Tagged “Crunchy Granola” and “Tree hugger” by some friends, it’s true Shelli Altopp-Miller likes her folk music, Birkenstocks, and the great outdoors. Shelli earned an MSW degree from Washington University in St. Louis and has worked with children, families, and the elderly. She is a military spouse and mother of two who is passionate about travelling, valuing experiences, adventure, simple living, cultural diversity, and spiritual awareness.  Shelli enjoys hiking and biking, thrift shopping, strong coffee, homemaking, and of course writing.  She wrote frequently for her college’s student newspaper, and a few years later, was a regular contributor to Up and Coming Magazine in Fayetteville, NC.  She is currently working on her first novel – a work of literary fiction set in Eastern Kentucky’s Appalachian hills. Shelli’s motto, culled from a Dove chocolate wrapper, is “Life is a work of art designed by the one who lives it”.  Look for Shelli to write about family relationships, self-improvement projects, and coping with change.