Paula Cunningham

I was born and raised in Louisiana, where I earned my degrees in Criminal Justice and Elementary Education at the University of Southwestern Louisiana. Although I did an internship as a juvenile probation officer, I decided to pursue education and I've been teaching school for twenty-three years. I am somehow always lucky enough to get the very best students each year; they keep my job interesting and add a whole lot of spice to my life!

I have three amazing children who continuously inspire me to be a better person. They are all in school and preparing for their futures. My husband is from Texas, but we convinced him to cross over the river and become a Cajun...however his strong accent gives him away every time.

Although I seriously disliked writing in high school, I found a new love for it during an American Literature class in college. The professor did an amazing job of not only teaching the material, but also encouraging me to write. That's when I realized I could easily communicate with others through the written word; it's sometimes easier for me to express myself in writing. Writing also allows me to discover more about myself, which is always a good thing.

Although Dragonflies began as a personal journal with no intent of anyone ever reading it, I eventually realized that my story had the ability to help others reach freedom. I clearly remember how bad things got, but I also know exactly what it took for me to find freedom. I would love to offer that hope to others...it's absolutely possible!