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, long walks, music and dancing, reading, writing, laughing and being silly, sitting on the beach, watching movies, learning new things, meeting new people, traveling when I can, 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.