From the age of 11 (in 1962), I grew up mostly in north Texas. I’ve been interested in nature and herpetology for all those years, writing, giving talks, and serving as a past-president of and editor for the DFW Herpetological Society. I've written or co-authored two books on reptiles and amphibians, and a third book on mindfulness in Texas nature, is forthcoming from Texas A&M University Press. Additionally, I have been licensed in Texas as a Psychological Associate since 1985 and have worked largely with children and families. My background and training are in the areas of applied behavior analysis and infant mental health, and I completed 39 graduate hours in professional counseling. I have worked in private practice settings and programs providing behavioral and infant mental health services. I also worked in a pediatric hospital, administering neuropsychological tests, prior to the pandemic.