Kathleen Welton is an advocate for beaches, birds, and wildlife, an award-winning independent publisher, and a writer of picture books and screenplays.

She began her book publishing career as a college textbook sales rep. Since then, she has served as senior editor for Dow Jones-Irwin, publisher for Dearborn Trade, vice president and publisher for IDG Books, director for H&R Block, and director of book publishing for the American Bar Association.

After growing up in Southern California, Kathleen graduated from Stanford University with a BA in both English and Italian. She earned a Feature Film Writing Certificate with distinction from UCLA Extension and is currently enrolled in television writing classes.

Having served as a book publishing professional for many years, Kathleen is excited to begin the next chapter of her career and bring her literacy dreams to life. She is especially grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with amazing editors and illustrators on the publication and debut of her first picture books.

Kathleen is a member of PEN America, the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and Women in Animation.

When she is not writing, Kathleen enjoys meditating, reading, and exploring the Lake Michigan shoreline. She lives in Chicago with a menagerie of Burmese cats.