Jaclyn first imagined the character of Angelo the Tangelo as a young girl, while sitting around the kitchen table with her family enjoying fruit after dinner. In her Italian household, it was a long-standing tradition to have a fruit course, a custom passed down from her father, Angelo, who was born in Sicily. This simple and cherished family ritual sparked Jaclyn's creativity, and all these years later, Angelo the Tangelo has finally come to life in her debut children's book.

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For Jaclyn, bringing Angelo the Tangelo to readers is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. She has always had a passion for working with children, which is reflected in her career as a pediatric occupational therapist. Jaclyn specializes in helping children with Autism, a role that allows her to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young learners. In addition to her therapy work, she is also an adjunct professor at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut.

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When Jaclyn isn't busy working with children or teaching, she enjoys spending her free time immersed in some of her favorite activities. She loves getting lost in a good book, watching movies, and staying active by playing tennis and pickleball.

 

Now, with Angelo the Tangelo Celebrates His Family Tree, Jaclyn is excited to share her story with children and families, spreading a message of love, family, and the beauty of celebrating what makes us unique.