Michelle received her undergraduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology in 1993 and a masters degree in Communication Disorders in 1995 from the University of Texas at Dallas. She completed her internship at Medical City Dallas Hospital and earned her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in 1996 from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Her most memorable case of therapy involved "Kay" - a two year old found a the bottom of a swimming pool. Seeing the dedication of Kay's mother to the recovery of her severely brain damaged child, Michelle developed an early and profound respect for all Mothers. In 2000, Michelle took a break from working to start her own family, having three girls in five years. Immersed in all things "Mommy", Michelle decided to write a book dedicated to people just like her: confused, amazed, exhausted, guilt-ridden, and baffled on what-to-do-next. Journey with her as she writes with empathy ("..while I write this very sentence, my child is trying to tear her crib apart in a raging, screaming, fit..."), dedication to getting tough ("Throw that guilt monster out the window, girlfriend!") and a professional eye for what really works in toddler discipline. Teaming up with Dr. Rita Chandler, a Nationally Certified expert in behavior, Michelle decodes the technical aspect of steps to improving problem behavior, but stays devoted to teaching discipline techniques with the emotions of caregivers in mind.
In the desolate side of town, Whitney Kim leads a bleak life in a trailer park with his best friend and faithful dog, Mollie. The last thing Whitney expects is the company of a strange boy with a paper bag over his head who occupies the night shift of the local pizza delivery shop. Despite the pizza deliveries, Whitney finds himself in unusual circumstances regarding the odd delivery boy. 49 pages
Mr. Triangle needs a new home, but has to search a bit to find it! Kids will enjoy this simple picture book with unique shapes that encourage creativity and imagination. In a world of constant visual and verbal stimulus, a child's mind needs to calm and recenter. Mr. Triangle Finds a Home is the perfect balance of relaxed learning. Page Count = 11
Mr. Square loves his pets! Come and meet all of his special friends in this simple yet delightful book that teaches your child animal names and colors while exposing them to verbs. Page Count = 12
Miss Diamond needs help falling asleep! Help her count what she sees and hears as she lulls into dreamland. This unique and delightful book uses calming color patterns and simple pictures to teach children numbers, basic vocabulary, and self-soothing strategies for bedtime. Page Count = 12
Go on a walk with Mr. Circle as he discovers vibrant colors in nature. This unique and "quiet" picture book is a beautiful reminder to rest your mind and enjoy the simple things in life. Teach your child colors, shapes, and basic vocabulary while Mr. Circle Finds Colors. Page Count = 11
Join these shape characters as they explore their surroundings in a simplistic and delightful way, teaching shapes, colors, counting, and basic vocabulary. Take a walk with Mr. Circle, help Mr. Triangle find his new home, experience Mr. Square's interaction with his animals, and find out how Miss Diamond lulls herself to sleep. Page Count = 35
The perfect way to send your little one off to sleep! Includes the first three volumes of the Fat Cat Series: Fat Cat Finds a Home, Fat Cat Wants a Bath, and Fat Cat Wants Outside. Join sweet old Fat Cat in her adventures with her new family. Experience Fat Cat's disappointment, hope, and ultimate happiness in these three heartwarming stories. Page Count = 34
After ten years of love from her previous owner, poor Fat Cat finds herself alone and looking for a new home. Will she ever leave the adoption shelter? Even at ten years old, Fat Cat still has plenty of love to give. Will anyone ever love her back? Follow Fat Cat on her journey of fear, hope, and a heartwarming friendship with three special little girls. Page Count = 10
Becoming a parent is a scary thing. Even more scary when we see how some of the kids around us act. We are determined that our babies will not grow up and display those same ugly behaviors! But the first time we're fending off a nasty tantrum in the bookstore, we begin to doubt our resolve. Oops! takes you through the top nine reasons that kids act rotten.
Fat Cat is a furry old kitty who wants to eat all day long, but her family insists on sticking to a schedule. Fat Cat may not be able to tell time, but she sure knows when her belly is rumbling! Find out how Fat Cat deals with her constant hunger and a family that just won't fork over the food. Page Count = 8
Ten-year-old Fat Cat wants to go outside, but no one seems to understand her. Will she be ignored all day? Will she miss napping on her favorite porch chair? Find out how Fat Cat manages her latest adventure in "Fat Cat Wants Outside." Page Count = 11
In her first adventure, Fat Cat Finds a Home, ten-year-old Fat Cat had some scary moments! Now she is happily adjusting to life with her favorite girls: Poppy, Mimi, and Wee. But recently she's acting a little...funny. Why does she keep meowing when the girls take a bath? Does she want a bath, too? Find out what sweet and furry Fat Cat is up to in Fat Cat Wants a Bath! Page Count = 10
From babyhood on, the guilt never ends. Was I overly harsh with that discipline? Should I really let my children cry themselves to sleep? “My mother-in-law was judgmental about everything.” —Maria, mom of two. “My kids don’t clean up after themselves and it wears me out.” —Gina, mom of two. My friends, it’s time to step back and laugh at our mistakes. Welcome to the Guilt Club. It sucks.
Brass, outspoken and witty, "Taboo Secrets of Pregnancy" dishes out practical advice and pee-in-your-pants fun like no one yet. Join this pregnant mom of two as she journeys yet again through the rough and tumble life of a pregger. Boldly proclaiming taboo truths on those touchy subjects that books gloss over and doctors 'forget' to mention.
Great balls of fire! Are you tired? Tired of yelling. Tired of being yelled AT. Tired of tantrums, hitting, kicking, whining, biting, refusing to sleep...When do they stop smacking siblings or running from us in the mall? When do WE get to start enjoying how cute and sweet they are? When do we get to SLEEP?! Honey, I hear you. Good news – this is your quick reference on loving discipline.
Time to get tough, Mommies! Witty and fun, Life with Toddlers dishes out no-nonsense guidance and down to earth techniques. Pulling no punches, this mom of three lays out toddler discipline with empathy, and yes, a few migraines of her own! Most toddler books are filled with peachy, useless, it'll-be-fine advice. Well, no more!