Meet Our Authors

Michelle is a retired elementary school teacher residing in the vibrant state of Arizona. Despite leaving the traditional classroom setting, she continues to share her passion for education as a professor at Arizona State University. Michelle’s journey takes a personal turn as she embraces the role of a grandmother to a young boy with autism. Inspired by her experiences and the unique perspective that comes with it, she poured her heart into a collection of poems dedicated to unraveling the beauty and challenges of autism. Through her writing, Michelle hopes to shed light on this complex world and provide comfort, understanding, and awareness to others navigating a similar path.

Lauri was born and raised in Iowa and often remarks that the Midwest is a wonderful place to call home. Once she graduated college, however, she made the decision to relocate to Phoenix, Arizona, where she started her journey in teaching. Phoenix became the backdrop for her life where she raised her four beautiful daughters, and frequently paid a visit to her home in Iowa. It was the experiences she had as a mother that sparked her passion for creating real-life children’s stories. Since retiring from her career in elementary education, she enjoys spending her time reading stories to her grandchildren and treasures every moment she spends with them.

Matthew was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, but considers Knoxville, Tennessee his home. Growing up, he was enthralled by science fiction and fantasy literature, dreaming of writing a novel that would allow readers to escape into another world, and hopefully, learn a bit about themselves. He currently works as an I.T. Technician. When he’s not writing (or turning computers off, and then on again), you may find him reading, motorcycling, or enjoying the outdoors.

Tiffany is a pediatric nurse who grew up in the small town of Dry Ridge, Kentucky. As a devoted wife and nurturing mother of two young girls, she weaves her experiences as a loving mom into her writing.

Tiffany’s passion for nurturing young minds goes far beyond her nursing profession. She firmly believes in the power of education and is an advocate for her children’s learning journey. Her daughter, Lucy, known for her silliness, quick wit, and sassy charm, has a personality that served as an inspiration for Tiffany’s writing. She infused her stories with a unique blend of humor and authenticity while ensuring that they resonate with both parents and children alike.

With a heart full of warmth and a pen filled with creativity, she invites readers of all ages to embark on a journey of discovery, patience, and boundless imagination through her words.

  Ms. McCreary fell in love with the sound of the oboe when she was very young. Many years and many broken reeds later, she now has a degree in music education with decades of experience playing in music ensembles. She has taught in both public and private schools, and she currently teaches private lessons out of her home in central Virginia. This story was inspired by her experiences as a student and a teacher and is dedicated to the memory of her parents, who were her biggest fans. She shares her life with her best roadie and six cats. In her spare time, she writes, crochets, plays video games and, of course, practices multiple instruments.

  Nathalie Tobon was born in Barranquilla, Colombia before she embarked on a life-altering journey to the United States at the young age of six.

Although Nathalie’s passion for dance has been her guiding light that has transformed her into a dance fitness instructor, it was her beloved son, Zach, who ignited the spark of her writing journey. When Zach was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, she used her determination to face the challenges of being a single mother. In her pursuit to make Zach’s world brighter, she grabbed a pen and paper and began to write.

Driven by the desire to create a story that not only her son would enjoy, but also resonate with many others who navigate the unique journey of autism and friendship. Nathalie is committed to helping others understand autism more while allowing her son, as well as others like him, to feel more included in this colorful world.

  Meet Tara, the master multitasker who was raised in Arizona and is now residing in Northern Kentucky. She’s a mom, wife, publisher, and an avid reader. If there’s one thing Tara knows, it’s how to keep a home, a family, and a publishing company running… somewhat smoothly.

As an avid reader, Tara is known to sneak in a few chapters while her son plays, and she’s been spotted with a book in one hand while stirring pasta with the other, mastering the art of literary multitasking.

But wait, there’s more! Tara is also the fearless owner of Leaf & Literature Publishing House. She’s a boss lady who somehow manages to run a company, parent, read, write this book, and find time to relax with a cup of tea… err, Mountain Dew (while her son occasionally interrupts for a snack).

Why did she write this book, you ask? Throughout her life, Tara has seen several instances of children being bullied, including her son with autism. Driven by a desire to make a positive impact, she decided to craft a story aimed at inspiring other children who have been bullied, encouraging them to maintain their bravery.

Tara represents chaos, creativity, and silliness. Her journey as an author, mom, wife, and publisher is a rollercoaster ride through the fun and not-so-fun parts of everyday life in Kentucky.