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Copyright BPChildren 2008 |
About the Authors |
"A friend of mine once told me, 'The more we know, the better we do.' I believe this to be true of parents struggling to raise children with bipolar disorder. I also believe it to be true for the children themselves. Initially it was to help my own son 'know more' that I wrote Brandon and the Bipolar Bear. It wasn't long before I realized how many people need to 'know more' about bipolar disorder. I hope that through my writing I will touch the lives of many who suffer from this illness. While my pencil can't erase the difficulties that may lie ahead perhaps it can in some small measure ease the burden carried by such small souls." |
Tracy (Dunham) Anglada was born and raised in southern Illinois. She graduated with honors from Hillsboro High School. Her awards and recognition include: The Presidential Academic Fitness Award, The National Science Olympiad Award, and induction into The National Honor Society. After high school, she volunteered full time in a community service Bible educational work for three years. Later, Tracy would study writing with the Institute of Children's Literature. Her studies were halted with the birth of her son. Ironically, it would be this child's medical condition that prompted her to return to the field of literature. Tracy currently resides in Florida with her husband and four children. She founded BPChildren in 2001 in an effort to provide more resources for children who suffer with bipolar disorder. Tracy is the author of the following books and booklets: |
The Childhood Bipolar Disorder Answer Book (co-authored with Dr. Hakala) Intense Minds: Understanding Young People with Bipolar Disorder Brandon and the Bipolar Bear: A Story for Children With Bipolar Disorder Turbo Max: A Story for Siblings and Friends of Children With Bipolar Disorder The Student With Bipolar Disorder An Educator's Guide I'll Chart My Moods 31 Days |
Sheryl Hakala completed her medical degree, general adult psychiatric training, and child psychiatric fellowship, serving as chief resident, at the University of South Florida. Dr. Hakala is also active in organized psychiatry, has several scientific publications, and has made several TV appearances. She provides both psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy in her private practice in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Hakala is the co-author of The Childhood Bipolar Disorder Answer Book. For more information on Dr. Hakala's private practice visit www.drkares.com. |
Bryna Hebert |
Formerly a computer professional and technical writer, I found my world turned upside down when my son began to suffer from and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Life has gotten much better for him and us, but it changed my focus to using my writing skills to help children be emotionally healthy. Currently, I am working on my Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling. Bryna lives with her husband and three children in Rhode Island and works with children with a variety of psychiatric conditions. Bryna is the author of the following books: My Bipolar Roller Coaster Feelings Book My Roller Coaster Feelings Workbook Anger Mountain |
Lisa Lewandowski, Ph.D. |
Dr. Lewandowski earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology. She provides outpatient treatment to adults, conducts elementary school programs aimed to reduce stigma associated with mental illness and works as a research associate for the University of Michigan. Her most rewarding job, however, is parenting her children. Dr. Lewandowski is the co-author of Darcy Daisy and the Firefly Festival. The author can be reached through her website: www.dreamadifference.com |
Shannon M.B. Trost, B.S. |
Shannon Trost earned her B.S. in psychology, concentrating on behavioral psychology. She conducts elementary school programs aimed to reduce stigma associated with mental illness, works as a freelance editor, is active in her daughters' schools and uses her psychology background to help in the everyday challenges of parenting. Ms. Trost is the co-author of Darcy Daisy and the Firefly Festival. She can be reached through her website: www.dreamadifference.com |
Kim Hix |
Kim Hix resides in Simpsonville SC with her husband and two children. No One is Perfect and You are a Great Kid is her first children's book written for her son Zack, whom the book is about. Zack was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 5, with the additional diagnosis of ADHD/OCD/LD/and intermittant explosive disorder as years went by. Parenting a child with such obstacles to overcome requires creativity, patience and is usually taken on one minute at a time. Kim has been a full time mom until recently at which time she went back to work part time for the Greenville Hospital System as a Patient Family Advocate. Kim is a graduate of Lander University with a B.S. in Psychology. She is also a fitness junkie. When not at the hospital she is a personal trainer at her local gym, her specialty being children's health and fitness, a position she has held for 4 years. Her greatest hope is for the public to become more aware of pediatric mental illness, understanding that just becasue a child may be acting "bad" does not mean they are. She can be reached through her email address: kwhmom2two@hotmail.com |
Diane Kratt and Ethan |
Diane Kratt has a B.S. degree in Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Child Development. She has taught various grades and ability levels in both public and private schools since 1989. She holds a Florida teaching certificate for elementary education and middle grades integrated curriculum. She also is endorsed for ESOL and gifted education. Currently, she is a resource teacher at a parochial school and has an adjunct position at Florida Gulf Coast University. She is a board member for NAMI Lee County, a member of Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation, and attends the Southwest Florida Professional Development Partnership meetings at FGCU. She is passionate about educational issues and enjoys helping to promote positive change for the children's benefit. Ethan is now 13 years old and is in the 8th grade at a parochial school. He enjoys being with friends and family and he loves to be outdoors. He has a special interest in soccer, vehicles, construction, and animals. He likes to kayak, fish, skim board, snorkel, and even camp at the beach. Being in and around water is important, especially in the summer. He plans to attend a local public high school in the future. Afterwards, he would like to attend college and/or join one of America's armed forces. He looks forward to growing up and becoming an independent adult. Diane and Ethan are the coauthors of the book Connecting the Pieces The Discovery of Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder. They can be contacted through their website at www.thebrainpiece.com |