She is the author of three books and hundreds of articles on parenting and teaching. Renee Heiss is also an instructor for The Institute of Children's Literature. In her spare time, she creates quilts and bags for her favorite foundation, Care Bags 4 Kids (www.carebags4kids.org), and pursues her ancient genealogy. She has three grown daughters and four grandchilren. She lives in New Jersey with her husband of 35 years.