ShoozyQ and the AB Crew in Bully on the Playground
by Michelle Spady (Author) and Bradford Spady (Illustrator)
ShoozyQ and her “crew” persuade a schoolyard bully to change his behavior without being mean and abusive themselves-something that is often overlooked in books with an anti-bullying message.
The colorful drawings and simple, effective language all tie together to make ShoozyQ an exciting read for kids, and a learning tool for parents and teachers. There are activities at the end of the book for parents and educators to practice with the children.
Purchase ShoozyQ and the AB Crew in Bully on the Playground
Kindle Edition
ShoozyQ and the AB Crew in Bully on the Playground
Link: http://amzn.com/B00J2I039Y
Paperback Edition
ShoozyQ and the AB Crew in Bully on the Playground
Link: http://amzn.com/0991460014
General Education-Picture Book for K-4th grade
Available at Amazon.com, IBooks, Kindle, IngramSparks, CreateSpace & B’Artful.com for bulk discount.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR
Michelle M. Spady & Bradford O. Spady: The Mother and son team co-produced the anti-bullying tale. Mrs. Spady is a former school teacher and child care center owner. Mr. Spady is a cartoonist and character designer attending art school. Together they formed their company B’Artful, dedicated to promoting emerging artists and writers. This is their fourth book project together.
Simply Spare Time Founder and Executive Director, Michelle Morgan Spady, believes that every moment in a child's life is precious. With an entrepreneur's passion to succeed and a desire to make a difference in the lives of children, Michelle first launched her childcare enterprise in 1999. An in-home state-licensed center, SpayTech Children's Academy (DBA Afterschool.com) served children from infancy to five years. Immediately, Michelle's childcare program became recognized as "state-of-the-art." Featuring a strong academic curriculum, Michelle provided her young chargers with an introduction to technology. Enthusiastic word of mouth resulted in a waiting list, and her innovative early program has now graduated into Simply Spare Time, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to stimulating the imagination of children and teens, through programs, and activities that help them to grow mentally, physically and socially.
Michelle attended Virginia State College, and graduated from the University of Utah with a BA in English and a minor in Business Education. After graduation, not sure if she wanted to teach, she completed a course in real estate. And later, to keep up with the “changing times” studied and completed two years of Instructional Technology at George Mason University.
An avid educator with over 25 years of experience, the resident of McLean, Va. has held professional teaching licenses in Virginia, Louisiana and Utah. Her subjects include English, reading, and computer technology. Her creativity, unique approach to learning, and love of teaching, has brought her distinguished recognition, such as a nomination from one of her schools for the Arlington Public School’s “Teacher of the Year” Award.
With a hunger for what it would be like to work for a major corporation, Michelle left teaching for a while and went to work for a major Fortune 500 company as a Network Systems Analyst, and a short stint as a Major Accounts Sales Representative. Upon completion of her first year at the company, she was awarded the, “Systems Analyst of the Year” award by her manager and team.
Michelle and her husband, Arnett suffered the loss of a 9 month old son to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome while at his baby sitter. In her grief during this horrific tragedy, she became a long time, award-winning advocate for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) research; Michelle is also a former President and spokesperson for the National SIDS Alliance. Once, on behalf of the Alliance, she substituted for actor Lloyd Bridges and his wife and gave a moving testimony before the Senate Appropriations sub-committee requesting millions of dollars for the continued research of SIDS through NICHD. Still yearning to be parents, Michelle and Arnett later went through the Black Adoption Project with Fairfax County and adopted an infant son (their only child) who is now a junior at Langley High School. Their son diagnosed later, with Asperger’s Syndrome, introduced Michelle to another aspect of education, Special Education, and further extended her passion and love for children with special needs.
Michelle’s first taste of the “entrepreneurial” bug came when she and her husband learned of a potential opportunity for a lottery in the state of VA. Together with two other relatives, they formed a company and named it GOVA, Inc. (Games of Virginia). They formed a team of experts that helped them to form a partnership, and sub-contract with one of the largest gaming companies in the country. GOVA, Inc. was awarded the service and training contract with the VA State Lottery for what would become a 12 year partnership. Michelle served as VP of the company and oversaw the daily operations. She managed all aspects of the contract, and met monthly with the VA State Lottery team to insure implementation of the multi-million dollar award, with fidelity.
Michelle is a faithful member of Shiloh Baptist Church, McLean where she is VP and sings in the choir, her husband is a Trustee and her son a Jr. Usher. She and her husband were co-chairs for Shiloh’s 135th Anniversary which brought together the Mclean community and many local and state leaders and officials.
Michelle is now working on her “bucket list”. She is taking vocal lessons, and has dusted off the family’s piano. Other items on the list include opening a recreational center for youths and writing a book.
Some of her other accomplishments of impact include:
• Designed, and implemented “Mobilizing the Masses” A health forum, dealing with women and children’s health issues held on Capitol Hill involved leading politicians and community.
• Spearheaded a “Boyz to Men” workshop with participation of leading members of the U.S. House of Representatives to focus on issues dealing with minority male teens. The workshop gathered over 100 teen boys from the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area as well as House Majority Whip and other key members of Congress.
• Designed, initiated and implemented a summer VA College and university tour for African-American male teens. Program dubbed “The B.A.R. Academy”. (Boys about Art & Reading). The B.A.R. Academy brought together local male teens from McLean, Reston, Herndon, Maryland and Washington, D.C. Supported students financially challenged. Students met with prominent physicians at Johns Hopkins University, and Presidents of universities.
• Organized a community trip to Alex Haley’s home and the National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis, TN. Personally supported students who were financially challenged.
• Partnership with the Allen Etiquette Institute to teach classes to teen girls in Washington, DC summer work program.
CURRENT PROJECTS INCLUDE
• Planning a trip during summer of 2011 for students to participate in Disney’s YES (Youth Education Series) program to “give students real-world learning experiences at Disney Theme Parks and provide newfound insights, skills and knowledge to motivate and inspire students.”
• Co-Chairing a fundraising campaign for the National Kidney Transplant Foundation to help a friend who needs a kidney.
• Re-launching her “for profit” business After-school.com!
NOTABLE AFFILIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
• The Links, Incorporated-Appointed-Eastern Area Director for Services-to-Youth Facet---Oversaw 75 chapters in the Eastern Area. Each chapter responsible for community service and outreach and mentoring to youths in their communities.
• National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.-President (Elected) (three terms) National President’s Leadership Award for community service
• Jack and Jill of America, Inc.-Team leader and coordinator for children’s activities
• Son’s School’s PTA’s and PTO’s
• McLean Chamber of Commerce-Member
NOTABLE PAST AWARDS, ACHIEVEMENTS & RECOGNITION
• Alpha Kappa Alpha-Human Mankind Award for health and community service to youth
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome-President’s Award – Testified before Senate Appropriations committee on behalf of SIDS and NICHD requesting funding for SIDS research in amount of $17 million-grant awarded
• TV Interview with SIDS team on Tom Brokaw Nightly News
• Home interview with Discovery Channel for SIDS
• SIDS Survival Guide for Parents-Authored and submitted two articles for publication
• Marian Wright Edelman STAND FOR CHILDREN award for participation
• She has received numerous local and national awards for her outstanding leadership and advocacy on behalf of women and children’s issues.
Michelle’s “KEYS FOR SUCCESS”
• Integrity
• Respect
• Ethical Behavior
• Positive Thinking
• Loyalty
• Work & Family
• Empowerment
Michelle Morgan Spady, Author & Publisher B'Artful, LLC
B'Artful Website: http://www.bradspadyart.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bradspadyart
