Fran is internationally known as a storyteller and recording artist. She has been a professional teller of ancient folktales and original creations since 1982, bringing the ancient magic of storytelling to today’s schools. As an Artist in Residence with the Oklahoma Arts Council she reached many thousands of K-12 students. Nationwide her workshops reach thousands more, by training teachers and librarians in curriculum enrichment through storytelling. Her performance/teaching tours have taken her to Japan, Egypt, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau, as well as across the U.S.
Fran grew up in the tradition of oral storytelling and has always loved the ancient heritage of tales we all share. Her training as a biologist was not a detour: her folktales and “fact-tales” of our fellow creatures and the environment have earned her the title Earthteller, helping zoo docents and park rangers become story-teachers. Fran has a repertory of over 400 traditional tales plus original stories and songs. Her articles and stories are widely reprinted. She has produced CDs, edited magazines, written articles and award-winning books. She currently serves on the board of the National Storytelling Network as Regional Director for the South Central states (TX, OK, KS, LA, AR, MO).