Ellie Dias is a devotee of Buddhist philosophy, meditation and yoga. Her career has been focused on health and wellness as a biology professor, pediatric nurse, clinician working with families whose babies were at risk for SIDS, and division VP of a women's health care company. Her debut book, Big Red, was inspired by a solo journey to the Himalayas. It's a tale of perseverance and humor as she struggles to jettison her Western ways while lugging a 95-pound suitcase jam packed with her bare necessities. A watercolor and pastel artist, Ellie participates in a book club, writing critique group, and is a member of Sisters in Crime. She lives with her husband Ron and dog Roxie in Wilbraham, Massachusetts. She has two children, Michael and Michele and two beautiful grandchildren Aidan and Sebastian Dias. She is currently writing her first novel.