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Best Social-Emotional Learning Activities

Social emotional learning (SEL) is an important part of education for elementary school students. It helps students to understand and manage their emotions, build positive relationships with others, and develop

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May we never forget

My hope for everyone on memorial day is that you all enjoy your BBQ’s, spend time with your friends and family, and enjoy the little things that we all take

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Purple up!

Thank you OCM BOCES for giving Diana and I the opportunity to present virtually to over 52 classrooms this week! We were able to read our book and discuss our

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Our first year: A look back

Today, April 15, marks our one year anniversary of publishing our first children’s book. We wanted to share all the fun things we’ve been doing this past year. Being able

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Introducing Fred…

I loved seeing my students excited reactions when they learned Fred was based on a real dog. Here’s to the greatest dog I have ever known. May you continue to

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Operation Shower

Every month we try to find ways to pay it forward, spread kindness, and honor Eddie. November is a significant month for us because it’s the anniversary of Eddie’s passing

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When your illustrator is spot on!

We loved seeing the development of our characters and how they came alive. My artistic ability consists of sloppy stick figures and generic smiley faces. Thank goodness for our incredibly

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Happy Birthday Eddie!

Today is what would have been Eddie’s 36th birthday. Giving, friendly, fun, goofball are just a few words to describe him. He was larger than life making people laugh and

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Coming soon…April 2021!

When I was a little girl I loved reading and writing stories. As I got older, that love faded and my dream of becoming an author was no longer something

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10 years to pay it forward

10 years to pay it forward…

“The world changes from year to year, our lives from day to day. But the love and memory of you, shall never pass away.” 10 years is often celebrated as

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My next project!!!

I am beyond excited to announce that after years of discussing this idea, my sister Diana and I have written our first children’s book! Being a school counselor, I really

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May we never forget (MDW 2020)

This memorial day is different than most. Stores are closed, barbecues are cancelled and large celebrations are not allowed. Even though plans may have been cancelled, there is still an

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Pants not required…

I’m sure people are overwhelmed hearing about the Covid 19 virus. People are scared, lost and trying to figure out this new virtual world we are currently living in. In

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New year, same me, big goals!

I find myself reflecting back on the exciting moments in 2019 and all the memories that made me smile. My biggest accomplishment was publishing my book! I deeply appreciate everyone

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Our salute to service

The anniversary of Eddie’s death could be a terrible day. Thinking back on painful memories and feelings could be consuming and has been in the past. November 10th could be

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Signed books

Signed books for sale!

Wow, I’m really feeling the love! Thank you to everyone who took time out of their day to come by the Nyack street fair and support me. Especially Aunt Helen

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Thank you for your support

Thank you for your support

It has been an emotional week after releasing my memoir. Thank you doesn’t even come close to fully express my gratitude to each and every one of you. For every

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Early release!!

Well, Amazon worked a lot quicker than I thought! My memoir is now available on Kindle and paperback! I hope you enjoy my story. Please take a moment to leave

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Release date!!!

Have you ever done something exciting yet terrifying at the same time? Well here goes nothing… After all these years, writing, editing, second guessing, ripping my hair out, tears, laughter,

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Getting closer!!

I am overwhelmed with emotion as I received the proof copy of my book from Amazon! After all of this time it feels surreal to be holding it in my

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Donation for a good cause

A huge thank you to my incredibly talented friend Melina Cronin from My Perspective Photography who also took my book cover photo. She graciously donated this beautiful canvas photo for

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Cover Reveal!

I’m excited to share the front and back cover of my memoir. This was not my original vision for my cover as I was not planning on having my face

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Moving forward

Thank you to my friend Emily for sharing this Ted talk of Nora Mclnerly with me. For those who have suffered a loss or know someone who is grieving, I

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The face of courage

Today I had the pleasure of meeting author, James McLeod. James excitedly shared his book “The Boy Behind The Face” with the first graders in the school I work in.

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Celebrating a beautiful life 4/25

Every year on Eddie’s birthday I like to do something to celebrate his life. I have surrounded myself with those who love him, toasted to him during a beautiful sunset,

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Live in the present

This quote really resonates with me. Sometimes I catch myself counting down the days until Friday and realize I need to stop wishing time away. Our time is short, precious

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A New Path

I have great news to share about the availability of my memoir “Who Are You Calling a Widow?” I decided to take my book into my own hands. What does

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Always believe in yourself!

Self doubt has been my biggest struggle when it comes to writing. I’m so fixated on making sure everything is perfect and that everyone is going to like my book.

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Bring it on 2019!

May 2019 bring you love, happiness, extra vacation days, chocolate that makes you thinner, a house that cleans itself and 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep! “Today is the first blank

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Happy holidays!

It’s important to realize that the holidays are not always joyous for some and that it can be a painful time of year or a painful reminder. While someone may

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Tis the season of giving!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, right? Not everyone is going to share that feeling. The holiday scramble is upon us trying to find the best sales and

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Proud to be an American

On Saturday November 10, 2018 I attended the unveiling of the monument dedicated to Veterans of the Gulf War/War on terror. I feel a huge sense of pride being from

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On air with Steve Repak

Radio host, speaker, author, certified financial planner and Army veteran Steve Repak graciously reached out to me for an interview on his Christian finance radio show. He predominantly focuses on

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A writer’s Euphoria

After attending the Thrillerfest last week in NYC, I found myself thinking about the term “runner’s high.” Once a runner reaches a certain distance, their endorphins kick in and they

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Hole in one!

Yesterday was the 8th annual memorial golf tournament for Eddie. People traveled from all over the U.S. to celebrate his life and I know he would be forever grateful. I’m

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Freedom isn’t free

When I was younger I didn’t truly understand the meaning of Memorial Day. To me, it was a 3-day weekend filled with BBQ’s, swimming and fun times with family and

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Raise your glass…

Today is and always will be a special day for me. Today, April 25, Eddie was supposed to turn 33. While I have struggled through this day without him through

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Homefront Hugs Foundation

It’s amazing how people can connect with others through tragedies in their lives. It could be someone you might have never met if the circumstances were even slightly different. I

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magic of books

The magic of books

I feel an immense amount of pride and joy that my toddler shares my love for reading. Books are beautiful treasures that open doors to many different worlds, ideas and

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What’s next?

So, now you have a literary agent…What’s next?? Many have asked me if this means my book will be coming out soon. As much as I wish that were true,

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Big Announcement!!

I am over the moon excited that I have signed with the lovely Terrie Wolf at AKA literary management as my literary agent! After months of editing, querying, receiving endless

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A writer’s journey…

It has occured to me that the fellowship amongst writers is like one long run on sentence. I’m constantly blown away by the kindness of other writers. Being new to

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Happy Holidays!

During this holiday season, I ask that you continue the WWED (What Would Eddie Do) mantra and spread kindness. Some are celebrating the holidays, while others are dreading it. Many

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