Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Cynthia Nava earned her BFA in Illustration from California State University, Long Beach. Cynthia is a teaching artist who loves to share her enthusiasm and love for art with her students. Her playful and colorful illustrations have been featured in various art shows and events in the LA area, and she has happily volunteered as a guest lecturer and industry advisor at the Communication Art Academy at Alexander Hamilton High School. Cynthia has illustrated published children’s books and is a member of the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators. Outside of the classroom, her hobbies include playing with her cats and taking her dog on long walks.