She grew up in Toledo, Ohio and earned a B.A. in English literature and communication from the University of Toledo. She holds a Master's degree in education from the College of Charleston in South Carolina. Her focus is in teaching English as a second language. She has experience teaching in a variety of settings and grade levels. She currently lives in Charleston, S.C. with her husband and baby girl. She can be contacted at www.ayakhalil.blogspot.com.