Born in Washington, D.C., Edie has lived in Asia for almost fifteen years.  She first came in 1985 to study Mandarin on a Rotary Scholarship at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, after obtaining a M.A. in International Relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in Boston, U.S.A.

Edie then worked in international marketing and sales for fourteen years for American Express Company in New York City and Hong Kong.  Having been in Shanghai for over two years now, she currently lives in the former French Concession with her family; her two teenagers study at the Shanghai American School. 

Edie is a part time Tour Guide for Newman Tours.  Besides studying Mandarin and exploring Shanghai neighborhoods on foot or bicycle, her passions include sailing, Chinese history, culture and arts, especially Chinese contemporary ink painting and Ming furniture.  She is currently writing a book on Shanghai walks.