Thank you for visiting my site! I was born, raised and educated in Ohio. In August 2019, my husband and I became full-time residents of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, a suburb of Charleston. We live just a few miles from our younger daughter, Jess; her husband, Ben, and (the main attraction), our preschool granddaughter, Joanna. I am the author of nearly two dozen picture books, early readers and chapter books.
I have also worked as a high school and middle school English teacher, an adjunct professor of journalism at Ohio State, a marketing director, editor of a company magazine, a member of creative teams at an ad agency and a hospital, a contributing editor to a computer magazine, and – finally! – as a freelance writer of hundreds of elementary textbooks, magazine articles, speeches, annual reports, and patient education materials.
Besides being a “Jill” of many trades – or more precisely – one trade (writing) with many incarnations, I am also the wife of Mark, the mother of two grown daughters, Jess and Paige, and “Mimi” to Sara and Tyler, Paige’s children, and to JoJo, Jess’s daughter.
Relative to the rest of the world, my family and I have led privileged lives. We have never gone without food, clothing, housing or education. That’s why, for many years, I have sponsored children through World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children of all faiths in more than 100 developing countries. I keep their photos posted to remind me of my blessings and my responsibilities. I am also a long-time supporter of Feed My Starving Children, a non-profit organization based in Minnesota that coordinates the packaging and distribution of food to hungry children around the world.
Like most writers, I am also a voracious reader. I especially enjoy historical fiction and biographies. I have practiced yoga for 30 years with more enthusiasm than skill. I enjoy doing vinyasas and can hold a steady downward-facing dog, but will never attempt a head stand. I also enjoy gardening, biking, brisk walking, and traveling around the U.S. and overseas.
Founded in 1987, Feed My Starving Children strives to eliminate malnutrition and starvation in children throughout the world by helping to instill compassion in a generation that hears and responds to the cries of those in need until all are fed. FMSC seeks to exemplify the Christian principles of love, compassion, humility, servant-leadership and accountability.
Celestine Jepchumba lives in Kenya.