STEM + SEL: The Dynamic Duo
Every great superhero needs a sidekick. Batman has Robin. Buzz has Woody. And in the world of learning, STEM has SEL. Together, they make an unbeatable team.

STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math—helps kids discover how the world works. It’s the power of asking questions, solving problems, and exploring everything from baking cookies to launching rockets.

​​SEL—Social-Emotional Learning—helps kids discover how they work in the world. It gives them the super-skills of empathy, resilience, teamwork, and kindness.
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On their own, they’re strong. But when STEM and SEL team up, they become a storytelling superpower. Let's talk about how, together, they can conquer the world.

I’m thrilled to share that The Wonder of Under won 3rd Place in the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) KidLit Awards, with judges also naming its title as one of their favorites. For a debut, self-published picture book, this recognition is such an incredible honor.
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What makes this moment even sweeter is remembering how the book came to life. The story was inspired by my granddaughter, who, as a curious crawler, loved peeking under rugs and couches again and again. I jokingly called it “the wonder of under,” and soon the phrase grew into a story about imagination and discovery.

A Weekend With Writers, Wonder—and Tiny Moments of Divine Inspiration
There’s something delightfully reassuring about being around fellow writers who understand what it’s like when your protagonist refuses to behave. That’s the energy at the Taylor University Professional Writing Conference, held July 24–26.
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It was a weekend sprinkled with insight, encouragement, humor, and the sense that God was right there in the middle of all our creative chaos. So, here’s what happened when writers, faith, and notebooks full of inspiration collided.

A Night to Remember at Fables Books
 
Goshen First Fridays was buzzing a little louder this month—and not just from the usual festivities. It was the official launch of my children’s book, Remmy's Sticky Situation, and the turnout at Fables Books in downtown Goshen, Indiana, was nothing short of incredible. My talented illustrator, Jasmine Wall, joined me for the event, and together we got to meet so many wonderful families who were just as excited about Remmy's mischievous adventure as we were.

Why Forgiveness Isn't Just for Adults

Remmy’s Sticky Situation is a fun story for children about friendship, forgiveness, a bit of STEM and some social-emotional learning. All wrapped up in a sweet little mystery.
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But let’s be honest. Forgiveness is a BIG deal. It isn’t just something adults need to figure out — kids need it too. They need to learn early on that it’s okay to mess up, to own it, and to ask for forgiveness. And they also need to see what happens when we extend grace to others. Remmy's Sticky Situation (launching May 2) shows just that — a playful but powerful reminder that even children can experience the deep peace that comes from doing the right thing, even when it’s hard.