Daisy the Extra Special Flower (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781986533119)

Merlyna Mathieu Valentine is an extremely positive and motivated person. As an educator for the past 30 years, she has dedicated her life to making a difference in the lives of others. She recently retired after a tremendously successful career. Currently, she has begun her next venture as the owner of Merlyna Valentine Consulting. Ms. Valentine received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Loyola University and a Master of Education from the University of New Orleans. She is a member of numerous professional organizations. Ms. Valentine taught for 17 years in a highly successful school district. She was then an assistant principal. In 2005, she was named principal of a large Pre-K - 5 elementary school. In October 2013, Ms. Valentine became the Executive Director of Elementary Schools for all elementary schools in her district. She received numerous awards and commendations such as teacher of the year and principal of the year. Ms. Valentine was chosen as a "Quiet Hero" by a local news station and featured in several articles, including an article in Ebony Magazine. In June 2011, Ms. Valentine was featured in a segment on the Today Show in honor of her story of survival, courage, and hope. On August 17, 2007, Ms. Valentine faced a medical tragedy that changed her life forever. She is a sepsis survivor. As a result of her illness, she became a quadruple amputee, losing both hands and both legs below the knee. Ms. Valentine has embraced this tragedy with an incredibly positive attitude. She has found strength in knowing that ultimately her tragic story can motivate people to embrace change and live life to the fullest. Ms. Valentine is quickly emerging as a well sought after inspirational speaker. Against overwhelming odds, Merlyna Valentine overcame a medical tragedy and thrives in her new life. She learned some valuable lessons since August 2007, when she experienced the closest call to death imaginable. Instead of focusing on what happened and what's missing from her life, Ms. Valentine chooses to embrace this new path with a grateful heart and positive attitude. She is living proof that ordinary people do extraordinary things every day. Through her messages, readers and audiences are inspired to live life to the fullest with no excuses.