Marie Elena Cortes, was born in Torrance, California, from a Mexican-American family. She had a wonderful childhood growing up with her sister and brother in Cuernavaca, Mexico, "the city of eternal Spring".

At age seventeen, she moved to Houston, Texas, with her family to study English and earn a degree. She attended Houston Baptist University where she graduated as a Bilingual/ESL teacher in 1996.

Marie Elena enjoyed a decade of working with the Alief Independent School District in Southwest Houston. She taught Bilingual Pre-Kinder, First and Second Grade...tutored 3rd and 4th grade...organized multicultural programs and committees...presented Staff Development Sessions for teachers...served as Math Recovery Specialist and as a Bilingual Reading and Writing Specialist.

On November 19, 2003, she published her first children's book titled: My Annoying Little Brother. The book talks about a sister who complaints about her pesky brother...only to realize that she cannot live without him! Marie Elena continues writing stories and poetry that motivate children to be the best they can be.

So what is she doing now?

Marie Elena dedicates her time making special presentations that inspire students, parents and teachers...she visits schools, libraries, day-cares, museums, conferences and book festivals in and out of state! Her multimedia presentations focus on helping children become better writers, intelligent students and responsible citizens.

In the Fall of 2006, she created Kids Write To Know. This has become her business! Children write to discover what's on their mind...to help, inspire and motivate our community...with their stories! For more information, please visit www.kidswritetoknow.com