Heather Banks moved to the DC area in 1971 to continue doctoral studies in modern English literature at the University of Maryland. Previously, she lived in Nebraska and suburban Boston. A graduate of Oberlin College, she holds graduate degrees in English, art, and education and continued graduate studies in art and religion at Wesley Theological Seminary. She is a published poet and has given readings at numerous venues in DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and regional association meetings in Tennessee and Kentucky. She taught English for 12 years—at a Massachusetts high school; Tunghai University, Taiwan; Montgomery College; and Howard University. Her career also includes writing/editing at the Smithsonian, NIH, the American Physiological Society, nonprofit organizations, and American Institutes for Research. Now semi-retired as an editor, she tutors for the Literacy Council and fits in time for writing, museums, and travel—including visiting her son, a police officer in Virginia.