Where and how long have you lived in Sydney’s east?
I grew up in beautiful Little Bay and moved to Coogee about two years ago.
What do you teach?
I teach English to primary students in Kindergarten through to Year 5.
Favourite Park:
Grant Reserve (must be Latin for Spider Park!) in Coogee.
Favourite Beach:
I’m biased! I love popping down to Coogee Beach for a quick swim after work. That said I’ll never grow tired of Little Bay Beach… the stairs on the way back up to the car however…
Favourite Coffee Spot:
I’m loving Bazura at the moment! The coffee’s good and they really look after you when you bring your own cup!
Favourite local day out activity:
A swim in one of the many ocean pools… particularly around February when the water’s starting to warm up.
Favourite local shop:
For clothes Cargo, on Coogee Bay Road, it never fails to deliver!
What are you working on at the moment?
I’ve just written my first children’s book. Hashtag Harry is the story of a sausage dog that becomes a social media sensation! As everyone rushes to hashtag the biggest (shortest) pup in town, Harry starts to sense that something is not quite right. It’s a cautionary tail for our digital natives.
What inspired you to write your book?
I wanted to write something fun that would also explore the pros and cons of life in a digital society. The rhyme and rhythm will appeal to younger readers while the themes will resonate with older kids entering the world of social media. As a teacher, I believe it is important for kids to take risks and make mistakes but the internet is not the place to take those risks. I believe that children need to be gently guided through the online world and that Hashtag Harry will help families have these kinds of conversations.
Signed copies of Hashtag Harry are available for advance purchase at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1996049094/hashtag-harry
