About the Author

Chava Willig Levy is an award-winning author, editor, advocate and motivational speaker with a particular interest in childhood, parenthood, Judaism, music, disability and the quality of life.

Millions of people have read Ms. Levy's articles, featured in national publications including Family Circle, Woman's Day, Ladies' Home Journal, Parents Magazine, Jewish Action and McCall's. Her website, www.chavawilliglevy.com, showcases her lectures, workshops and publications. She has a second website, www.a-life-not-with-standing.com, devoted exclusively to her memoir.

An internationally known motivational speaker famous for her humor, passion and compassion, Ms. Levy has captivated audiences ranging in size from 30 to 3,000. As a person who gets around in a motorized wheelchair, she has shattered many stereotypes about people with disabilities, be they in the workplace, in the community, in the classroom or on the college campus. Ms. Levy's interactive workshop-Mommy, What's Wrong with That Lady?-has delighted hundreds of young people, ranging in age from four to fourteen.

Ms. Levy received a B.A. in French literature from Yeshiva University's Stern College for Women and an M.A. in rehabilitation counseling from Columbia University. She pursued doctoral studies in counseling psychology at New York University. Her positions in the public sector and the corporate arena include vocational counselor, management trainer and communications consultant.

Ms. Levy lives on Long Island with her husband and children.