Sheila Starks Phillips now resides in Sugar Land, Texas. Her career has ranged from first grade teacher to zookeeper at the Houston Zoo. Since 1990, she has mesmerized audiences as a master storyteller, weaving tales of wit and wisdom to all types of audiences, young and old. Often combining music with her stories, Sheila draws on her wide repertoire to make each performance customized, keeping the audience members’ ages and interests in mind. Sheila’s first children’s book, entitled “The Eggstra-Ordinary Surprise,” was published in 2001. Sheila often uses her guitar and other instruments with her stories. Her goal is to teach, in an entertaining manner, morals, problem solving, and life lessons and to also motivate children to read. Having worked as a zookeeper at the Houston Zoo, her hands-on knowledge of animals contributes an interesting element to Sheila’s stories. Sheila is on the Traveling Artists Roster of TEXAS COMMISSION ON THE ARTS and a past recipient of the John Henry Faulk Award. She has performed at festivals and venues around the country including being featured in the Exchange Place program at the National storytelling Festival as well as performing as the Teller in Residence at the International storytelling Center. A past President of the Tejas storytelling Association, Sheila lives in Sugar Land with her cat Florence Nightengale.