Barbara has been an elementary school teacher, a Special Education teacher, and an E.S.L. (English as a second language) teacher for adult students. In 2007, she obtained a Masters of Education degree in Teaching E.S.L. from Charles Sturt University, Australia. Because of this background, her novels often reflect a concern for the plight of new immigrants to Canada as they struggle with a new language and adapting to a new society and homeland. Before writing her first novel, Barbara also submitted freelance articles to her local city newspaper and was a member of the community editorial board for two years. Barbara lives in Hamilton, Canada with her husband, three adult children and three cats. She greatly enjoys plotting the demise of her characters and tramping around the environs of the Hamilton area to add detail and authenticity to her chosen settings for murder. She insists her educational background was NOT the inspiration for her fascination with murder and mayhem.