Elizabeth Bechard
Parenting in a Changing Climate
Elizabeth Bechard is an integrative health coach with a decade of experience in coordinating and implementing research studies exploring human resilience, wellness, and behavior change. A graduate of Yale’s Climate Change & Health Certificate program, she has taught in the health coaching program at Duke Integrative Medicine and is a certified expressive writing facilitator. Bechard lives with her husband and young twins in her native Durham, North Carolina. Parenting in a Changing Climate—about what’s it like to wake up to the reality of climate change—while also trying to raise small children—blends intimate memoir with Bechard’s experience as a coach and researcher, drawing on science from the study of climate psychology, science communication, health disparities, resilience, and behavior change. This book offers practical tools, resources, and inspiration for parents who are worried about the planet future generations will inherit and who want to find ways to cultivate resilience and take action on behalf of the children they love.
Dr. Angela Crutchfield
Dr. Angela M. Crutchfield is the owner of The Crutchfield Group and PESSCE (peace) Unlimited, LLC. Dr. Angela is an Executive Leadership Consultant and Coach who focuses on transformational Human Resources and Culture Change. As well as a Lifestyle Coach for women. She serves as consultative Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion with Riverside Community Care in Boston. Dr. Angela has also served as Vice Chancellor for Talent and Chief Diversity Officer for the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. She is a fully engaged human resources and leadership consultant providing coaching services to companies around the country. Dr. Angela also delivers keynote presentations and training programs around the country in public seminars, private onsite workshops, and online delivery platforms. She is also a professional development adjunct faculty for Bristol Community College and Cape Cod Community College and has been adjunct faculty and guest lecturer with other institutions and organizations over the years. She has held numerous past leadership positions across industries including healthcare, aerospace and defense, and academia. Visit Dr. Angela's website to connect with her and stay informed about her work.
Astrid Cheney
The Magic of Special Children: The Remarkable Story of Dorica
Astrid Cheney is the mother of a now-adult special needs daughter with a developmental disability. She grew up in East Germany during World War II and moved to the United States with her husband and daughter in 1972. Astrid served as an elementary school teacher for the Oakland public schools in California for more than twenty-five years, where she worked successfully with many special needs children. She holds a master’s degree in education from the University of California, Berkeley, and continues to work as a math tutor, helping early elementary students develop solid foundational math concepts and skills. Astrid also serves as a coach to parents, family members, and educators of special needs children and adults, helping them develop strategies and roadmaps for raising and teaching these special children, and she offers talks and workshops on the topic, as well. A resident of the San Francisco Bay Area, she loves traveling and spending time in India, Peru, Egypt, and Iceland. Her forthcoming book, The Magic of Special Children: The Remarkable Story of Dorica, contains an in-depth guide for parents and teachers.
J. Barrie Farrington
The Commander of Hawkins Hill: A Memoir
J. Barrie Farrington, CBE (1936 - 2021) was a veteran hotelier who has been called a "tourism giant" on account of his leadership roles in empowering the international tourism industry. His career accomplishments resulted in the honorary distinction of being named Commander of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II. Farrington is recognized as a fixture at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort and its various predecessor-resorts, some six in all. He served as President of the Bahamas Hotel Employers Association, and as the chairman of various boards and committees, including the National Insurance Board, Bahamasair and the Bahamas Electricity Corporation. After more than 40 years of service, he retired in January 2013 from the post of Senior Vice President for Kerzner International, leaving an indelible imprint in the culture of The Bahamas. Capturing a spectacular life journey that begins in his modest childhood home and beloved island neighborhood circa 1940, his memoir is a one-of-a-kind tapestry work and family life stitched in wise words full of heart, humor and humanity. The Commander of Hawkins Hill is an International Book Awards Finalist in Multicultural Nonfiction.
