Ann Crile Esselstyn graduated from Smith College and received a Masters in Education from Wheelock College. She taught English and History for 27 years, receiving the Hostatler Award for Outstanding Teaching, and was a Field Hockey Coach for 15 years. She juggled raising four children, teaching, and figuring out plant-based, oil free ways to cook that are delicious and appealing. Since 2000 she has focused on creating the recipes to prevent and reverse heart disease and counseling patients on how to prepare and eat plant-based foods. She has frequently been referred to as the ‘Julia Childs’ of plant-based cooking.