As an educator and the child of two Holocaust survivors, I have always believed that one of the most important lessons we can teach children is the value of humanity. My parents’ experiences taught me from an early age how important it is to recognize the dignity, worth, and humanity in every person—regardless of how different they may appear, where they come from, or what challenges they may face. I wrote The Rainbow in Ms. Ruby’s Room because I wanted to share these lessons

When my son was in college, he found two stray cats, Gypsy and Hunter. He immediately fell in love with them, but unfortunately, the house he was renting did not allow pets. So, Gypsy and Hunter came to live in my basement. It didn’t take long before I fell in love with these two beautiful, gentle, and loving feline friends myself. They became a special part of our family and lived happy, wonderful lives. After they passed away, I wanted to honor their memory by creating a st

When my subdivision was built, we invaded the forest and wetlands that had been home to countless wild animals. With their natural habitat disrupted, the animals had nowhere else to go—and, in a way, they became my unexpected neighbors. Each morning, I would wake to the unmistakable THUMP-THUD of a goose landing on the roof of my house. That sound seemed to set off a chain reaction. One by one, the other animals and birds would awaken and begin making their own unique sounds.

As a speech and language pathologist I have worked for 36 years with students with severe and profound disabilities. My students have given me more of a gift than what I have given them. Many have taught me patience, helped me sharpen my speech and language skills and take myself less seriously. I have worked with students ranging in ages 3 to 26. Many were in a self-contained school due to their intellectual or cognitive disabilities, and physical, medical and social challe

“Wonder” Have you ever wondered what life would be like without diversity? We would all be identical. We would be clones of one another. ...

Although I am retired from my career as a speech and language pathologist, I still wanted to find a meaningful way to contribute to the profession I loved. During my daily walks to Drake Sports Park with my neighbor, Lisa—who is also a retired speech and language pathologist—we began brainstorming ideas for a children's book. We decided to use zoo animals as metaphors for children with speech and language challenges. Before long, Spunky Monkey came to life and embarked on a j

When my grandson was born, I wanted to give him a gift that was more than a toy—something fun, magical, and meaningful that would make him smile. That inspiration led me to write a story about a magical pair of shoes that could transport a young boy to different countries around the world. Through his adventures, he discovers that although people may look different, speak different languages, and have different customs and traditions, we also share so much in common. He learn

I asked my mom to relive some terrible times I wanted more answers on the Nazis and their crimes Ethnic cleansing, anti-Semitism,...

My parents never discussed their past. Our family was small, and a significant part of their lives remained hidden from me and my brother. It wasn't until I was an adult that my mother shared her story about the Holocaust. This prompted me to delve deeper into my parents' history. I discovered the burial sites of my grandmother and uncle, and after more than 70 years, a tombstone was finally erected for them in Poland. I persuaded my mom to return to Poland and revisit her pa