About Dontrey

As a happy wife, busy mother to three boys, trained writer, self-taught cook, budding photographer, avid traveler and crafty chick, I have mastered and failed and settled at a fairly steady juggling act of writing, mothering, praying, reading, Zooming, wifing, chauffeuring, cooking, studying, laughing, creating and starting again. (Yes, I took the liberty of creating a couple of verbs, but that’s the fun in writing.)

Anyone who has spent a few minutes on the other side of our front door knows that you can count on a warm hug, a scented candle burning, fresh flowers dotted throughout the house, boys screaming in the basement, music humming in the background and something sweet on the counter. You can’t forget a dash of witty banter mixed with a listening ear. And while my opinions are sometimes like my cup of Darjeeling tea – hot and strong – I always cut it with a spoonful of sugar. My southern roots wouldn’t have it any other way.

Outside of the home, I dedicate my time, talent and treasures to the causes of education, women’s health and the arts through volunteerism, scholarship and philanthropy.

As a former “Army Brat,” my fondest childhood memories and passion for travel were created in Ft. Hood, Texas, and Ft. Hamilton, New York, with my sister and brother. I now call Chicago home with my husband, Brett, our three sons, Jonah, Aidan and Matthew, and our cockapoo, Roxi.