A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mark is a 1982 graduate of St. Bonaventure University where he studied journalism and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication. In addition to harboring a passion for writing, his love for history and education encouraged him to pursue a Master of Arts and Teaching degree from the University of Pittsburgh. After thirty-three years in the classroom, Mark is now retired and spends his time fulfilling his dream of writing novels. He is married to his wife Sandy, and they spend their time together traveling and raising their energetic English retriever puppy, Kimba.