I’ve always believed that behind every headline in a history book is an untold story, an ordinary person who made an extraordinary choice.
This conviction deepened when I met Hanneke Ippisch, a remarkable woman who shared her story of courage during World War II. Her experiences as a young courier in the Dutch Resistance ignited my passion to uncover more stories of hidden heroes whose acts of kindness created extraordinary ripples of change.
My path as an author began with a simple but powerful realization: the most compelling stories in history often belong to people whose names never made it into textbooks. Writing became my way of rescuing these forgotten tales from the shadows and preserving them for future generations.
As a teacher, international speaker, professional trainer, consultant, and early childhood advocate, I’ve carried this mission into every role I’ve taken on.
I’ve seen how stories of courage inspire both children and adults to see their own potential for making a difference.
Upcoming Book: Hidden Heroes
I’m thrilled to share that my upcoming YA historical fiction novel is currently in the works.
Based on true WWII events, this story follows a teenage girl who joins the Dutch Resistance, hides Jewish families, and helps execute history’s largest bank fraud to fund the underground. Through imprisonment and hardship, she finds love and realizes she can face anything.
This book shines a light on a little-known story of courage and kindness during one of
history’s darkest times. It’s about ordinary people who made extraordinary choices, and
how those choices created ripples that are still felt today.
My hope is that this story will inspire a new generation of readers to realize that even in the smallest of actions, there is power to change the world.
From Hidden Heroes to HOPEmakers365
As I listened to Hanneke’s courage and uncovered the stories of other forgotten heroes, one truth became undeniable: extraordinary impact often begins with one small, intentional act of kindness. That realization became the heart of my vision for HOPEmakers365.
HOPE stands for Help One Person Everyday.
HOPEmakers365 is more than a collection of stories, it’s an invitation.
An invitation to see yourself as a HOPEmaker, someone who chooses daily acts of kindness that ripple outward to bring hope, healing, and change.
Through HOPEmakers365, I weave together stories from history and today to remind us all that our actions matter.
Whether you’re a child learning compassion for the first time or an adult longing to make a bigger impact, you’ll find encouragement, inspiration, and practical ways to live out kindness in your everyday life.
Why This Matters to You
The stories I share aren’t just about the past, they’re about you.
They’re reminders that your words, your choices, and your actions carry weight.
You don’t have to wait for the perfect moment or a grand stage to make a difference.
One kind word can shift someone’s day.
One small gesture can change how a person sees themselves.
One act of courage can ripple through families, communities, and even nations for generations.
That’s what being a HOPEmaker is all about. And that’s why I invite you to join me in this movement of ordinary people creating extraordinary ripples of change.
Because when you start small, stay kind, and spark change…
You don’t just make a difference in one life.
You become part of the ripple that can change the world.