The Author Terrie Martin worked as a paraprofessional in the Ridgefield Public School Special Needs Preschool program in Connecticut. The teachers there had an all-inclusive philosophy adapting activities so that every preschooler could join in the fun. This set the stage for the incredible things Terrie witnessed over her ten years at the preschool. Terrie was blessed to have the opportunity to spend three years as Molly Tango’s paraprofessional. Once this bundle of warmth smiled at Terrie she knew her life was changed forever. Molly was born with special needs that limited her movements and prevented her from verbalizing. Yet, Molly spoke right to the heart of those around her with her smile, and Lisa Fox heard her loud and clear. Lisa, who came to the preschool as a role model, instinctively knew how to follow the classroom philosophy. She looked right past Molly’s disabilities and saw Molly, a little girl ready to play. Terrie felt compelled to write this story so that others can get a glimpse into the joy Molly felt when Lisa invited her to play and the joy that came back to Lisa as they shared their play. It is her hope that this story will open the hearts and minds of children and their parents, encouraging them to share the fun with everyone. Terrie lives in Ridgefield with her husband, Brian. Together they share the joy of having two grown daughters, Danielle and Melissa.

The Illustrator Roxanne Lasky is an artist who works with paint, clay, photographs, and cloth. Her watercolors, oils and photographs have been award-winning throughout her career. Her work has appeared in Ladies Home Journal, Quilt Magazine, Ridgefield Magazine and in numerous exhibits throughout the Northeast. She received a Master of Teaching degree and the award of excellence for her thesis project, Quilting: Model and Metaphor. She has taught art methods to all levels with an emphasis on problem-solving and skill-building. Her students have always been a source of inspiration, and her connection with special students gives her a deep understanding of the theme of Molly’s book. She and her husband, Stuart, own The Quilter’s Alley, a fiber-art gathering place, in Ridgefield, CT. They live in town with their Jack Russell, Pippin and Puggle, Nellie. Their grown daughters, Shara and Alexandra, are her greatest gifts.

 

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