After years of working in corporate America, Donna branched out and created her own business in faux finishing and interior decorating. One of Donna's dreams was to become a teacher, which came to fruition two decades ago. "Miss Donna," as she is lovingly referred to by her students, continues to teach piano to children of all ages. Her love of children, her child-at-heart attitude, and her ability to inspire were the catalysts for her becoming a writer. Reading always was an integral part of Donna's life as a child, and her favorite authors inspired her to use her own imagination. In 2009, Donna put that imagination to use and began to write children's poetry. Since that time, her Commander Josh series has won multiple accolades, including Purple Dragon fly awards, a Royal Dragon fly award, and honorable mentions from the NE Book Festival and Pacific Rim Festival. The series also received the prestigious "Story Monster Approved" seal from Five Star Publications, Inc. While sitting at the food court one day at the mall, Donna noticed a crumpled piece of paper being kicked around. Not one person was aware of this piece of paper, although many came in contact with it. "I bet it wishes it never dropped out of someone's pocket," she smiled to herself. At that moment, a stroller passed by with a child holding a green-and-blue ball. And that was when the idea for Escape into the Mall came into being. In addition to teaching, painting, decorating, and writing, Donna finds time to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, for school and town events, and the Friends of Beekley Library in New Hartford, CT.