Sarah Buino, LCSW, RDDP, CADC, CDWF, NMT
The Ordinary Trauma Project
Sarah Buino, LCSW, RDDP, CADC, CDWF, NMT is a speaker, teacher, therapist and the founder of Head/Heart Therapy in Chicago. She is a licensed clinical social worker, registered dual diagnosis professional, certified addictions counselor, NARM Master Therapist and a Certified Daring Way facilitator. She holds a master’s degree from Loyola University in Chicago and specializes in shame, trauma, and substance use disorders. She has trained in a variety of therapy modalities including: NARM (neuro-affective relational model), sensorimotor psychotherapy, comprehensive energy psychology, psychodrama/experiential therapy, and shame-resilience. She uses these modalities as a framework to support resilience within her clients and create a space for self-knowledge and growth. Sarah is a member of the adjunct faculty at Loyola University Chicago and presents on topics such as shame, trauma and addiction to therapists all over the country. She’s also the host of her own podcast: Conversations With a Wounded Healer, which examines the role of one’s own healing while being a care-giving professional. As well as the host of the first two seasons of Transforming Trauma, a podcast by the NARM Training Institute about thriving after trauma. Sarah also integrates her knowledge of complementary healing modalities and mystical practices such as music, yoga, reiki, tarot, astrology and the chakra system into her clinical practice to help clients enhance connection with their authentic selves. From an early age, Sarah began to share the stage with her mother who was a professional singer. She sings in a local Chicago band and has utilized her musical skills in therapy interventions at various addiction treatment centers in the city. Based on The Ordinary Trauma Project, Sarah’s groundbreaking book is forthcoming in 2022. It is for anyone who seeks healing from trauma by reconnecting to themselves and experiencing self-love. It is also a call to action to inspire therapists and other helping professionals to seek and deepen their own inner work to support their ability to help others heal.
Peter Kozlowski, MD
Unfunc Your Gut: A Functional Medicine Guide
As a Functional Medicine MD, Dr. Peter Kozlowski uses a broad array of tools to find the source of the body’s dysfunction: he takes the time to listen to his patients and plots their history on a timeline, considering what makes them unique and co-creating with them a truly individualized care plan. A graduate of Family Medicine Residency, he has devoted his career to helping uncover the underlying cause of chronic disease through Functional Medicine. He trained with leaders in his field including Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Deepak Chopra, and Dr. Susan Blum. He serves patients in person and online via his Montana- and Chicago-based practices. Unfunc Your Gut is a 2021 International Book Awards Winner in Health, Diet and Exercise.
Crista F. Benavidez
Ms. Communication: Seven Keys to Speak Your Mind Without Losing It
Crista F. Benavídez is an internationally recognized speaker specializing in interpersonal communication and organizational learning. She has over 20 years of experience working with clients from a variety of industries. Her areas of expertise include: effective leadership, communication styles, customer service, communicating with difficult people, effective teaming, and more. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in Communication and Spanish and a Master’s Degree with Distinction in Organizational Learning and Instructional Technology. She is a member of the Screen Actors’ Guild (SAG/AFTRA) and lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is the author of the hot new release, Ms. Communication: Seven Keys to Speak Your Mind Without Losing It.
Stephanie Shea
Awakening Your Soul's Purpose: North Node Astrology Through the Houses
Stephanie Shea is a professional astrologer with over 20 years of experience and holds a B.A. in Journalism. Writing about astrology is her dream job, and in 2012, she actualized this dream by becoming a contributing astrologer for janspiller.com. Much of Stephanie’s astrological education was under the guidance of Emily Trinkaus, and she completed an apprenticeship program through Emily’s Alcyone School for Engaged Astrology. From 2012 to mid-2016, Stephanie had the great honor of working for and studying under internationally renowned astrologer, Jan Spiller. Since Jan’s passing in July 2016, Stephanie has been carrying Jan's teachings and legacy forward in the form of horoscopes, forecasts and articles for janspiller.com. When Jan passed, she left a treasure trove of notes for her final book, Awakening Your Soul's Purpose, with the wish that the book be completed. Although Stephanie has written prolifically in her 10 years as an astrology writer, this is her first book and she is extremely proud to be a co-author with her late mentor. To support Stephanie's completion of Jan's final book, consider enrolling in the Next Level Astrology Course or purchasing this illuminating Sign Polarities Class.
