Out and About with Nikki
Photo Credit: Toni Green-Davenport/Upward Vizion
Photo Credit: Toni Green-Davenport/Upward Vizion
About Nikki
Little Nikki
I was born in Oakland, California on March 13, 1971. My parents named me Nicole Rochelle Shannon, but not many people called me that. Most people just call me Nikki. I was a pretty happy kid most of the time. My childhood was uneventful. We didn't move, I only changed schools if I graduated, and I had a younger sister and various dogs. Boring, huh?
Growing Up
I have always loved to read and write. One of the first books I remember reading by myself was Never Tease a Weasel, by Jean Conder Soule. It was reprinted in 2011, so now you can read it, too. The first story I remember writing was called Lizard Guts. Yeah... I didn't get a good grade on that one. In junior high and high school I wrote a lot of poetry. At least half of it was written in pink or purple ink.
Nikki Now
I still live in California, but not in Oakland. I do visit the Bay Area a lot, though. I really miss it. I'll always be an Oakland girl at heart. In fact, the photo to the left is me at my old elementary school, Redwood Heights! (Photo credit: Toni Green-Davenport/Upward Vizion)
I've been an educator for over 30 years. I've taught every grade, kindergarten through sixth, and was a principal for three years. Now I'm a full-time author, who also educates. I'll never stray too far from school!
I'm married (that's where "Smith" comes in), and I have two kids: a boy and a girl who argue more than I did with my sister. I didn't think that was even possible.
(Update: They're grown-ups now and argue much less.)
Even though I love animals, I don't have any pets right now... unless you count my daughter's horse. Yeah, let's count him; he's pretty awesome.
Some of my favorite things: Disneyland, being out in nature, long walks, hiking, music and dancing, reading, writing, laughing and being silly, sitting on the beach, watching movies, learning new things, meeting new people, traveling, and having FUN! Even though it's bad writing, I'd like to repeat that Disneyland is one of my favorite places. I really love Disneyland.
EXTRA FACTS FOR THE EXTRA CURIOUS:
I have a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, a Reading Specialist Credential, an Administrative Services Credential,
and a Master of Arts Degree in Curriculum and Instruction: Language and Literacy. My writing is influenced by my research, my background in education, my curiosity and imagination...
and a love of words.