Since January of 2000, Jim LaBate has worked as a writing specialist in The Writing Center at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, New York.

Originally from Amsterdam, New York, Jim graduated from Saint Mary’s Institute and Bishop Scully High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Siena College in Loudonville, New York, and his master’s degree, also in English, from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York.

Jim has spent his entire career as either a teacher or a writer. He taught physical education as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Golfito, Costa Rica, for two years. He taught high-school English for ten years (one year at Vincentian Institute in Albany, New York, and nine years at Keveny Memorial Academy in Cohoes, New York). Then, he worked for ten years as a writer for Newkirk Products in Albany, New York.

Jim lives in Clifton Park, New York, with his wife, Barbara; they have two daughters: Maria and Katrina.