Vera Ahiyya (née Corbett) was born in Germany and raised in El Paso, Texas by her wonderful mother and amazing grandparents. Originally a pre-med student, Vera realized her calling as an educator at Austin College in Sherman, TX, where she majored in History and earned her MA in Education. Vera has taught kindergarten and first grade for the last fourteen years in Texas, Boston, and Brooklyn. Vera’s online presence is dedicated to influencing other educators by spreading her vast knowledge and love of diverse children’s books. Vera’s unwavering commitment to social justice and diversity is also the focal point of her professional development presentations for other educators. Vera lives in Brooklyn with her husband, Lonnell, and her dog, Mozi.