Cindy L. Small was born and raised in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Science degree in Communications/Journalism from Shippensburg University. She has held positions as a National Park Service Interpretive Ranger at Gettysburg National Military Park, and in the public relations and marketing fields at Gettysburg College, the University of Southwestern Louisiana, Gettysburg Hospital, and Carlisle Regional Medical Center. Cindy edited 16 Civil War books written by her late husband, Gregory A. Coco, as well as numerous historic articles for publication.