Helaine Mario grew up in the New York City area and is a graduate of Boston University. She has served on many nonprofit boards both while residing in the DC area. A passionate advocate for women's and children's issues, she is the founder and president of The SunDial Foundation, which contributes to over 30 DC area nonprofits. Helaine and her husband Ron now live in Arlington, Virginia, and Sarasota, Florida. The Lost Concerto, her second novel, was inspired by her son Sean, a classical pianist.