I was born in Tucson, Arizona and grew up in Northern California. I have a B.A. in Genetics from the University at California at Berkeley, a Ph.D. in Biology from New York University, and an M.D. from Case Western Reserve University My husband and I have a daughter, a son-in-law, and two grandchildren.

For 31 years, I was a pediatrician in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston. I perform well-child care, treat a variety of acute and chronic illnesses, and empower mothers and fathers to be confident parents. Among my most rewarding experiences as a physician were my travels to China on behalf of Wide Horizons For Children, an international adoption agency; and service on the Board of Directors of From Roots to Wings, a community-based organization for grandparents and the grandchildren they are raising.

I enjoy travelling; gardening; writing; reading; going to the movies; attending art exhibits, dance concerts and live theater; and working out at the gym.

After 25 years of researching and writing, I have just completed The Other Madisons: An American Griotte’s Quest. It is both a personal family history and homage to millions of silenced, invisible African Americans.

My commentary, “Our Family Tree Searches for Branches” appeared in the Op Ed section of the Boston Herald. “Destination Jim Crow,” a personal essay published in the fall 2013 issue of River Teeth, was nominated for the 2015 Pushcart Prize.

I have written a series of children’s picture books about a joyful relationship between a grandfather, Grampy, and his granddaughter, BeBe.

Zora's Girls