Colorado born and raised, Alison graduated from Vassar College with a degree in English. On her way to San Francisco, she fell in love with another Coloradan and got married. She worked for a title insurance company and then raised three kids, six dogs, two geckos, and numerous fish, turtles, and other critters. Alison spent several years in elementary education as a kindergarten teacher. As her eldest went off to college and her twins entered high school, she welcomed the challenge of wrangling the unruly reporters and editors at The Colorado Independent. In addition to her family, pets, and work, Alison is an avid cook.