Paulina Rael Jaramillo has a Master of Arts degree in Rehabilitation Counseling (CSUSB) and has worked with families and youth in various capacities including crisis intervention and maintenance. Her hands-on experience has given her valuable insight into the damaging effects of trauma resulting from loss, and the importance of dealing with negative emotions in order to move forward. She began her writing career in 1991 as a contributing writer for a newspaper and a freelance writer for national publications. She has contributed to eight inspirational books and co-authored a one-act play. The loss of several family members during the past few years inspired her to write two books dealing with grief recovery resulting from any type of loss (employment, foreclosure, divorce, bereavement). A Time to Heal: Grief Recovery Guide and Workbook was published in 2009 and a follow up book, Life Interrupted: Grief Recovery Guide and Workbook was published in 2010. She currently conducts ongoing grief recovery workshops. Her most recent book The American Southwest: Pride~Prejudice~Perseverance (2011) summarizes the history of the various cultures that have populated the Southwest from ancient time to the present and renders a clear perspective on immigration and the participation of Latinos in the educational system. It contains maps, graphs, a glossary and a well-documented bibliography. The book appeals to educators, students and the general public. Paulina is currently speaking at universities and colleges on Immigration and Education. The American Southwest has been endorsed by Dr Tom Rivera, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies at CSUSB and Cesar Caballero, Dean of the Library at the same university.