Last Updated on June 11, 2026 by Noah Anusta
Anna Hillinger (known professionally as Anna Shinoda) is an American author, mental health advocate, and the wife of Linkin Park co-founder Mike Shinoda. While she is widely searched for her connection to her husband, she has built her own respected career in literature, primarily focusing on young adult fiction.
| Full Name | Anna Hillinger (Pen name: Anna Shinoda) |
| Known For | Author of “Learning Not to Drown” and wife of Mike Shinoda |
| Profession | Author and Mental Health Advocate |
| Spouse / Husband | Mike Shinoda (m. May 10, 2003) |
| Children | Three (including son Otis Akio Shinoda, born 2009) |
| Age | Born November 7, 1977; 48 years old as of 2026 |
| Parents | Zita Marie Hillinger and William Robert Hillinger |
| Net Worth | Not publicly verified (estimates around $1.9 million are speculative) |
Who is Anna (Hillinger) Shinoda?
Born on November 7, 1977, in California, Anna Hillinger is an American author who publishes under her married name, Anna Shinoda. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communication studies from California State University, Long Beach.
Her passion for writing began in high school, where she contributed as the editor for the school newspaper. Anna often retreated into trees to read and write stories, a habit that fueled her future career in literature.
Anna Hillinger Books and Author Career
Anna Hillinger is best known for her debut young adult novel, Learning Not to Drown, published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers in April 2014. The novel deals with complex family dynamics, focusing on a young girl trying to preserve her identity amidst a chaotic household dealing with a family member’s incarceration. The book received critical praise for its sensitive and realistic handling of difficult themes.
Aside from her books, she is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and has been nominated for the Sue Alexander Most Promising New Work Award.
Marriage to Mike Shinoda and Children
Anna Hillinger is married to Mike Shinoda, the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and co-founder of the globally renowned rock band Linkin Park. The couple got married on May 10, 2003.
Anna and Mike have three children together. Their oldest son, Otis Akio Shinoda, was born in August 2009. The family currently resides in Agoura Hills, California. Mike has occasionally shared stories about their children, such as teaching his daughter to play guitar, but the couple largely prefers to keep their children out of the intense public spotlight.
As a notable piece of music history, the popular Fort Minor song “Where’d You Go” was written by Mike Shinoda and dedicated to Anna, reflecting on the difficulty of being away from his wife while touring.
Parents: Zita Marie Hillinger and William Robert Hillinger
Anna was born to parents Zita Marie Hillinger (mother) and William Robert Hillinger (father). Her mother, Zita Marie, is frequently searched by fans curious about Anna’s family background. While her parents keep a low profile, they raised Anna in a creative environment in California that supported her early ambitions to become a writer.
Net Worth: What is Verified?
While various online sources estimate Anna Hillinger’s personal net worth at around $1.9 million, this figure is an unverified estimate. Her income stems from her successful career as an author and her literary works. Her husband, Mike Shinoda, possesses a highly verified and substantial net worth from his decades of success with Linkin Park, but Anna maintains her own independent professional portfolio.
Mental Health Advocacy and Charity Work
Beyond writing, Anna is a dedicated mental health advocate. She has worked as a senior advisor for The Campaign to Change Direction, an initiative aimed at changing the culture of mental health in America. Alongside her husband, she has also heavily supported Music for Relief, a non-profit organization founded by Linkin Park to provide aid to survivors of natural disasters and support environmental conservation.
FAQs
Who is Anna Hillinger?
Anna Hillinger is an American author who publishes under the name Anna Shinoda. She is the author of the young adult novel Learning Not to Drown and the wife of Linkin Park musician Mike Shinoda.
What books has Anna Hillinger written?
She is best known for her 2014 young adult novel, Learning Not to Drown. She has also written various other pieces as a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
Who is Anna Hillinger’s mother?
Her mother is Zita Marie Hillinger.
How many children does Anna Hillinger have?
Anna and Mike Shinoda have three children together, including their son Otis Akio Shinoda, who was born in 2009.
Is Anna Hillinger married?
Yes, she has been married to Mike Shinoda since May 10, 2003.
