About Me

Past Events That Led Me To This Endeavor:

I have always been intrigued by children because they are so open- minded and honest. They live in the present moment. For this reason they are a gift. Boundaries are non-existent and anything is possible in the mind of a child. As adults, we sometimes lose the ability to dream and aspire. Children remind us of our possibilities. As much as we believe that we are here for them, it is my belief that children are really here to help us remember what things are most important about life.

My Background As An Educator

When I first graduated from college I took a job with Head Start. This is a pre-school program that helps financially challenged families. I was unsure about accepting this position because it required me to go into the homes of children that lived in the projects. My aide Grace was my saving grace because she taught me street smarts and served as my protector. After several years I accepted a job in the public school system where I was born and raised. It was a financially depressed area, but it was all that I knew. The children I taught did not have much emotional support and basic needs were not met in many cases. I was required to teach academics in both of these roles, but discovered that what those children taught me forever changed my life.. The children were so loving, naturally resilient, and positive in spite of their circumstances. This impacted me so deeply that I made a promise and vowed to someday return the love that they so effortlessly gave to me. Now I will fulfill my promise and make this happen through my endeavor. 

The Loss Of My Son

When my son Dominic passed away years ago I was a dead empty shell. I wanted to stay numb, but I had a 1-1/2 year old to take care of and life does not stop. I unzipped my soul and dumped out the contents. This was when my journey began. I slowly started to replace my spiritual contents piece by piece. The process was transforming. I began to feel connections that I never knew existed. In grief I was able to feel love. In grief I was able to see inside of my soul. I called upon my inner voice and inner strength.

I used to believe that Dominic's life was wasted because his stay was so short. I have come to learn that his life was a gift. He left behind something in my heart that will never die. The gift of love. He may not be here with us physically, but the love we have for each other is timeless and will never cease. You see, his gift of love is something that I am passing on to the world through my endeavor. His death taught me that spirit is the essence of who we are, and also reminded me of the promise I made some time ago. I will always listen to my heart and stay true to the essence of who I am.

Although his stay was brief the impact he left behind was great. Imagine how many lives can be touched if people recognize that they have the potential to make a difference in our world. Each action we take no matter how large or small has an effect on others like a drop of water that falls and touches the surface of a pond.

To Our Son Dominic Michael

First there was Nicolas a precious gift from above,
then we created a brother he was created out of love.
I grew you for nine months nurturing you each day,
who would have thought it would end this way?
We waited and waited your arrival was near,
but the waiting turned into silence and then into fear.
For that morning you were so close but so far,
your destiny was already written in the stars.
Just minutes away from mommy and daddy’s arms all went sour,
your little heart stopped in that tenth hour.
I was willing to give my life for you,
you told me to stay because I needed to be a mommy to Nicolas
and a wife for Daddy too!
I felt you slowly fading you were still inside of me,
we were still connected and forever will be.
An angel came for you and said it was time to go,
there were so many things that I needed you to know.
You passed shortly after your first breath,
but we do not say your life ended in death.
For death seems dark and you are light,
you surround us with your love each day and night.
Now we are at peace because we know,
we will be with you again when it is our turn to go.
But for now be a good little angel and watch over Nicolas too,
and never forget how much we all love you!
Love Always,
Mommy, Daddy, and Nicolas

Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia

I have spent a great deal of time at CHOP. When my son Matthew was 13 months old we discovered a very rare type of tumor on his thigh. All that went through my head was "Please God, I already lost one child-don't take Matthew too!" Thankfully, his tumor is not life threatening, but it will require multiple surgeries and physical therapy.

Spending time in that hospital has burned images in my mind of all those children who face serious illness. I began to think about what role I could play in bringing hope to those children and their families.

I understand what those parents are going through because I am one of those parents. I am no stranger to the loss of a child. It is only natural for me to serve as a children's advocate in this capacity. This experience served as a reminder for me to fulfill my promise.

My Writing

I am intuitively drawn to teach children about love and other basic and universal concepts. My own children and life experiences have been the inspiration for my writing. Love is pure, non-denominational, and multi-cultural. Love draws people together. My hope is that my writing inspires children and adults to take an active role in giving to others through acts of compassion and kindness.

 My writing also encourages creativity in children through art. Children are often not heard. Art is a way for children to communicate their feelings. My books encourage children to express their thoughts in creative ways through interactive pages. Children can then become part of the book.

I do not see my books as the type to read once and tucked away somewhere on a shelf. They are designed to stay in motion through those that have been inspired to dig deep into the depth of their minds and ask questions such as "Where Is Love?". Go ahead and answer. It can be transforming.

My Favorite Quotes

"All that we are is the result of what we have thought."  Guatama Buddha

"If you dream it you can do it."  Walt Disney

"Life isn’t about finding yourself.  It’s about creating yourself."  George Bernard Shaw

"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."  Ralph Waldo Emerson

"See with your heart; feel with your soul; be one with the universe."  Danielle Dolce

We live in a physical world in a physical body.  It is hard to remember that the essence of who we really are is made of spirit.  When we are in mindset of spirit our authenticity is brought forth.  In this state of mind we can see and feel in a different way.  This helps us to feel peace within ourselves and with each other.

"Life is predictably unpredictable."  Danielle Dolce             

I have stopped trying to figure life out. Life guides you along if you are willing to surrender to the flow. Believe that things will work out the way they are intended even when its not what you expect. The unpredictable nature of life is what allows us to grow and experience things outside of what we would consider typical. Embrace life’s unpredictable nature.