Cassandra: Journey Through Darkness (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781523630318)

I was born in a big red house on June 15, 1935 during the great depression. My first discovery was the public library. At home we had only one children's book; a big thick blue one with bible stories. My Sister joined us when I was 'going on' three and a brother arrived five years later. My attention turned to a boy who shared my home town, school and church. Over sixty years later we hear the song, "They tried to tell us we're too young" and grin. I spent over 25 years working with people diagnosed with a mental illness. My experiences included evaluations, therapy, staff training and development, program design and implementation, administration, family involvement and consumer advocacy. My therapeutic techniques varied with the need of the person treated. After retiring I served on the executive board of a consumer-run not-for-profit which I was instrumental in developing. Writing has been and is both my strength and my fun. My reports on my client evaluations were thorough. My program descriptions and careful write-ups regarding needs brought us much needed funds. I attended New York University in the 1970's graduating with a Doctorate of Public Administration with a specialty in Mental Health Policy. In addition to my contributions to the not-for-profit board, in the years that followed I led the way to the creation of a local quilting guild. For several years I led a Youth Garden Club in Eden, NY, helped by the Eden Garden Study Club, an affiliate of the National Association of Federated Garden Clubs. I served a term as president of the local chapter and was Youth Chair of the NY State District Eight, Federated Garden Clubs. I taught after school programs at the local elementary school for four years, teaching quilting and gardening. I have been blessed with two daughters, my granddaughter and countless friends. My stories are the voices of women rising throughout the world.