I live near Cleveland, Ohio. As a child growing up on a small farm, I experienced a deep love for nature. From my father I inherited a passion for reading and learning, and from my mother, a love for people and crossword puzzles. After high school, I entered the Sisters of Notre Dame of Chardon, OH. I have served as a high school and college teacher, novice director, writer, retreat director, and provincial leader in my religious order. For six years I also served at the Jesuit novitiate in Detroit, MI. I've written numerous articles published in religious and educational magazines, and I am the author of seven books, including Traits of a Healthy Spirituality and In Steadfast Love, both published by Twenty-Third Publications. Currently, I write and give talks, retreats and parish missions. My favorite pastimes include walking, reading, listening to music and engaging in good conversation.

I fell in love with Living Faith even before I was asked to write for it. I liked its focus on the daily Scripture readings as well as the wide variety of authors who write the reflections. I greatly enjoy writing for Living Faith because I like "being forced" to meditate on the particular readings assigned to me, whether I am naturally drawn to them or not. I’ve had numerous articles published in religious and educational magazines, and I am the author of 13 books, including Traits of a Healthy Spirituality, Everyday Epiphanies, and Hanging onto Hope. Currently, I write and give talks and retreats nationally. My favorite pastimes include walking, reading, and cheering my Cleveland sports teams. Visit my blog, “Sunflower Seeds” at www.melanniesvobodasnd.org.