Theresa is a Massachusetts-based writer, illustrator and international development specialist who has lived and worked on five continents. As a child, Theresa couldn’t decide whether to be an artist or a marine biologist, so she did both. Theresa originally combined her fascination with living things and her passion for drawing by working as a scientific illustrator. Later, while living abroad as a Peace Corps Volunteer, she overcame language barriers by making pictures in her pocket notebook. Her most fun and memorable conversations were with kids, and this made her want to create picture books for children. Theresa’s work is largely inspired by her Filipino-American heritage and by the people and places she’s encountered around the world. Theresa is an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.