I began writing at an early age. While in elementary school, I was the recipient of two Young Author Awards (1994, 1997). In high school, I became the only freshman member of the yearbook staff where I took my own photographs and wrote stories about the happenings at Freeburg High.
I went on to receive my Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications – Journalism from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. While there, I earned the Outstanding Student in Journalism Award in 2006. I am the former Editor of The Fairview Heights Tribune as well as the Clinton County News in Mascoutah, Illinois.
I have written numerous articles and feature stories that have been included in the above-mentioned papers as well as The Freeburg Tribune and the Mass Communicator magazine for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
In 2015, I created my own publishing company called Theuerkauf’s Tails, LLC. I am also an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), 12x12 Picture Book Challenge, Independent Book Publisher’s Association (IBPA), the Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA), and the Women’s National Book Association (WNBA). I also contribute to and edit articles for the Pets for Patriots Wet Nose blog as well as DOGTV’s Everything Dogs Blog. Additionally, I am a member of the Animal Rescue Professionals Association and am a Certified Rescue Animal Transporter.
I currently volunteer at the APA of Missouri with my three-legged dog, Penny. I assist in teaching the humane education class to birthday parties as well as Boy and Girl Scout groups. I greatly enjoy educating youth about the importance of humane treatment of all animals. I also love to interact with the groups to make the learning experience fun and memorable.
In 2016, I published a children’s book about Penny and her adoption journey entitled Priceless Penny. Penny and I visit area schools where we give presentations on the importance of adopting differently-abled animals. I also speak at community events as well as at local club and organizational meetings.
Additionally, I have attended numerous writing conferences and events that include: Picture Book Summit, WriteOnCon, BlogPaws Conference, and the SCBWI-Illinois Chapter Spring Thaw Pitch Perfect 2 event.
