Although Ann was raised in East Tennessee, she was not a part of the storytelling revival. 

She entered the storytelling world through a side door:  teaching and coaching public speaking for 35 years. 

Ann would tell students to “find a story because when you do, others will be ready to listen.”

Seven years ago, while preparing to present a paper at a national speech conference, Ann discovered “storytelling.”

The next step led to East Tennessee State University, another Master’s degree, and a new career!

Today, from children to seniors, Ann’s workshops and programs find the audience listening, laughing, and clapping.

“Everybody has a laughing place, a crying place and a quiet place.

My task is to guide them to that safe place of imagination.”