“Family isn't about whose blood you have.
It's about who you care about”
Trey Parker and Matt Stone, South Park, 1998

About the Authors

Dr. Ginney K. Duffey is the mother of Viktor and Tatiana.  With thirty-one years of expertise and experience in the field of education, she has served as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, college professor, speaker, consultant, and a special assistant to the Pennsylvania Secretary of Education.

Dr. Duffey has received national recognition for her work in education, and has served on numerous state and national committees and advisory boards in the field of education.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education from John Carroll University, a Master of Education in Special Education degree from Slippery Rock University, Educational and Program Specialist certifications from Slippery Rock University, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from the University of Pittsburgh.

Ginney resides with her husband, Glen Kovac and her two children, Viktor and Tatiana.  Other important members of their household include: three dogs, two cats, a rabbit and a hamster... all shelter rescues!

Mrs. Janice Butya Zarzeczny is the mother of Lucas and Nicholas.  With thirty-eight years of expertise and experience in the field of education, she has served as a first grade teacher, and early learning specialist and a kindergarten teacher.

Mrs. Zarzeczny has extensive experience in the field of early childhood education, developing formal programs to individualize the progress of pre-school children.  With expertise in curriculum development, she has developed and implemented highly successful programs and curriculum in early learning and kindergarten.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Special Education, a Master of Education degree in Special Education, and an Administrative degree in Education, all from Duquesne University.

Jan resides with her husband, Dan and her two children, Lucas and Nicholas.  Other important members of their household include two cats adopted from local animal shelters.