Honoring the Journey: Celebrating First-Quarter Bookaversaries

The beginning of the year has always felt like a season of possibility. It feels especially meaningful that many of my books were published during the first quarter of the year, a time associated with new beginnings, fresh goals, and renewed purpose. As these anniversaries come around, I reflect not only on publication dates, but on the intention, people, and persistence behind each title.

Across my career, my writing has centered on early childhood education, professional empowerment, and support for families and young children through meaningful learning experiences. Whether written for educators in classrooms and home-based programs or for children and families navigating everyday milestones, each book reflects a commitment to practical, affirming, and accessible resources.

First-Quarter Publications

Several of my books were published during the first quarter of various years, including:

• The PAID Educator: 10 Professional Ways to Supplement Your Teaching Salary (January 2020): A professional development book focused on financial empowerment and long-term career sustainability for educators.

  
  

• The PAID Educator Companion Journal: Mapping Out the Road to Financial Freedom (February 2020): A guided journal designed to help educators reflect, plan, and take actionable steps toward financial wellness.

  
  

• WINGS Lesson Plan Guide for Infants (January 2021): A thematic lesson plan guide supporting learning from birth to age one.

  
  

• WINGS Lesson Plan Guide for Toddlers (January 2021): A developmentally aligned guide for educators working with children ages one and two.

  
  

• WINGS Lesson Plan Guide for Preschoolers (January 2021): Twelve months of thematic learning experiences for children ages three to five.

  
  

• WINGS Lesson Plan Guide for Family Child Care (February 2021): Curriculum support tailored for educators in home-based early learning settings.

Each of these titles represents a moment in time; while also reflecting ongoing conversations with educators, families, and children whose lived experiences continue to shape my work.

My Publishing Philosophy

For these books, I intentionally chose the hybrid publishing route, which supports equitable and international access to all my work. Children, families, and educators are everywhere, and access to meaningful resources should never be limited by geography. My goal has always been to ensure these books can reach classrooms, family childcare homes, professional learning spaces, and the bookshelves of families around the world.

I am thankful to the amazing publisher of these particular books, Mynd Matters Publishing, that my works are sold through major online retailers such as Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million, educational distributors, conference events and independent booksellers; while, I still have the ability to offer them directly through my website.

A Note to Aspiring Authors

If you have a story, a message, or an idea inside you, get it out for the world to see. Every book begins with a belief that your voice matters. We all have a purpose, and when we fail to live up to it, we cheat the world of what only we can contribute.

Write the book. Share your knowledge. Tell the story. Someone is waiting for what you have to offer. I'm cheering you on!