Jan Spiller
Awakening Your Soul's Purpose: North Node Astrology Through the Houses
Astrologer Jan Spiller was a world-renowned author, speaker, radio personality, and a pioneer in astrology research. She is the author of five best-selling books on astrology distributed worldwide and translated into seventeen languages. She became famous for her book, Astrology for the Soul, which helps people to understand the North Node, an astrological point that reveals one's life lessons, soul’s purpose and path of greatest success and fulfillment. As an astrologer and writer, Jan was celebrated for her accurate insights and ability to present complex concepts in a down-to-earth, practical way. Jan's previously published books are as follows: The Astrology of Success: A guide to illuminate your inborn gifts for achieving career success and life fulfillment (2013), Spiritual Astrology: A Path to Divine Awakening (Simon & Schuster, 2010), Cosmic Love: Secrets of the Astrology of Intimacy (Random House, 2008, now in 3 languages), New Moon Astrology: The Secret of Astrological Timing to Make All Your Dreams Come True (Random House, 2001, now in 9 languages), Astrology for the Soul (Bantam Books, 1997, now in 17 languages), Astrology for Women (Llewellyn Publications, 1997, a contributing author to the anthology), and Spiritual Astrology: Your Personal Path To Self-Fulfillment (Simon & Schuster, 1988, now in its 14th. printing, also published in Spanish, German, Japanese and is currently being translated into French). To support the publication of Jan's final book, consider enrolling in the Next Level Astrology Course or purchasing this illuminating Sign Polarities Class.
Chloe Rachel Gallaway
The Soulful Child: Twelve Years in the Wilderness and VOICES: Women Braving It All to Live Their Purpose
Chloe Rachel Gallaway is the bestselling author of The Soulful Child: Twelve Years in the Wilderness, a memoir of her childhood through age twelve in the wilderness of Northern New Mexico. The Soulful Child was named a Favorite Book of the Year in The Albuquerque Journal and an International Book Award Finalist. Chloe’s unusual life of growing up deeply connected to nature and spirit has led her to a unique process of intuitively connecting to writing. The writing of this memoir became the foundation for her business and empowered her to become a warrior for helping others to find the truth in their story. A believer in the power of owning our voice, Chloe is leading the VOICES book seriesTM movement, helping people become writers who show up with their heart-centered message in the world.
Carol White
A Divided Duty: A Novel and Coffee Breaks: Short Stories
Carol White is a seven-time award-winning novelist, playwright and freelance writer. Her fiction, essays and columns have been published by The East Hampton Star, The Sun-Sentinel, Writers' Journal, Insight for Playwrights, Working Writers, Woman’s World, The Florida Writer, and Senior Scene. She is a member of the South Florida Theatre League, Florida Writers Association, Florida Mystery Writers, National Women’s Book Association, and the National League of American Pen Women. Carol was the former Executive Producer for the Boca Raton Theatre Guild. She moderates playwriting and memoir workshops, and is a popular speaker at libraries and women’s groups in South Florida. She is the author of the Othello-inspired novel A Divided Duty and Coffee Breaks: Short Stories, an International Book Awards Finalist.
Jean A. Miller Mariner
Backward and Blind: Inspirational Stories about Teaching Teens
Raised in New England, Jean A. Miller Mariner moved to Colorado for her first teaching assignment at an independent residential high school. That led to more than thirty years at six different schools teaching middle-school through college-level math and psychology courses, all while rearing three children with her beloved husband. With a Bachelor of Arts from Oberlin and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Colorado College, she also coached swimming, math, and debate competitions; organized community service activities; served as a dorm parent; and wrote for a textbook company. Splitting her time between the mountains of rural Maine and the mountains of the southwest, she identifies as part Southwesterner and part New Englander. Now retired to a wealth of new life experiences, she has revived interests in writing, mountain biking, open water swimming, traveling, fabric arts, and volunteering for a local food bank. Her memoir is Backward and Blind: Inspirational Stories about Teaching Teens.
