A Legacy of Love & Storytelling
Though my career began in accounts, my heart has always belonged to storytelling. Alongside my late husband in Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs, we raised our two sons, Jason and Leigh. However, our lives were changed forever when my husband passed away suddenly in 2008, followed by the heartbreaking loss of our son Leigh in 2016.
Leigh, born in 1982 with severe spina bifida, was the light of our lives. His unexpected passing left a profound void, but it also sparked a mission to fulfil his lifelong wish: to share his experiences with the world.
I began by writing his biography in 2018, "Leigh, My Amazing Son," to honour his courage and shed light on the unique struggles of the disability community. From there, I turned my heart toward the younger readers. I remember the frustration of searching for children’s books featuring wheelchair users when my boys were young, only to be directed to the medical section.
To change that narrative, I created "Leigh’s Wheelie Adventures" series, which was independently published in 2020.
This whimsical series, loosely based on Leigh’s own childhood, follows a vibrant protagonist in a wheelchair and his spirited friends, Cosmo and Tara. The series has been brought to life with exquisite illustrations by notable artists, Carolyn Keys and Claudia Gadotti.
These stories are more than just adventures; they are a tribute to the strength and determination of children with disabilities everywhere.
Today, I continue this journey through writing and sensory-focused art, ensuring every child feels seen, celebrated, and inspired to explore their world.
My journey with Leigh taught me that advocacy lives in the spaces we create for our children. I have extended this mission into my Nursery Art, applying research-backed colour science to ensure that every child, especially those with unique sensory needs, has a sanctuary that feels safe, grounded, and conducive to growth.