Shirley A. Mahood is a former teacher of English and psychology, and the author of the book MAKING OUR LIVES WORK, STRATEGIES TO LESSEN STRESS AND BUILD SELF-ESTEEM, now in its second printing. The book grew out of her training and life experience in dealing with a very difficult family issue, mental illness. All people at some time or other have difficulties in their lives. Shirley's book helps them all, whether the problem is divorce, financial issues, health issues, whatever. And, many people both in England and here in the United States have benefited from the workshops on stress, self-esteem, and relationship building that she developed and has been running for over 17 years. Among the organizations that have used her services are Cornell University, Binghamton University School of Education and Human Development, the Mental Health Association, Crime Victims Assistance, and Brunel University in Uxbridge, England, and The British Dental Association. In addition she regularly runs retreats for numerous church and community groups. She divides her time between Phoenix and upstate New York.