Hello! My name is Leigh Heidenthal. I am a graduate of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a BS in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Literacy. I have been teaching elementary students since 1996. I have always wanted to be a teacher and to make a difference in the lives of children. It is through the adoption of my son that inspired my ambition to write a children's book about adoption. Adoption is an emotional and amazing journey that ends with a family, and getting the opportunity to show everyone how special adoption can be is a dream come true.
After publishing A Brother for Benny, I wanted to continue writing about the Deer Family. Focusing on the topic of honesty and the importance of telling the truth, Sister Trouble for Ella was written. I am so proud to have two published children's books that contribute to helping young ones!
I live in a small town in Pennsylvania with my husband and son. Our family was truly blessed when we adopted our son Tanner. He has added so much joy to our lives since his adoption in 2004. I enjoy spending time with my family, crafting, and reading when I am not in the classroom.
The future lies in the hands of our children, and their success hinges on our ability to teach them to read, absorb, and convey knowledge that will serve them for a lifetime. Although mastering the skill of reading is the initial milestone, nurturing a child's passion for reading is our ultimate achievement. Once established, this passion for immersing themselves in captivating stories endures throughout their lives.
As a first-grade teacher, I observe children struggling with the burden of various issues like bullying, personal differences, truthfulness, and the challenging task of making smart decisions. I hold the conviction that we must empower our children to wisely choose their actions and teach them how to respond when confronted with relatively difficult situations. These choices may seem minor to us, but the skills they gain are likely to help them throughout their lifetimes.