Dawn Chalker grew up in Northern Michigan. She received a B.S. from Western Michigan University and an M.A. from the University of Michigan. The Naturalist Certificate she obtained from Northwestern Michigan College helped to inspire Bear Me in Mind. She and her husband live on the Leelanau Peninsula.

Dawn loves to travel and has visited all fifty states as well as places in Canada, Latin America, and Europe. Exploring diverse natural areas is often part of her travels.

She has worked at various occupations including family and child therapist, adjunct professor at Eastern Michigan University, elementary school counselor, and administrative assistant at the University of Michigan.