About the Author

Jo Meserve Mach (author) spent 36 years as an Occupational Therapist. She is very passionate about sharing the stories of children with special needs. Jo embraces the joy that individuals with disabilities bring to our communities through their unique gifts.



Jo is the cofounder of Finding My Way Books, which offers tools to help children without disabilities realize that children with disabilities are kids just like them.



Readers and teachers love her books, which they describe as "great," "fabulous," which "showcase how a person with a disability can be a mentor to others," and "make the teachable moments and situations perfect for young students."



They are recommended for parents, teachers, elementary school libraries, homeschoolers, and anyone who wants a more just and inclusive world.



Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier worked professionally in Early Childhood and Special Education programming for 25 years. She has a PhD in Special Education from the University of Kansas and is currently working at Westat.



Vera is passionate about the inclusion of every child in settings where they would be if they did not have a disability. Parenting two children with special needs enriches her life.



Mary Birdsell is a professional photographer and a former Speech and Theatre teacher. She strives to create images that reflect the strengths of each child.



Mary's background in education, theatre and photography intersects as she visually creates our books. She uses colors and shapes to tell a story. For her, each book is like its own theatre production.

Reviews

"I am the lead teacher in an integrated early childhood special education classroom. In addition to typically developing preschool students, I serve children with a variety of special needs.I have been using a variety of Finding My Way books in the classroom for the last few years. I enjoy using these books and allowing my students to see other children like themselves experiencing different situations. These books are a great way to support diversity in early education."p>-Becky Drews, MS Special Education Finding My Way Books: "This inspiring and compassionate series of books is based on true stories, promoting inclusion and self-determination for families and children with disabilities. Each story is individual and personal, showing their great heart and ability to rise to their fullest potential. Photography by Mary Birdsell brings a tender touch that unites the reader with each story. Jo Meserve Mach's 36 years as an occupational therapist combined with Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier's 25 years teaching experience in the fields of early childhood and special education brings a strong perspective of functional inclusion."-Darleen Wohlfeil, Story Monsters, Ink. "I feel these books about real children and real places would fit quite well in a Montessori setting. Maria Montessori suggested reading books that are reality-based for the 3-5 age group. They first need a foundation of real-life before they can begin the use their imagination."-Cathy Brennan, Director, Discovery School Finding My Way Books has made a very big impact on the KCPT's Martha Speaks Reading Buddies Program. I work with over 600 high needs children in the district."-Gary Brock, Director of Education, Kansas City Public Television