Though born below sea level in New Orleans, Julie now lives in the most remote area of the lower 48 states with her husband and their dogs at 9,000 feet above sea level. She is an award-winning photographer and writer with her newspaper column “Life From My View” and her picture book: Mountain Mutts – Joy’s Tale. Julie has a BFA in theater, has performed in community theater and a television commercial. She also has a Master’s in Education and has taught just about every level from preschool to graduate school. She and her husband have a grown son and daughter and four grandchildren. The Stephens delight in daily living with nature and walking the mountains with their dogs. Julie spends most of her unscheduled days reading, writing, and walking with her camera in hand.