Vernise, a multi-faceted educator and veteran child development specialist, is a recipient of the esteemed California Schoolmaster's Award and named an "Early Childhood Educator of the Year." She trained teachers at the college level and has been a speaker and presenter at conferences, workshops and seminars for a variety of educational groups.

Her first book, THE STORY OF ORANGE, expanded into a full-length musical production which toured in Northern California for eight years, and was honored by the Lake County Board of Supervisors for excellence and positive influence on the community.  HUGS ON THE WIND, her first picturebook, is published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, Harry N. Abrams, New York.