Jill Thompson grew up in a loving family and close-knit neighborhood in Caldwell, NJ. She received a B.A. in religion and elementary education from Lycoming College and an M.S. in education, with K-12 certification as an educational media generalist, from McDaniel College. A high school librarian, professional storyteller, speaker, and writer, she is also active in her church as a children's Sunday school teacher and worship team piano player. She is married to Wally, her husband of 31 years, and has five sons, the youngest of which are identical triplets.