Kelly Swierski-Loiodice was born in Middletown, New York in 1970. Her hometown is just north of New York City and offered her all of the charm of upstate New York: sprawling hills and farms, apple orchards, a strong sense of community, the best Italian bread, and a close proximity to the Shawanagunk Mountains. Her childhood was spent riding bikes, playing tag, and savoring homemade Italian food. She studied political science as an undergraduate and went on to complete a Masters degree in Public Administration from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, University at Albany. She married her high school sweetheart, Jim, in 1993. They lived in Albany, New York for a short time and then returned to Middletown. She spent years working for local government on behalf of youth and families, while she wrote fictional stories in her bedroom as a hobby. After giving birth to her two daughters, Kailee Faithe and Paige Alyssa, she became a full-time stay-at-home mom. Her children changed her life in a monumental way and sparked a spiritual journey that she continues to this day. Her young adult family life and search for self discovery was the basis of her memoir, Finding Balance: A Mother's Journey to Inner Peace. This is her first published work. A trip to India offered her the opportunity to become certified to teach hatha yoga. She completed additional training at the Shanti Mandir Ashram in Walden, New York, and she continues to teach yoga classes today. She also offers workshops on meditation and healthy living. She spends her time writing, reflecting, taking walks, and laughing with her husband and two teenage daughters.
