Joyce “Lori” Cole Klimek was born in Norman, Oklahoma and grew up in Tulsa where she was an elite level gymnast at GCUSA and graduated from Booker T Washington High School in 1988.

Lori was honored to receive an athletic scholarship from The University of Iowa, where she was a highly decorated collegiate gymnast and a member of Delta Gamma Fraternity. She married her college sweetheart, Ron, and they moved to Arlington, Texas.

After coaching high-level gymnastics for several years, Lori went back to school to get her teaching certification. She taught in Prosper ISD for one year. She has been teaching in Lewisville ISD at Ethridge Elementary since 2004. Lori taught Kindergarten for many years and it was during this time that she was inspired her to write her own children’s book. Lori taught 5 years of Science Discovery to Kinder through 5th grade students because she truly enjoys making a positive difference in the lives of children and helping them have a life long love for science, nature, and pets. She currently is a Science Facilitator for LISD.

Lori currently resides in The Colony, Texas with her husband, Ron, her two children, Keston and Dominick, and her many pets. Her hobbies include traveling, dancing, and kickball. Her family has hosted three foreign exchange students and highly recommends the experience to others.

In 2011, she and a few other dedicated moms began The Cities by the Lake Chapter of YMSL (Young Men’s Service League). YMSL is a Mother/Son organization that promotes philanthropy in the local community and assists with leadership and life skills as well as building a strong mother/son relationship. Lori was also awarded the PTA Lifetime Membership award for her contribution to the success of her students and her commitment to education. 

Lori was honored as Teacher of the Year at Ethridge Elementary in 2015 as well as a Top 5 finalist in Lewisville ISD. Her family are co-owners of Supercuts in The Shops of Castle Hills in Lewisville, TX.

Lori (Cole) Klimek was  inducted into the University of Iowa Hall of Fame in 2015 for her accomplishments as an athlete(1989-92) and is the first female gymnast to bestow this honor.

Lori enjoys inspiring children to read and to follow their dreams. If you would like to set up an author reading, motivational speaking engagement, or book signing event, please contact Lori at JLoriKlimek@gmail.com.