Sarah Clarke grew up in a musical family in Montclair, N.J. She had a 35-year career as a professional violist, traveling the world and recording with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. Now retired from the New York free-lance music scene, she lives in Bergen County, N.J. with her husband, Eric, and their son, Cory. She is an active member of her town's Stigma-Free initiative, which aims to reduce the shame associated with mental illness, raise awareness about mental illness and create a culture in which affected residents are supported by their community and feel free to seek treatment without fear. In addition to her part-time job as helicopter-mom/nurse-manager for her son, she is a prize-winning quilter. Sarah enjoys making art collages, gardening, baking triple-layer cakes and continues to write and share stories with her friends, family and writing group.