Kathleen McDonald Sergeant, Co-Founder and President

"What do you do?" is a question I hear often and my immediate response is "I'm a mom"; for mothering my son, Charlie, wins right now as my most demanding and fulfilling role. However, I am many other things as well: Wife to my husband, Stuart, devoted daughter, youngest sister to my three beloved siblings. I am also a lawyer, avid reader, golfer, jogger, homemaker, nature lover, philanthropist and, now, a creator of children's books.

Throughout my life and in my childhood, books played a significant role. I have learned many lessons from them, set and reached goals because of them, have been consoled and inspired by them and am constantly entertained by them. I understand the importance of reading and, through BeachWalk Books, hope to help children discover the many treasures found within the pages of books.

Ann-Eve McDonald, Co-Founder and Author

I directed all my writing efforts towards writing for children when I realized that I had a unique and wonderful childhood. I was born on a farm in Pennsylvania, and was the youngest of five children. I attended a one-room country school with twelve other students. Our school was scheduled to be consolidated but building materials and money were needed for World War II.

My brother and I collected scrap metal and newspapers for the War Effort. My ten cents a week allowance went for Savings Stamps.

Although I had brothers and sisters, my childhood was unusually isolated. I wandered the woods with my dog or one of the baby goats. I would bring a book with me and spend hours reading, perched on my favorite flat rock by Kring's Creek. I sledded down hills in the moonlight. I had magical friends who only I could see and you'll meet some of them in my books.

I graduated from Northwestern University, married young and had children. I was a stay at home mom, which gave me time to be involved in the community. I was a Girl Scout leader for twelve years, and was active in the Parent Club etc. I started practicing yoga and taught it for fifteen years.

My children grew up, married and I now have nine grandchildren. I've written on and off for years but in the last two years have committed myself to writing everyday. I'm concentrating on children's stories, which I hope will delight and entrance you and your children.

Dr. Carol McDonald Connor, Research Consultant, Co-Founder and Research Consultant

Throughout her career, Dr. Carol McDonald Connor has helped children with language and reading problems. With a clinical degree in Speech-Language Pathology and a Ph.D. in Education from University of Michigan, Carol's research has focused on understanding the complex links between children's oral language and literacy development. Most recently her research has focused on the importance of supporting children's language and reading development during the preschool and early elementary school years and the multiple factors - including family, school and community - that can help or hinder children as they learn to read. In addition to her research and teaching responsibilities at Florida State University and the Florida Center for Reading Research, Carol has co-authored Improving Literacy in America: Guidelines from Research with Fred Morrison and Heather Bachman, which will be published by Yale University Press in Spring 2005.

Carol is devoted to and very proud of her family - her husband, Jay, and her three children, Jessica, Kerianne, and Patrick. She feels fortunate that her family had resources, which allowed her to stay at home when her children were young. Because of this, Carol is committed to making families an important part of BeachWalk Books.