J.A. Culican, previously Jamie Carioti, was a member of the Medaille College softball team from 2002-2004. She played in 61 games behind the plate as a Maverick. She tallied over 20 hits and runs scored, and over five RBIs throughout her career. After graduating early from Medaille, she became a special education teacher, then later a USA Today and International Bestselling Author.
Culican’s first year at Medaille was the first year the dorms opened up. It was her first experience away from home, and quickly became her home away from home.
“I made lifelong friends and learned to become independent in a safe environment,” said Culican. “The other students were my second family.”
While being a student on campus, Culican’s participation on the softball team gave her more friends and tools to succeed during her time at Medaille.
“Being part of the athletic department helped to keep a structured environment for me to grow and become responsible for myself, while still having fun,” said Culican. “We had a great group of girls on the softball team. Everyone was friends, everyone got along great and encouraged and supported each other.”
One of her favorite memories was going on a spring break trip to Florida with the team while playing through heat lighting and meeting other players around the country.
After moving on from Medaille, Culican became a special education teacher, a profession she has been in for the past 16 years. Six years ago, Culican became a USA Today and International Bestselling Author. Her time teaching led to her success as an author.
“My students were always looking for age-appropriate literature that was at their reading level,” said Culican. “This was a huge struggle to find. So, when I started writing (thanks to my own children!) I kept my students in mind.”
Culican authored the Keeper of Dragon series. Her series is for anyone at a reading level at fourth grade or higher. Keeper of Dragons is on the USA Today Bestsellers list, is an International Bestseller, was number one in the Apple Store, and was a Barnes and Noble Bestseller. The series has been translated into five languages, and has a total of 33 books available.
In addition to being a bestselling author, while still teaching special education, Culican is also President of Puzzle Peace United. Puzzle Peace United is a nonprofit that supports families with Autism in New Jersey. One of their biggest events each year is “Sensory Free Santa” which gives families the opportunity to enjoy meeting Santa, playing holiday games, and creating holiday crafts in a safe and welcoming environment. For more information, visit https://www.puzzlepeaceunited.org/
The Distinguished Alumni Series is part of the AMCC's 25th anniversary where the conference will be recognizing former AMCC student-athletes who have excelled in their area of study. The Distinguished Alumni Series will run every Thursday throughout the academic year.