Combining measures of perseverance and empathy with a lifelong quest for knowledge, understanding and artistic expression, Barbara Brocchini's accomplishments are many, yet she is fueled by the belief there is so much more to discover and experience. The longtime special education instructor earned a B.A. in English and a Master's in Education followed by years of working with special needs children with Saratoga Union School District, in Hawaii, and with Soquel High. She accomplished this while also raising a family of three children, which quickly became six after her marriage to the love of her life, Mario, in 1984.
After her teaching career, she took a deep dive into the arts. It's an element that bubbled just below the surface for years.
With her father being an accomplished saxophonist—"He was very musical and had a band when he was in college"—Barbara learned how to read music and play the piano from Montevalle resident Sylvia Lee.
Taking advantage of Montevalle’s pottery workshop, Barbara also immersed herself into developing that skill.
Barbara is also the author of a trio of romantic suspense dramas, under her nom de plume, Kimberly Knight:
- "Deadly Reflection" — https://virtualbookworm.com/products/deadly-reflection
- "Strike of the Golden Eagle” — https://virtualbookworm.com/products/strike-of-the-golden-eagle
- "Homicide.com" — https://virtualbookworm.com/products/homicide-com
"I had a lot of ideas and just plunged in," Barbara explained. "I would write everywhere. I had no special time." One of her books takes place in the golfing world, and understanding that realm required "interviewing golfers (in Monterey) and performing course exploration. The characters take on a life of their own and often lead me into something that requires research. I usually have a few scenarios [in my head] but I didn't know how my books would end." From start to finish, she said, "it takes a good year or more to write a book."
Having traveled extensively, including Greece, Turkey, Italy, Dubai and Oman among many others, "My writing made me become more observant of sights, sounds and tastes."
Montevalle residents need not worry as Barbara has no plans for a future novel with our very own Central Coast senior community as its setting.
Next on Barbara’s agenda is delving into arts and crafts, sketching and drawing, plus water color and oil painting. Those and writing a book with her daughter, Debbie.
Barbara Brocchini’s creativity continues to blossom.