Born and raised in New Jersey, Doreen Tango Hampton attended Seton Hall University where she received a B.S. in Marketing and an M.B.A. in Finance. In 1996, after working for many years in university administration, Doreen and her husband Jack relocated from New Jersey to Litchfield County, CT.
Pursuing a career as an antique dealer, Doreen began selling at antique shows and trading on eBay in 1998. After discovering the world of antique children’s books, she became an avid collector. She assumed the role of smitten Aunt with the birth of her niece Grace in 2000. Inspired, Doreen began writing her own children’s stories.
In addition to children’s books, Doreen collects antique holiday items. She is a member of The Golden Glow of Christmas Past, a group of 1000 antique Christmas enthusiasts. She and her husband faithfully attend the organization’s annual convention every summer.
An active community volunteer, Doreen is a member of the Litchfield History Museum, the Women's Forum and the Litchfield Aid of the Connecticut Junior Republic.
When she is not working on her books, Doreen frequents flea markets, estate sales, auctions and antique shows. She is always on the hunt for a new treasure. In addition to Grace, Aunt Doreen’s favorite “finds” are her other nieces and nephews, Mark John, Alexander, Olivia and Hope.
Doreen is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and the Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association (CAPA).
Illustrated by Gina Pfleegor and published by Shenanigan Books, I Like Gum is Doreen’s first book. Released in September 2007, the book is available in bookstores and online sites such as Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and BordersStores.com.