Laura Roach Dragon, a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist. She specializes in working with children and adolescents at River Oaks Hospital in New Orleans. Her extensive work in the field has included opportunities as the executive director of Safe Harbor, a center for victims of domestic violence; an outpatient therapist at Methodist Hospital; and the owner of a private practice. Although she was born in Missouri, Dragon has spent almost all of her life in the New Orleans area, and she has cultivated a deep passion for the Crescent City. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Dragon decided to stay in New Orleans instead of moving north, as her parents and sister had done. Her expertise in social work and research enabled her to help her struggling patients through the after-effects of the disaster. She interviewed hurricane victims from all over the city, collected personal stories, and worked with children who had been separated from their families. After a career as a restaurant manager and owner, Dragon returned to school to continue her education. She received her AA in substance abuse counseling and BA in psychology from Southern University and her MSW from Tulane University. Dragon enjoys writing, watching movies, and swimming at her home in Kenner, Louisiana.