Meet our Story Time teacher! Maria Ashworth is a former elementary educator. Her career as an author led her to become an independent storytime host, inspiring the love of reading in everyone who attends her sessions. She is an award-winning author of more than eighteen acclaimed picture books, with many more on the horizon. Her work has been featured in Story Monsters Ink Magazine and interviewed by Andrea Watkins on Fox News, in the Houston Chronicle, and on an NPR-affiliated podcast. Since 2016, Maria has led an independent storytime program in communities and public forums, sparking a lifelong love of reading in children from infancy through their early years. Her dynamic, hour-long sessions blend songs, storytelling, and crafts--transforming reading into an engaging, joy-filled experience for young audiences. When she's not writing, publishing, hosting storytime, visiting schools, or volunteering, Maria cherishes time with her two grown children and delights in being Nana to her grandchildren. You can join us for Story Time the first Thursday of each month at 10am Discover more about Maria at http://www.mariaashworth.com , Youtube @MariaAshworth, Facebook: author.ashworth, Amazon: Maria Ashworth Books.