BIO
Tom was born and raised in Southern New Jersey and has a deep sense of community – when our families, neighbors, farmers, local businesses, and organizations all work in concert to support one another, it strengthens us individually and collectively. Tom relishes opportunities to connect with his local community.
Tom is a best-selling and award-winning children’s book author who has been featured by media outlets, such as CBS-Philly, South Jersey Magazine, and Gay Parent Magazine. Tom is a frequently invited guest on national podcasts, including the two-time People’s Choice Podcast Award winner, The Queer Family Podcast. Tom is also a children’s book reviewer for the Dear Author Book Review program sponsored by Speak Up Talk Radio.
Tom and his husband are fathers to two transracially adopted daughters. With that in mind, Tom is committed to advancing stories that are inclusive of diverse families – families that have been historically under-represented in children’s books. Tom’s work helps to fill this representation gap.
Professionally, Tom is a NJ Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has worked with at-risk youth and individuals living with mental illness for most of his career. Through that work, he has truly come to appreciate the value of sharing one’s lived experience with others through story-telling.
Available Books:Scoochie & Skiddles in Fun at Gramma’s
Scoochie & Skiddles in Practice Makes Progress
Scoochie’s Adoption Story
Some Families, All Families
Jazmyne’s Big Emotions
Wonderfully You: An Ode to Adoption
Managing Emotions – A Kids Feelings & Coping Skills Workbook
The Catalog of Diverse Kids Books