Teachers & Parents

It’s my hope that The Backpack Series inspires honest and earnest conversation in the classroom and at home.

I believe it is so important to focus on social and emotional curriculum and supports in helping nurture a healthy learning environment for all students. I would love to support your learning community to complement your Mental Health Strategic Plan by visiting and sharing my workshop with your students in your classrooms and communities.

I’m truly honoured and grateful for the feedback I receive from parents, educators and psychologists who share how my books are making a meaningful difference for their young readers.

Please feel free to contact me anytime you would be interested in booking an author visit with me or to share your comments and insights on how my books have made an impact in your home, classroom or practice!

To bring The Backpack Series to life, please contact me at info@thebackpackseries.com

Wishing you bright and light always!

“I finished your book this past weekend and wanted to let you know I found it completely enchanting and absolutely lovely. The way you’ve approached recognizing and acknowledging emotions in such an accessible and curious way to both children and adults is truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your talent and insight with the world—it’s a beautiful gift that will undoubtedly make a positive impact.”

— Heidi Walk, MD CFPC

“The Blue Backpack You Don’t See, is a beautifully written story that gently but powerfully introduces children to the idea of emotional awareness. Using the relatable metaphor of an invisible backpack to represent the feelings we all carry, especially sadness. The story offers a way to help children understand and name, and normalize their emotional experiences of sadness. It offers a compassionate perspective on sadness, exclusion, change, and the ups and downs of growing up complexities over emotional experiences. It is an invaluable tool for parents, educators, and mental health professionals to use with children to teach emotional awareness which enhances resilience. As psychologists, we appreciate the story’s ability to validate difficult feelings while also offering a path toward resilience and hope. We look forward to using this beautiful story with our clients.”

— Dr. Sandra Mendlowitz, PhD. C. Psych., and Dr. Silvia Bernardini, PhD. C.Psych., Co-Directors, Reframe Psychology Clinic, Toronto

“My young clients absolutely loved reading both the first and second books. They were engaged and loved how the story rhymed while sharing deep lessons about emotions and how to deal with them. It creates more awareness of our backpacks and its contents and teaches compassion for ourselves and others. As a psychotherapist, I recommend all parents of young children to invest in their children’s emotional health and well-being — This series is just that good!”

— Janette Chu, MA, RP, Registered Psychotherapist