Len Gengel
Heartache and Hope in Haiti: The Britney Gengel Story
Len Gengel, together with Cherylann Gengel, raised three children, daughter Britney, and sons Bernie and Richie, before founding Be Like Brit Brit and gaining 66 more in response to their daughter's last wish. Hours before the 2010 Haiti Earthquake decimated and destroyed most of Haiti and claimed their daughter's life on January 10th, Brit had texted her parents: "They love us so much and everyone is so happy. They love what they have and they work so hard to get nowhere, yet they are all so appreciative. I want to move here and start an orphanage myself." Len, who started C & S Builders when he was in college and then received the state of Massachusetts Home Builder of the Year Award in 1995, and Cherylann, a stay-at-home mom, redirected their lives to build Brit's Children's Home in Grand Goâve, Haiti, and dedicated the rest of their lives to raising the next generation of leaders in Haiti. Len and Cherylann each hold an honorary doctorate degree of humane letters from the University of Massachusetts for their commitment to community-focused values. While not actively spending time with their 66 children at Brit's Home, Len resides in the mountains of South Carolina and Cherylann lives in New England near the Be Like Brit International Headquarters in Worcester, Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.belikebrit.org and read his award-winning memoir, Heartache and Hope in Haiti: The Britney Gengel Story: Making Our Daughter's Last Wish Come True.
Cherylann Gengel
Heartache and Hope in Haiti: The Britney Gengel Story
Cherylann Gengel, together with Len Gengel, raised three children, daughter Britney, and sons Bernie and Richie, before founding Be Like Brit Brit and gaining 66 more in response to their daughter's last wish. Hours before the 2010 Haiti Earthquake decimated and destroyed most of Haiti and claimed their daughter's life on January 10th, Brit had texted her parents: "They love us so much and everyone is so happy. They love what they have and they work so hard to get nowhere, yet they are all so appreciative. I want to move here and start an orphanage myself." Cherylann and Len redirected their lives to build Brit's Children's Home in Grand Goâve, Haiti, and dedicated the rest of their lives to raising the next generation of leaders in Haiti. Cherylann and Len hold an honorary doctorate degree of humane letters from the University of Massachusetts for their commitment to community-focused values. While not actively spending time with their 66 children at Brit's Home, Cherylann resides in New England near the Be Like Brit International Headquarters in Worcester, Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.belikebrit.org and read her award-winning memoir, Heartache and Hope in Haiti: The Britney Gengel Story: Making Our Daughter's Last Wish Come True.
Roxanne Z. Kind
A Small Life: A Novel
Roxanne Z. Kind enjoys writing, acting, directing plays, traveling, teaching, and experimenting with recipes. Passionate about preserving the environment, she is growing an organic native plant garden to boost the population of birds, butterflies, bees, and other small creatures. A Small Life is her debut novel.
T.G. Monahan
The Vexing Heirloom: A Novel
T.G. Monahan received his B.A. from Rutgers University and his J.D. from Albany Law School. He is a former Judge Advocate officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and a veteran of the Iraq War. A native of Hawthorne, New Jersey, he now resides in Albany, New York, with his son. The Vexing Heirloom is his literary debut and Dreamin' in '89 is his second novel and a Best Book Awards Finalist in YA Fiction. (Author photo by Lorraine K. Toth)
Dana Troy
Fabulous Fruit
Dana Troy lives in the Appalachian mountains with her fun-loving husband. She finds peace working in her gardens and amongst her berry bushes, where she sustains her family with freshly grown fruits and veggies. Her favorite place is at her drawing desk, where she captures images of her plant and animal neighbors with a joyful heart. Co-created with author Melissa Kale, Fabulous Fruit is her first illustrated children's book.
