humor in life, read books, and watch movies—followed by looking up behind-the-scenes details for said books and movies, which makes her a great addition to any trivia team.
