Kathleen lives in Southeast Pennsylvania with her dog, Pete. She is an educator and a registered dietitian, and has taught students of all ages. Kathleen was a member of the Sisters of I.H.M. for 29 years. Her writing genre of women's fiction is meant to be uplifting, with a focus on women of all ages who are strong, generous, compassionate, and capable. Poustinia: A Novel centers on the Sisters at an imaginary monastery in order to demystify the beauty of a life of dedication and ministry. The Poustinia series includes Joyful Encounters and Bountiful Legacies. Kathleen's characters and settings are drawn from memories of people she has met, and places she has experienced. The poustinia theme was selected because of a week's private retreat at a cabin similar to the one she describes in Poustinia: A Novel. The monastery is reminiscent of her days as an I.H.M. Sister, teaching at St. Aloysius Academy. The Sisters lived in the Drexel Mansion, built by George W. Childs 1891, and bequeathed to George W.C. Drexel. And yes, there was a vintage bowling alley in the basement.