Thomas Sandusky—Author

I grew up in the Appalachian Plateau of Western Pennsylvania. My home was on the side of a mountain and the woods were outside my back door. I loved going up the mountain to swing on grape vines, build tree forts with my friends, and explore the various paths.
Ever since I can remember, I was at peace with the trees and creatures of the Appalachian Mountains.

In college, I studied biology and for twenty-five years taught the life sciences at the high-school level. I followed my love for the forest. I developed a course on tropical ecology because I was concerned about the destruction of rainforests around the world. My tropical ecology courses were packed because kids were eager to learn about the creatures and importance of tropical forests.

Continue Reading…
You may contact Tom at: thomas@storiesfromtherainforest.com

Kathy Hill–Author

Born in Flatbush, Brooklyn, N. Y. Later got married to a sailor named Ty. We had five sons and I am a bit wacky. That’s me, the poet, a gal named Kathy. I started to write because I like to rhyme; so stop and read and spend some time. Learn about the creatures in the rainforest trees. Get refreshed under Our Canopy!

When I was young, I loved acting and words but most of all I liked to sing.  As my five sons were growing up, I would make up silly songs.  I sang to them when they were babies, toddlers, and teens.  They knew my voice and did not complain.  Sometimes, I would steal the melody from a top 10 song and make up my own words.

Later in life, I made up little sayings and poems for cards and sent them to my  friends and grandchildren.  In church, I wrote poems to go with the sermons.  My pastor invited me to visit prisoners with him and rap my poems.  Okay, I had captive audience, but they still asked me to come back.

Continue Reading…
You may contact Kathy at: kathy@storiesfromtherainforest.com

Gretchen Johnson—Illustrator

I  live in Pittsburgh, PA with my husband, Jim. We have five children and five grandchildren. I’ve worked as a free lance artist for over 25 years in the northeastern United States and Toronto, Canada.

You may contact Gretchen at: gretchen@storiesfromtherainforest.com

Jeanne Sandusky—President

Like Tom, I was born and raised in western PA.  Tom and I have been married for 43 years.  We met on a blind date when we were both students at West Virginia University.  We then went onto graduate school at Penn State.  We have a daughter, Carol, a son, Brad, who is married to Chrysti, and one simply amazing granddaughter, Keira.

For over 35 years I was a Speech Language Pathologist and Hearing Therapist in PA and FL.  When I retired from working in the public school, I envisoned a life a leisure.  Tom had other plans.

I am the web master and business manager for Stories from the Rainforest.  I love my new responsibilities and life.  I have an extensive background working with children of all ages and this background works well with Tom’s science expertise.  We work together to make the stories appealing to all.

I have found this new stage of my life immensely rewarding.  I hope you find as much enjoyment with the Stories from the Rainforest as we have had in creating them.

You may contact Jeanne at: jeanne@storiesfromtherainforest.com

Pam Reitmeier—Web Designer

Born and raised in Attleboro, MA… I will always consider New England my home…loving the history and the seasons, FALL especially! I currently live in FL after spending 18 years living the surf life in SoCAL.

Since I can remember, I have been creative. I am an artist, designer both print and web. Studying advanced fine arts courses in High School earned me a full Chancellor’s Scholarship to the University of Massachusetts. In 1987, I received a BFA in Printmaking and Graphic Design.

Two decades ago, I began my professional career in trade publishing as a Production Manager and throughout the years became a Creative Director, Account Executive and Graphic Designer always maintaining positions within a creative environment.

As an artist, I continue printmaking and drawing. I create woodcut and lino prints primarily for friends, enjoyment and escape from my Imac.

Please feel free to visit my artwork photostream on: Flickr to see my fine artwork or my portfolio/business PQR Designs+ website at: PQR Designs+ to see my graphic designs.

I love all things creative, and had a great time working with Tom and Jeanne producing the graphics for Stories from the Rainforest’s online home. I hope you have an equally fun experience navigating through the site and learning all about the rainforests with Gracie and her friend’s.