Kenzie's Courage

Book excerpt: Have you ever had to show courage when something difficult happens and you have no idea what to do? That’s exactly how Kenzie felt when her daddy was deployed, until . . . In addition to a story of resilience, Kenzie’s Courage includes an Emotional Toolbox containing strategies to support families in transition and loss. About the Author Throughout her life, Theresa (Terry) Sonnleitner has worked steadfastly on behalf of children through education and leadership. Terry has worked as a teacher, school principal, and mentor to University of Arizona student teachers. She has focused her efforts on effectively building strong bonds with all who impact a student’s life. Her work to promote literacy has been recognized by the International Reading Association’s Nila Banton Smith Award, and by the Tucson Area Reading Council’s Celebrate Literacy Award. The state of Arizona presented Terry with the Circle of Honor Award for her outstanding educational leadership. Raised in a US Navy family with four siblings, she understands firsthand the effects of deployment, especially its impact upon her family. Terry lives in Tucson with her husband, Richard, and loves having her two children, their spouses, and four grandchildren living nearby Martha Damek has a passion for shaping the hearts and minds of young children through teaching, modeling, and guiding. An educator for over thirty-five years, Martha has held numerous positions, including early childhood teacher, elementary school teacher, special education teacher, and student teacher supervisor. She currently serves the students of Tucson Unified School District as a school guidance counselor and has gained first-hand experience while counseling students on the Davis Monthan Air Force Base. During her years at Davis Monthan, she acquired a vast knowledge of military culture and experience that helped her to provide culturally relevant interventions in order to best serve military families. Martha currently resides in Tucson, Arizona with her husband, Keith. They have one son, Ryan, who is also an educator. Sharon Loeff studied fine arts at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Following graduation, she created Shopworks, Inc., an industrial design and retail consultancy that involves every aspect of shopping center management, leasing, retailing, merchandising, and design. In 2009, her daughter unearthed Sharon’s art portfolio and questioned why her artistic skills had been placed on hold. This insightful question reignited Sharon’s passion for art and unleashed her artistic expression which has since been shared in art exhibits and in published book illustrations. Her talent, dedication, and commitment to Kenzie’s Courage serve as her gifts to children. Sharon lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with her family.