Chelle

Originally from Philly and now living in Virginia. I am a mother, daughter, sister, aunt, great-aunt, and cat owner who works at being a friend to all.

I was born and raised about 32 minutes from Philadelphia, 16 minutes from Trenton, and about an hour and a half from New York City. So, there was always something to do or some place to go. I especially loved spending summers down the shore at Brigantine Beach, New Jersey.

I was my parents’ oldest child, but I was not my father’s only daughter. However, I was the only one of his four children who loved him in spite of his flaws. I was also the only one of his kids to follow his passion for writing. My father was a newspaper journalist, editor, and photographer. He and I always got a kick out of the fact that his first name and his initials were the same as his favorite poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

I begin my education at a Montessori School, but don’t remember a thing about it. But, I do think critically, work collaboratively, and act boldly. So, I know my time there worked. I mean, I am an authentic Brooklyn/Philly/Jersey girl, so those skills go along with the territory. The remainder of my grade school years were spent in a public school district. We lived in a working class neighborhood, but my alma mater is ranked as one of the best high schools in the nation (according to U.S. News and World Report’s National Rankings).

After graduating from high school, I attended college for three years, majoring in English Literature and minoring in psychology. I had planned to be a teacher or a counselor but became a call center representative instead. But, it’s all good, because I was able to incorporate all of those skills into the work that I’ve done. Basically, as a call center representative, I’ve been able to act, counsel, and teach every day. Aside from writing, when I am not working, I enjoy doing a lot of things, regardless of whether they are indoor or outdoor activities. I also enjoy researching family history. In fact, I am at least a fifth generation genealogist. I have been researching genealogy since 1978, but I have not yet taken the certification to become a professional. And, I have also not done the DNA test, but that is forthcoming because my dad (who is deceased) was adopted.