A fused glass artist who creates large-scale public art installations, Dr. Marlene East also creates glass art for homes and businesses. Dr. East created each critter for Aquatic Critters A to Z Along the Shores of PCB with kiln-fired art glass. Living on the Grand Lagoon in Panama City Beach and frequent visits to nearby St. Andrews State Park inspired the Aquatic Critters rhyming story. Being a licensed counselor for many years, Dr. East often used play therapy with children and incorporated art into healing for all ages. She closed her private counseling practice in 2020 to focus on glass art. In addition to a bachelor's degree in psychology (Palm Beach Atlantic University), and a master's degree in counseling (Georgia State University), Dr. East also has an education doctorate in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in instructional technology (University of West Florida). Her doctoral research related to mental health apps and learning theory is published in scholarly journals. Childhood years were spent in rural Arcadia, Florida. Growing up helping with the family orange grove and learning all about honey from her beekeeper father influenced the creation of her mini beach farm, complete with fruit trees and chickens! The love of nature is evident in Dr. East's writing and glass art. Allie Anderson, the co-illustrator, is one of Dr. East's children.
