Alison Barone was born and raised in Southern California. Growing up she studied and competed in ballet, tap and jazz. She continued her ballet training at many prestigious schools and attended Loyola Marymount University as a Dance Major while receiving her full Pilates certification. She then danced professionally with companies such as The Los Angeles Ballet and Columbia City Ballet. She performed as a guest artist for several years with Pacific Festival Ballet. After teaching Pilates for many years in New York City she moved to Nantucket where she currently teaches Adult Ballet, Barre and Pilates.

She was inspired to write Nantucket Nelly by her love for Nantucket and her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Beau. She lives on Nantucket with her husband Jon, and precious baby Chase.