Melissa Kale
Fabulous Fruit
Melissa Kale lives in the mountains of North Carolina with her husband and two fruit-loving children. She makes oils and salves with flowers from her garden. The Appalachian Mountains provide a majestic playground for her to hike, swim in the rivers, dance, cook and write. She writes children’s books, poetry, action and recipes, and edits books for Citrine. Co-created with illustrator Dana Troy, Fabulous Fruit is her first children's book.
James Deary
The Birth of an American Medium
James Deary, a NYC healthcare organization cofounder and behavioral scientist, never wanted to be a psychic medium. This ability more or less “happened” to him. His first near-death experience occurred when he was two years old. At age eight, he saw his first apparition. Soon thereafter, psychic experiences became commonplace. Looking back, he was always a clairvoyant who could see Spirit, but the sensing, knowing, and hearing Spirit developed over many years. For decades, he kept these gifts a secret. Not wanting to be laughed at, he lived two lives in two separate worlds, and worked restlessly to keep those two worlds apart. But, truth is eventually revealed—Spirit kept knocking harder and harder at his door. His ability to see became coupled with knowing, feeling and hearing until he could no longer deny it. The other side continued pushing through, despite his not knowing why. He wasn’t given a choice. Mediumship was not a pastime activity or a hobby—it was what his soul had become. The Birth of an American Medium is his first book.
Diane Pienta
Be the Magic: Bite-Sized Nuggets of Wisdom to Feed your Joy, Nourish your Soul and Open your Heart
Diane Pienta is a writer, mentor and forest therapy guide who loves to help others see and be their own magic. When not exploring new corners of the world or new ways of healing and thinking, she fiddles, felts, dances, dowses and paints, and loves living near the Muddy River in Boston with her sea-faring husband. Please visit her at www.dianepienta.com. Her first book, Be the Magic: Bite-Sized Nuggets of Wisdom to Feed your Joy, Nourish your Soul and Open your Heart is actionable guidance for becoming joyfully tuned-in to the divine guidance presented to us at every turn. If you’ve been struggling to find your purpose, to bring more love, peace and play into your life, Be the Magic may well become your most welcomed daily companion.
Nick Gancitano
Be Still and Know I AM God and The Awakened Athlete
Nick Gancitano is a #1 best-selling author, speaker, spiritual guide, business consultant, master coach, mentor, former Regional Vice President for a financial planning company, a soccer All-American and football National Champion. He works with spiritual seekers, entrepreneurs, CEOs, collegiate and professional athletes, yogis, martial arts senseis, other coaches and more. Over the last 25 years, thousands globally have attained transformation via Nick’s mentorship and guidance.
Ellyn Horn Zarek
Detours: A Novel
Ellyn Horn Zarek is a writer from Massachusetts and an alumnus of UMass Boston. She was named Best Fiction Writer of the Year in 2016 by the Palm Beach Book Festival for her novel, "Far Town." She has had several short stories read on NPR and is a Chicken Soup for the Soul contributor. In addition, she has been a member of the Kravis Center Writer’s Circle since 2005. Ellyn has entertained audiences with readings of her original essays at the Palm Beach Institute for the Entertainment Arts. She is proud to have served two years in AmeriCorps, and to have taught English for International Language Homestays. She is on the board of both The Cream Literary Alliance and Kayla Cares 4 Kids. A mother of two, she lives with her husband and Miniature Schnauzer, Daisy, and calls Florida home. As one of "The Inkslingers," she is the co-author of the International Book Award Finalist Detours: A Novel, honored in Visionary Fiction.
