I was born in Connecticut to Ukrainian immigrants. I didn't speak English when I went to kindergarten. I've earned a living washing dishes, teaching English in Japan, and managing international investments. I donated 25% of my royalties from the third book in the Nadia Tesla series, THE BOY WHO GLOWED IN THE DARK, through December, 2014, to Chernobyl Children International. I also donated 10% of my royalties from the first two books in the series, THE BOY FROM REACTOR 4 and THE BOY WHO STOLE FROM THE DEAD. CCI funds surgical missions to Ukraine to help victims of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster. The people of Ukraine helped inspire this series, and this is an opportunity for me to show my appreciation.