Aileen grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. She’s been an avid writer and reader since her childhood. She loves books! Any trip to a new place has to include a stop at check out the local library! Despite her love of libraries Aileen owns far too many books but she will readily tell you, “If it’s books, it’s not hoarding.”

Aileen is a founding member of the Writing Barn’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, to help create a more perfect and inclusive writing industry. She shares her passion for this work by presenting and moderating Creative Connection Panels on publishing topics through the Writing Barn. Aileen also co-hosts a monthly discussion on writing craft topics for WCYA students and alumnx called Craft Connections, because she like hanging out with other nerdy people who love talking about books. Additionally Aileen is an acquisitions reader for a literary agent. She’s also part of the submissions crew of The Quiet Ones Literary Magazine.  

Aileen and her wife live in Washington, DC with their son and their spoiled adopted Pittie named Wink, who arrived as a foster and never left. When Aileen is not working, writing, or cheering on fellow writers, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies and theater, and playing with her collectibles. In the summertime, you can find them all hiking in the Green Mountains of Vermont to work off eating too much Jasper Hill cheese.

Aileen was selected as a 2023 Literary YA Fellow in the Lambda Literary Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ Voices. 

Her published young adult short story “Multiply By One,” is available online.

Aileen earned an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA).

Aileen believes in the power of laughter. And that her superpower is her smile.