Emily Rodavich
Mystical Interludes: An Ordinary Person's Extaordinary Experiences
Emily Rodavich is a speaker and award-winning author of the inspirational memoir Mystical Interludes: An Ordinary Person's Extraordinary Experiences, an International Book Awards Finalist and Spiritual/Self-Help Winner of the Pittsburgh Authors' Zone Awards. A retired teacher of high school English, mother of three, and grandmother of four, she has traveled to parts of the United States and to Europe, Egypt, China, Thailand, and Israel partly to explore spiritual, religious, and supernatural mysteries, including her own. She lives near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she is a member of Pennwriters and editor of the anthology and Amazon #1 Bestseller Mystical Interludes II: A Collection of Ordinary People's Extraordinary Experiences.
Giulietta Nardone
Feel More Alive! 30 Brilliant Ways to Ignite Your Inner Spark
Giulietta Nardone is an inspirational writer, painter and singer living in Massachusetts with her husband and two frolicsome cats. She leads imagination and creativity programs in person and online, and gives “magical” talks with her imperfect, unforgettable voice. She is the author of the part memoir, part art gallery, part feel-better guide Feel More Alive: 30 Brilliant Ways to Reignite Your Inner Spark, featuring six of Giulietta's shimmering new paintings.
Susan Goldfein
How to Complain... When There's Nothing to Complain About
Susan began writing when she discovered, in retirement, that she looked terrible in golf clothes and canasta had way too many rules. Seeking an activity that didn't require wearing a polo shirt, she began writing witty essays about life from the perspective of "a woman of a certain age," and launched a second career as a blogger, humor columnist, and author. Her style is reminiscent of Nora Ephron and Erma Bombeck, with a touch of Andy Rooney thrown in for good measure. In her first life, Susan earned a doctorate in Speech Pathology and worked as a clinician, adjunct professor, and consultant. She is married, has two sons, three step-daughters, five grandchildren, and the world's cutest Russell Terrier named Sam. She divides her time between Florida and Connecticut. Her second book, How To Complain... When There's Nothing to Complain About, elevates kvetching to a literary genre. But the critics are not complaining! The book is an International Book Awards Winner, a Foreword INDIES Gold Winner and a Humor Bronze Medalist in the IPPYs.
Rosemary N. Gensler
Detours: A Novel
Rosemary Gensler fell in love with the power of the word when she was seven years old, writing her first essay. She has written many pieces since then, culminating in her memoir, I Refuse to Say Moo. She has also published stories through the Kravis Center in Florida, where she was an original member of the Writer’s Circle. Her works have been read on NPR in Florida, where she presently resides and writes. She and her late husband are the parents of three, and proud grandparents of nine. Rosemary looks forward to the continual learning of the written word and seeing more of her work in print. As one of "The Inkslingers," she is the co-author of the International Book Award Finalist Detours: A Novel, honored in Visionary Fiction.
Ildikó Oravecz
Tribal Abundance: Living Courageously in an Uncertain World
Living under a name that translates to “fierce warrior” in Hungarian can send many messages to a young girl transitioning from a host of divergent cultures throughout her life. For Ildikó Oravecz, it meant that success best happens when it is not built alone. Through a fierce and colorful past that began in South Africa, followed by part of her life in Hungary and then tiny Socorro, New Mexico, Ildi’s greatest philosophies were to listen to your gut, build a culture you believe in, and maintain a posture that promotes further enrichment. She now translates those life lessons into her Tribal Abundance™ program and book by the same title. Tribal Abundance: Living Courageously in an Uncertain World debuted as an Amazon #1 Bestseller and is a multi award-winning business book and memoir.
Kristine Lucco
One Magical Night
Kristine Lucco's passion for art began at a young age and drove her to further hone her skill by studying at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale fresh out of high school. Her talent, however, was quickly recognized as extraordinary by local designers and she was commissioned to paint murals for premier real estate as well as several national restaurant chains. Today, over 20 years later, Kristine's art and designs adorn walls and myriad other surfaces all over south Florida. Her work takes the form of murals, trompe l'oeil, children's rooms, hand painted furniture and faux finishing, in both commercial and residential settings. Her work has been highlighted in Florida Design and Palm Beach Illustrator, and featured on the cover of Christies Estates Magazine. Kristine's clients include many award winning interior designers and national sports celebrities. She is the illustrator of the International Book Award-Winning Children's Book, One Magical Night.
