In Septembet of 2001 at the age of twenty-seven, I was in a life changing accident leaving me paralyzed from the chest down. After two years of  rehabilitation and adjusting to my new way of life, I felt like it was time to go back to work. I was an elementary school teacher and my passion of teaching and the desire to make a difference in children's book called "New Opportunities". Throughout my visits to school and speaking engagement, I quickly saw the need for people of all ages to see individuals for possibility instead of disability.   After many year of writing books and speaking to local audiences I decided to write another story that had touched my life. I had a 4th grade student who worried about everything, so I gave him a jar to put his worries after he wrote them down. He used it daily and it helped him get through his days. The following year I had my accident and while I was in the hospital I received a jar and inside was a note. It read, "Here's a worry jar for you. You'll need it to place your worries so that you can get better." It was from the same student. That had a powerful impact on me and it was a story I wanted to share with others. This inspired me to write Go Away Worries! Put Them in The Worry Jar, which was published in 2013.    Being able to pay forward the support that others have given to me is a blessing. After all, that's what life's about. We need to get out there despite our limitations. We hold in our hands the ability to make a difference, change a life, mind, or circumstance. What will you do? 

PhD in Education
2014 Mom's Choice Award for Go Away Worries!
2015 Eric Hoffer Award Finalist