Born in Philadelphia, PA, and raised in Turnersville, NJ, a town not unlike the setting of her books, Doretta Pirollo Martelli holds bachelor’s degrees in journalism and communications and a master’s degree in teaching, all from Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ. She has been teaching writing and reading to middle school students in Washington Township, Gloucester County, NJ since 2000.  

During her tenure as a teacher, Doretta has teamed up with kindness.org to pilot a curriculum based on the science of kindness with a desire to instill kindness and empathy in her students. Her affiliation with that organization and participation in that curriculum program has led to opportunities to be quoted in several prestigious magazines including Positive News and EducationWeek. She currently serves as a Teacher Leader for the Rowan University branch of the National Writing Project where she shares her expertise with other writing teachers.

Setting her novels in South Jersey, Doretta makes it a point to include references to some of her favorite South Philly and Ocean City, NJ, spots which add local color and a familiarity her faithful readers love.

Doretta’s interests include cooking, home design, film noir, rooting for the Phillies, and curling up with a cup of strong coffee while reading Stephen King novels. She and her husband Lou have one daughter, Ally.