My book, Sam & Sara, is written about a young woman on the ADD/autistic spectrum. As someone in the neurodivergent community who struggled to learn in the traditional school system, I wanted to create a story that celebrates people who think differently. I’ve found success by harnessing my active imagination and turning what is considered a learning disability into a superpower. Sam & Sara advocates for children and adults who share my experience, and I’ve spent a lot of time engaging my audience to read the book and spread awareness.
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Washington Elementary School District invited me to speak at each of their locations and holds a copy of my work in each of their libraries. It is a part of the Phoenix Public Library collection, where I did multiple public readings at Burton Barr. It also belongs to libraries in smaller towns throughout our state, such as Prescott Public Library. Each of my engagements includes a creativity exercise where I encourage participants to cut shapes out of paper and arrange them into scenes.
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I have spoken with adults and other creative professionals about challenges and solutions working with neurodivergent persons. A few of these engagements include speaking at the Arizona Art Education Association summit, ASU’s Skysong, and at Biosphere 2 for the Arizona STEAM teacher conference. Gilbert City Hall invited me to be a part of their 2024 Lecture Series and speak about my experience as a neurodivergent learner.
