I never imagined years ago that my work would receive international recognition. For a mom of children with special needs living in rural Queensland, who sacrificed her career to focus on her children's health, this award feels like Cinderella going to the ball. My journey began with a passion for Autism advocacy. I was fed up with my wonderful kids being mistreated by adults—yes, adults—who would shout names at them while walking their dog. My children stayed calm on the outside, but inside our home, tears flowed. That’s when I decided to use the power of my words to make a difference. I aspired to create a safe haven where children with disabilities could escape, learn, and realize they can overcome any obstacle—whether it’s life’s challenges or the ignorance of others.

I’m an unconventional individual: trained in radio broadcast journalism, experienced in public speaking and PR, and educated. I also learned from my children how to teach them to read—simply, with fantasy and large print. Incorporating neurodiverse characteristics into characters helps children relate and discover the hidden messages within the stories. Large print is vital, especially for Spectrum and ADHD children, as it makes absorbing information easier—fewer paragraphs, more white space, and a few illustrations. Adding multimodal elements like music makes these books truly engaging and ensures they’re read from start to finish.

My goal is to see greater inclusivity in the publishing industry, with more children’s and teen books available in large print. I know change takes time, but I believe in the power of representation and accessibility. Seeing my first fantasy book succeed so well truly warms my heart. I want teenagers to embrace this pure fiction series where music and words intertwine to tell stories that warm hearts, speak to souls, and empower them to become the best versions of themselves.