About Me

izolda and rich at an angle date night — A recent date night with my husband

Born in Moldova in the former Soviet Union, I grew up steeped in the rich heritage of Eastern Europe. After my family immigrated to the USA, I graduated from the University of Michigan with an English degree.

I followed my love of travel and education and worked for the National Geographic Society’s Educational Media division. I then worked as an environmental educator for NASA. My work with NASA I traveled all over the world to conduct environmental education workshops. I met many incredible people who are working to teach kids about the Earth.

I released my first book, “Life Elements: Transform Your Life with Earth, Air, Fire, and Water,” in 2008.

My first book in the Fairy Godmother Diaries series, “The Fiddler’s Talisman,” was released in 2011. “The Piano’s Key,” book two in the series, was published in 2016. Die by the Sword, book one in the Cassie Belmont Tarot Reader Mystery series came out in 2022.

In 2011, I wrote, directed, and created the NASA movie, “Breathable: NASA Monitors Our Changing Air Quality.” The movie traces air quality research and innovations from the 1940s to the present day.

I released the first book in the Cassie Belmont Tarot Reader Mysteries, Die by the Sword in 2022. I’m currently writing “The Poisoned Cup and hope to have it out by the holiday season of 2025.

The Functional Tarot deck that accompanies the Tarot Reader Mystery series is available, and to make it super easy to read the cards, I wrote and released the Functional Tarot book.

I teach classes and facilitate workshops on writing, public speaking (for authors and others), and singing. I also host and produce the long running hit podcast, Your Creative Mind.

I practice and teach yoga, Tai Chi, and I have my first-degree black belt in aikido. In my free time, I still sometimes take photographs like these ones.

tree at sunset with no leaves — Tree at sunset

rainbow at El Yunke rainforest in Puerto Rico with clouds and foliage — El Yunque Rainforest, Puerto Rico (from our most recent trip)

My husband and I live in Brooklyn, NY with our cats, and an apartment full of books, musical instruments, and juggling clubs. And I travel whenever and wherever I can.

Izolda's reflection in a circular motorcycle mirror. She is wearing riding gear. — On my old motorcycle, Vixen

Izolda mid skydive with the waters around Key West below — On my old motorcycle, Vixen

Izolda with spiral she made in black sand beach on the south coast of Iceland. — I made the spiral you see in the image on a black sand beach on Iceland’s south coast.

From the 2016 trip: Iceland on the south coast, at the ocean on a black sand beach. I did my own spiral dance while the waves crashed all around us. Stunning land.

Last, I’m the current President of the Board of the Sisters in Crime New York crime writers chapter.