About

 

 

Allan is retired social worker who has been a consultant, therapist, and child welfare supervisor. He grew up in the towns of Des Plaines and Mount Prospect, Illinois, and graduated as valedictorian from his high school class of 536. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, was Phi Beta Kappa, and earned university honors. Allan earned two master’s degrees, one in theology and one in social work. He co-authored an article in the publication “Children Today” (Jan.-Feb. 1989) on specialized foster family care. Among his adventures are included a year-long hitchhiking trip throughout Europe and Morocco and owning and operating a whole-foods bakery in Chicago.

Tremors in the Cloister,  published July 2015, is a true story of a friendship between a young monk and a Catholic priest who is struggling to maintain the quality of his life despite having Parkinson’s. Tremors in the Cloister received a 3rd-place award in the category of “Published Nonfiction” in the 2016 Arizona Literary Contest.

In March 2017, Clark Street Whole Foods Baking was published, which are recipes from his former bakery (specializing in whole grains and non-processed foods) which was on Clark Street in Chicago. Clark Street Whole Foods Baking was a finalist in the 2018 New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards. Allan is currently working on  a family history of the Spiegler’s and their contribution to the development of the town of Des Plaines.

Allan is married, has three adult children (including his daughter-in-law), three grandchildren, and lives with his wife in Tucson, Arizona.