Vanitha Swaminathan was born and raised in India, where she learned mindfulness practices from her parents. She visits India twice yearly to assist her mother with her yoga practices. She has a master’s degree in education from the University of Sheffield, UK, and has taught on two different continents for over forty years. She recently retired from Pasadena City College and now resides in California with her husband, children, and grandchildren. ••••••••••••••••• E. Katherine Kottaras is the author of two critically acclaimed YA novels. She is an associate professor of English at Pasadena City College and a certified yoga teacher, personal trainer, and health coach. She has a master’s degree in English and kinesiology. She lives with her family in Southern California. Visit her at www.katherinekotteras.com and follow her @KatherineKotteras