Growing up
Tina was that child who LOVED to write stories on paper (yes, on paper), draw pictures, hole punch them, tie with string and yarn, and read them to the younger kids in her neighborhood. The crinkling sound of the pages was her favorite sound in the world! She even made paper doll characters to act out the scenes. This was a huge door opener for her into babysitting and eventually teaching. As an author, she is thrilled to share her stories! Tina's mission is to inspire children to be the best person they can be and to nurture their love of reading.
Can you spot the author in this kindergarten photo?
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My kindergarten cubby!
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Professionally
Reading with a student in the Book Buddies Summer Program
Tina Shepardson has 32 years of experience as an educator. She is a graduate of and course assistant for the Children's Book Academy, a member of SCBWI, an Admin for the Debut Picture Book Study Group, a member of 12x12 Picture Book Writing Challenge, Storystorm, and KidLit College. In addition, Tina is a volunteer with The Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County, and a 2016 recipient of New York State's Teacher of Excellence Award.
When Not Writing
Hank and Madeleine, our two Akitas
Tina lives in Syracuse, New York with her husband, daughter, and two Akitas. When she isn’t teaching or writing, she can be found walking Hank and Madeleine, spending time at camp with her family, eating chocolate and enjoying the latest snowstorm.
Her Bears have become a chapter book!
When Tina met her husband in 1992, he had just acquired a stray Akita. She fell in love with this majestic and noble breed. Their current "bears", as they are often referred to, are Hank and Madeleine. The very first manuscript Tina wrote was about them! Last winter she wrote and wrote and guess what? They have become her new chapter book entitled CANINES UNLEASHED, releasing in 2021 with Clear Fork Publishing! Visit them on Instagram @hank_madeleine.
Tina's best ideas for teaching and writing come from from her early 5 am walks and late night walks. Kids will ask what they are going to do today or for our next project and she always tells them, "Hank and Madeleine said..." or "we are still figuring it out!"
Her Bears have become a chapter book!
When Tina met her husband in 1992, he had just acquired a stray Akita. She fell in love with this majestic and noble breed. Their current "bears", as they are often referred to, are Hank and Madeleine. The very first manuscript Tina wrote was about them! Last winter she wrote and wrote and guess what? They have become her new chapter book entitled CANINES UNLEASHED, releasing in 2021 with Clear Fork Publishing! Visit them on Instagram @hank_madeleine.
Tina's best ideas for teaching and writing come from from her early 5 am walks and late night walks. Kids will ask what they are going to do today or for our next project and she always tells them, "Hank and Madeleine said..." or "we are still figuring it out!"