Author
Writing is such a big part of who I am because it helps me process what I’ve been through and makes all experiences—especially negative ones—more meaningful. Writing has always been a natural outlet for me, and one of my main methods of self-care!
I never imagined that I would publish books one day, but as I began to work with children in special education, I realized that they needed to be taught ways to practice mindfulness and handle stress. I knew how powerful books could be in teaching these important tools to students of all ages—tools that I wish I had access to as a child. I started to write about how students could learn to practice self-care—and the Give Your Brain a Bath series was born!
Now, through my work with children at Peace in Piermont (my yoga studio in Piermont, NY), I continue to grow as an author as I explore new themes of mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
My life passion is to inspire humans of all ages to create their own self-care practice. I write books to share this passion and to teach children and parents how to incorporate these practices into their everyday lives.
Give Your Brain a Bath Series
The Give Your Brain a Bath series began in 2019 when I called my friend Sara to ask if she’d illustrate my first children’s book. It was synchronistic timing; both of us were ready to go all-in to collaborate on the writing project that would become the Give Your Brain a Bath book series. With the help of my other dear friend, editor Blythe Robbins, the books were mapped out to ensure that we were spreading our message in the best possible way. The goal of the series is to provide a road map to kids and parents about how to create easy, accessible self-care practices to use in everyday life. The titles will be published in 2020-2021. As a creative team, inclusivity is essential to our collaborative work. We aim to publish an array of books that represent diverse characters in several ways: people with disabilities, inclusive gender identities, diverse socio-economic status, and varied cultural representations. Our goal is for any human to pick up our series and identify with the characters within it.
“Our bodies need time to relax to be our best selves. That’s true for busy people like Santa and even the elves!”
Yoga helps us connect our body, breath, and brain; it helps us foster inner peace and caring for ourselves and others. How Yoga Saved Christmas teaches kids, and humans of all sizes, that self-care is important to everyone—even Santa!
Join Miss Katie and her students as they journey to the North Pole to teach Santa and his elves about the importance of yoga. Can Miss Katie and her students teach Santa and the elves how to feel their best in time for Christmas?
“Release all your worries, do not wait! It’s time to sit down and meditate!”
The first book in the “Give Your Brain a Bath” series is Let’s Sit Down and Meditate. Let’s Sit Down and Meditate teaches children—and humans of all sizes—how to meditate and the benefits of doing so. Perfect for the classroom or for bedtime, author Katie Stoeckeler’s gentle, easy-to-follow narrative introduces children to the benefits of meditation: it trains our awareness and attention, settles our minds, and encourages a calm state of being. Original watercolor illustrations by artist Sara Martin pair beautifully and bring a feeling of peace to young readers. Let’s Sit Down and Meditate includes a glossary, a scavenger hunt, and a guide for parents and teachers to provide enrichment.
