It’s my hope that The Backpack Series, including the first volume — The Backpack You Don’t See— along with my newest volume — The Blue Backpack You Don’t See — inspires honest and earnest conversation in the classroom and at home. To that end, I would be delighted to guest speak and share my workshop through my author visits at schools, libraries, Boys & Girls Clubs, and other community organizations that champion and support talking with kids about themes showcased in my book(s). If you’d like me to visit your school or organization, lovely! Please feel free to reach out to me for my availability.
You can reach me at: info@thebackpackseries.com
ABOUT MY WORKSHOP — THE BACKPACK SERIES: Navigating the Joyful and Stressful Times Young People Experience
Every student arrives at school carrying a backpack that you do see, filled with books, supplies, lunches—and another backpack that you don’t see, filled with their feelings and experiences.
In this interactive workshop, I visit your school or organization to guide students through an engaging exploration of the “invisible backpacks” we all carry. Together, we discuss a wide range of emotions—happy, sad, worried, mad, excited, and everything in between—and learn how to understand, name, and normalize them.
The workshop includes a live reading of my story, followed by a supportive group discussion and a reflective literacy activity. Each element is designed to help students build emotional awareness while fostering confidence, empathy, and resilience.
This experience supports the mental health and overall well-being of every student in a safe, inclusive environment, offering simple yet meaningful strategies to help young people learn to regulate their feelings as they navigate the ups and downs of growing up.
School Visits
Northmount School
Headmaster, Dr. Terence Sheridan says:
“Thanks very much for coming to Northmount and for sharing not only your beautiful and profound children’s book, but also your passion for teaching. Feedback from students has been extremely positive. Once again, your time and efforts are truly appreciated!”
St. Pius X Catholic School–TCDSB
It was an honour to be invited to share my book with the staff and students at St. Pius X Catholic School, TCDSB on Bell Let’s Talk Day 2025, to support child and youth mental health. Thank you to everyone for your warm welcome and for such a fun and productive day working together!
St. Pius X Catholic School—TCDSB, Primary Division Teachers say:
“Thank you for visiting our Primary students at St. Pius X Catholic School. We appreciate you taking the time to share your amazing book with us and completing an activity with all our classes. We hope you will always remember us as we will remember you!”
Our Lady of Peace Catholic School–TCDSB
Principal Mackie Coluccio, Our Lady of Peace Catholic School—TCDSB says:
“It was an honour to welcome you! We love your book and how it helped us share our ‘light and bright’ and ‘dark and heavy’ feelings! Such an important message!”
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School–TCDSB
I am feeling so grateful for the warm welcome I received from the staff and wonderful Grade 1-4 students at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School, TCDSB. It was so rewarding talking about our feelings and discussing strategies to help us all keep our backpacks bright and light! A special thank you to Ms. D’Ambrosio for her work coordinating this amazing day!
Ms. D’Ambrosio, St. Charles Borromeo—TCDSB, Grade 1 Teacher says:
“Thank you for coming and sharing this awesome book with the students!”