Jody Kosack Althouse, originally from New York City, spent her childhood years in the northeast corner of NJ with the Hudson River to the east, and NY state to the north. As a junior in college, she transferred from St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill, NY, to Barry University, Miami, FL. She received her B.S. in Education, with a specialization in Reading, a M.S. in Learning Disabilities, and 35+ post-graduate hours in Educational Leadership, from Barry University.  Early in her career, she served as an elementary school teacher and then developer and director of an environmental education program. Before relocating to PA in 2007, she was a faculty member and assistant to the dean at Barry University's School of Education for 20 years. Her professional and personal passions include helping others through difficult times while finding joy in simple things. She lives in a rural Amish farming community with her husband, Stephen, a renowned artist.