Shannon McCloskey Allain is a writer of fiction, non-fiction and grants for non-profits, and a distance swimmer, Red Cross Certified Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor. Her published work has appeared in local and national publications including Open Letters Monthly and The Philadelphia Inquirer. She is a graduate of The Catholic University of America with a degree in English Literature and of Suffolk University with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. She lives in Central New Jersey with her husband, three boys, and two dogs and can be reached at allainfamily@comcast.net.