Hi There, I’m Vickie – Thank you for visiting. Below are 18 random, fun facts – But first, here is some news to share!
My Memoir Raising Jess A Story of Hope just won two awards, the Gold Medal for Readers’ Favorite annual international book award contest and Finalist for American Book Fest and Finalist for Book Excellence Award! The Readers’ Favorite International Book Award and American Book Fest Contest featured thousands of contestants from over a dozen countries, ranging from new independent authors to NYT best-sellers and celebrities.
Memoir, Raising Jess A Story of Hope, available at all locations!
18 Facts in Random Order
I married my husband 42 years ago! Even though we were destined least likely to end up married. Guess we fooled them!
We have three children who are now way older than we were when we had them!
I am the Award-Winning Author of Raising Jess A Story of Hope; check out the Amazon Reviews!
Our oldest daughter, Jessica, has a rare chromosome deletion. Jessica is a frequent inspiration for my blogs.
SCHOOLING
I graduated from the University of Miami (1979) and received my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood. I received my Master’s in Exceptional Education (Special Education) in 2001.
It took ten years to receive my Master’s at Buffalo State College, and I was awarded the President’s Medal for Outstanding Student. But I never taught school (unless we are counting substitute teaching).
I love to ski and the cold weather!
We have three grandchildren, and I relish being called Nana.
AND THERE IS MORE
I was the Manager of the Early Childhood Direction Center (ECDC) for Oishei Children’s Hospital, Kaleida Health, and Project Director of the New York State Education Department ECDC program for 18 years. So, I did get to use that degree after all!
Our retirement inspired us to buy a camper. Little did we know, post Covid-19, that camping would become “a thing!” This experience has also fostered a lot of blogs and a new RV.
OUR FUR KIDS
We have two dogs – a Hungarian Vizsla named Gus and an Italian Greyhound named Daniel.
After my Mom nagged me for twenty years to write a book, I finally listened. My book, Raising Jess: A Story of Hope, was released July 2021.
The book covers our experience of raising Jessica and is a beautiful memoir of essays describing life with a child with special needs and providing information, optimism, and hope for families in similar circumstances.
COVID TWICE?????
YES, I have had COVID – TWICE!
I have not eaten meat in 38 years, and I am considered a pescatarian. After telling a waiter, “I’m vegetarian and will have the salmon.” He looked at me with disdain and informed me I was not a vegetarian and I was pescatarian because I ate fish. Oops!
Love a small bowl of chocolate ice cream every single night.
THANK YOU FOR READING
These are extraordinary times, and for me, writing, reading your comments, and hearing your stories is a constant reminder that we are not alone.
Thank you for reading!