Kyra has always been fascinated by people and their stories.  She is a lover of children’s books, public libraries, and enjoys substitute teaching for fun. Kyra has been a writer for educational programming for television for over 10 years and is an accomplished documentarian with the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University. Her 8-minute documentary “Liberty” was honored in 2014 at a screening in Liberty, North Carolina and at the Full Frame Theater on the American Tobacco Campus in Durham, NC.  Kyra wrote, produced and hosted a feature story titled “Jumping for Kids” which tells the story of an inspirational and pioneering woman from Guyana. The feature was highlighted on Guinness World Record’s homepage for one year and this record ultimately won “Fan Favorite of the Year”. Kyra was also honored to be the Program Director for the “Today in America” television show, hosted by Terry Bradshaw.

Armed with a passion for helping and empowering her students, especially those who are new to the United States, Kyra realized a need for this type of story and started developing the characters for America, Here I Come! The story was inspired by actual students who moved to the United States and have shared their feelings, hopes and questions. Reading the story allows children to better understand the experience of moving, making new friendships, facing their fears and ultimately following their dreams!