Abbe Futterman was born in Brooklyn, NY. She attended public schools there and on Eastern Long Island. She studied painting and art education at Pratt Institute before getting a Masters in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College of Education. Abbe helped to found The Earth School where she teaches Earth Studies (conflict resolution and science) to all the age groupings. She is an active member of The Prospect Center in Bennington, Vermont. Abbe enjoys reading, documentary film, ice-skating, and does not watch television.