Barbara Austin grew up in the green mountains of Vermont and currently lives in rural Massachusetts with her daughters Tonna, Mary, Taylor and Rachel. She has held numerous positions in her local church, including organizing a monthly women's breakfast, and some of her career pursuits have included children's librarian, personal care attendant, orphanage custodian, nanny, and carhop. Her home has been the site of day care for the elderly, children's daycare, and a bed and breakfast. She remains steadfast as an active listener to the "still small voice" that prompts her responses to the need around her.