About the Author

Being a native to the warm, sunlit breezes of different parts of Florida, I’ve built a life grounded in connection—whether with family, friends, or the wider world through travel. My husband and I have shared a remarkable 30-year relationship, including 20 years of marriage, navigating life’s adventures together with resilience and humor.

For over 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as CFO for our small business, caring for exotic animals in our rescue facility, balancing the demands of work and life while fostering growth both personally and professionally. Of all my roles, though, the one I hold closest to my heart is being a mother to two incredible sons, who continue to inspire me with their curiosity, compassion, and emotional intelligence.

Life’s adventures have taken us from boardrooms and monkey enclosures to the open seas, where my husband and I served as chef and first mate aboard a charter catamaran. Those years sailing taught me the value of adaptability, teamwork, and finding joy in the journey—lessons that resonate deeply in my writing.

My passion lies in empowering children, educators, and parents to prioritize emotional intelligence. I believe in the transformative power of education to nurture empathy, self-awareness, and connection, and I’ve dedicated my work to creating tools that make these values a reality in classrooms around the world.

Anchored by the love and support of family—parents, step-parents, in-laws, and siblings—I cherish the relationships that have shaped my life. Through my books, I hope to inspire others to build classrooms and communities that prioritize emotional well-being, creating a brighter future for all of us.

Join me on this journey to bring emotional intelligence to the forefront of education—because together, we can make every child feel seen, supported, and ready to thrive.

About Max

Maxwell Clark was an 8-year-old White-faced Capuchin monkey who captured hearts at our rescue facility. Adorable and mischievous, Max had a knack for making funny faces, giving big hugs, and riding around on shoulders. While his temper occasionally flared, his charm made him unforgettable. 

Though Max is no longer with us, his playful spirit lives on in the character brought to life by illustrator Jeniffer Kay. The sanctuary has since closed, with all rescues placed in loving homes, but Max’s legacy continues to bring joy through this story.

About the Illustrator

Jeniffer Kay is a dedicated and imaginative professional illustrator who has spent the past five years transforming children's stories into vivid and delightful visual experiences. Specializing in children's book illustration, formatting, and book cover design, Jeniffer brings characters to life with a unique blend of creativity and meticulous attention to detail. With a passion for storytelling and a knack for captivating young minds, her illustrations have become beloved elements in countless children’s books. Her work not only enhances the narrative but also encourages young readers to explore their imagination and fall in love with reading. Whether it’s whimsical characters, enchanting landscapes, or engaging layouts, Jeniffer’s illustrations are sure to leave a lasting impression on both authors and young audiences alike.