Nicole grew up in Durango and got her degree in Elementary Education from Fort Lewis College. She has spent the last six years teaching 5th and 2nd grades at Sunnyside Elementary School. Nicole and her husband are Durango High School sweethearts and they have two teenage boys. When Nicole isn't reading you can probably find her hiking, paddle boarding, or training for a Spartan Race! She is an avid fiction fan, but is trying to branch out and explore other genres. She also believes that everything can be taught through a picture book, even if you're in high school!