About Me
I’m a debut children’s author and a seasoned public relations professional with over a decade of experience in the field. As the founder and owner of PR From The Heart, one of the leading PR firms in the KidLit community, I collaborate with children’s book authors worldwide, helping them build powerful platforms to share their meaningful stories. My passion for storytelling and my commitment to fostering emotional and spiritual wellness have made me a trusted name in the world of children’s literature.
My career began in an unexpected but heartfelt way during my tenure as the host of the award-winning wrestling radio show, Monday Night Mayhem. Through this platform, I formed a long-standing relationship with the Child Life Department at Women’s & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, creating life-changing moments for ailing children. When major wrestling companies toured Buffalo, I connected their star athletes with hospitalized kids, ensuring these young patients experienced unforgettable joy.
These treasured encounters planted the seeds for my dream of building a children’s hospice in La Jolla, California—a space combining the compassionate support of a hospice with the vibrant energy of a Child Life Department, where terminally ill children have the opportunity to meet their favorite athletes, musicians, authors, and professional wrestlers before they transition—a place of healing and joy in their final moments.
Forever Grateful To My Babcia
The passing of my beloved grandmother, “Babcia,” marked a profound turning point in my life, sparking a spiritual awakening that transformed my approach to storytelling. Her memory inspires my work, fueling my mission to bring hope and healing to children and families facing illness, grief, and loss. My personal journey serves as the foundation for my debut book, Walking Each Other Home—Zachary’s Mission: A Hospice for Children. A deeply moving children’s book about empathy, self-discovery, and the power of community, it offers young readers and their families guidance on navigating challenging times with love and courage.
My storytelling extends beyond writing. As the host of The Children’s Books Spotlight Series, one of the longest-running podcasts in children’s literature, I connect with parents, educators, and librarians around the world. The podcast highlights inspiring stories and the authors behind them, deepening the impact of the KidLit community. Alongside David Newell (who played the iconic Mr. McFeely on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood), I also co-host The Neighborly Reviews Bookcast, the popular children’s book review podcast that instills a love of reading in little ones, helping them discover their inherent worth and value through the magic of books.
From A.A. Milne and Jan & Stan Berenstain to Dan Yaccarino and John Parra, I draw inspiration from KidLit luminaries, whose beautifully crafted stories inspire kids globally, and Fred Rogers, who taught generations of children that they are loved and special just the way they are. Fred Rogers’ gentle, compassionate teachings continue to resonate with me, both as a writer and as a proponent of children’s literacy.
Currently residing in San Diego, California, with my beloved Shih Tzu/Maltese, Little Forrest, I remain deeply involved in my community. My work is driven by a belief that by nurturing connections, fostering empathy in children, and creating supportive spaces through the power of storytelling, we can collectively create a world of unconditional love and understanding.
PR From The Heart
The Children’s Books Spotlight Series
The Neighborly Reviews Bookcast
Free Coloring Fun: Unlock 5 Printable Coloring Pages From Walking Each Other Home—Zachary's Mission: A Hospice For Children By Subscribing To My Official Newsletter
These beautifully illustrated pages bring Zachary’s courageous journey to life, inspiring creativity, reflection, and meaningful conversations. Perfect for kids, families, and classrooms, this fun and engaging activity promotes themes of love, hope, and compassion. Subscribe now to receive your exclusive coloring pages!
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