Deana Plaskon is a mom, educator and clinical licensed mental health expert whose enchanting books entertain and inspire children to embrace, process, and manage big emotions and feelings. With a PhD in Education specializing in human behavior, a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and a Master’s in Education, Deana has a deeply informed, yet fun approach to children’s stories. Her Bella and Bird the Emotion Explorers book series is inspired by her real-life therapy horse Bella, and Bella’s friend Bird, the not-so-common barn swallow.
Imbued with Bella’s calm, wise presence and Bird’s cheeky humor, these wonderfully unique children’s books are designed to delight and empower school-age children. These books combine three core elements: engaged storytelling, informed emotional intelligence exploration, and science-based therapeutic tools. Each story captures children’s imaginations while also giving them powerful, practical tools to succeed.