Natalie Sager
Peaceful Mama: The Mind, Body, and Baby Connection
Natalie Sager (a.k.a. "The Modern Hippie Mama") is a mother of two boys and holistic health coach whose mission is helping all beings live in pure health and feel abundance of happiness in their lives. She has joined with co-author Lindsay Ambrose and 20 expert contributors to share her heartfelt inspiration and knowledge around health and ideas for how moms can make self-care a priority in Peaceful Mama: The Mind, Body and Baby Connection, which debuted as Amazon's #1 New Release in Pregnancy and Childbirth and is an International Book Awards Winner.
Lindsay Ambrose
Peaceful Mama: The Mind, Body, and Baby Connection
Lindsay Ambrose is making everyday moments more meaningful as a woman, wife, and mother of three young children. She writes a blog and hosts the podcast EveryDayEveryMom, life recipes for mindfulness, positivity and compassion, and is the co-author of Peaceful Mama: The Mind, Body, and Baby Connection, which debuted as Amazon's #1 New Release in Pregnancy and Childbirth and is an International Book Awards Winner.
Lea Hope Becker
Think Yourself Young: Poetry to Make You Smile
Lea Hope Becker is a licensed attorney and tax preparer who has been writing and publishing books since 2008. She is the author of six books, three memoirs and two recent full-length books, which she describes as “novels laced with humor,” and a forthcoming poetry collection, Think Yourself Young: Poetry to Make You Smile, telling of the joys and frustrations of her various life experiences. She holds a law degree and bachelor’s degree from DePaul University in Chicago.
Lee B. Ravine
Villa Paraiso: A Novel
Lee B. Ravine, M.S., a speaker and educator, holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master of Science in Special Education. She was employed by the New York City Board of Education, where she taught students with special needs. In retirement, Lee found a "second career" in as a volunteer with organizations including the Palm Beach Country Sheriff's Office and the Faulk Center for Counseling in Boca Raton. An in-demand speaker, Lee is also the author of Riding Solo My Journey Through Love and Madness and a member of the National League of American Pen Women. She resides in a South Florida community "nothing like" her fictional Villa Paraiso, a Royal Palm Literary Awards Semi-Finalist.
Mari Wilman
The Drowning Year: A Novel
Mari Wilman is a licensed pharmacist with experience compounding holistic medications and has a B.A. in Romance Languages. She is currently devoting her time to her writing and playing bass guitar in two local bands, one of which recently released an album of original songs. Her interests include nutrition, music, animal rescue, and metaphysics. She lives with her husband and three children in south Florida.
V. Lakshmi
Finding Your Way: When Life Changes Your Plans
An international award-winning photographer, V. Lakshmi has owned and run a photography business in the Midwestern United States for eight years and counting. Writing is her next adventure, a newfound love that she embraces as a thrilling form of art. In looking through the lens of her camera, she has developed a unique perspective for dealing with the myriad boulders life has thrown her way, and now weaves her vision into words in Finding Your Way: When Life Changes Your Plans. V.'s compelling memoir chronicles her uncommon life, starting as an orphan in a remote village in India who was later adopted and raised by a Caucasian Jewish family in America. With vulnerability, humor and insight, she describes the emotions surrounding all sides of adoption, her intense encounters with racism, and her twenty-year battle with endometriosis, combined with infertility and the loss of motherhood. She is still standing today, learning to find forgiveness through it all and providing inspiration as a speaker on all these issues at the core of our humanity. An eternal optimist, she holds a Bachelors of General Studies with Minors in Psychology and Gender Studies and keeps one goal in her heart: that her triumphant stories inspire and help out as many people as she can before she leaves this planet.