The Invisible Riptide: Volume 1

"The Invisible Riptide" is a story of hope, healing, and connection. The book is a tool for all ages and is filled with meaningful life lessons. The illustrations are as powerful as the words, leaving room for the subconscious to show us a way towards achieving real health and balance. This is the first installment in a series of books for children, adolescents, and parents that provides guidance and normalizes the emotional experience that we all have but do not necessarily discuss.

The book follows the story of Stella, who wakes up with whirling and swirling feelings in her belly and doesn't know why. It seems that no one can explain it. Stella ultimately goes to see a therapist – or "feelings" doctor – who helps her understand the whirling swirling feelings in her belly are her body's emotional thermometer.

The whirling swirling feelings are her emotional riptide. She realizes that not only can she feel this riptide on the inside, but she can also feel the emotional current of those around her. She discovers how to have emotional safety – the ability to identify her feelings, express them, and have them validated. Through Stella's journey, readers learn that health and well-being are supported through deep connection with others and by owning one's feelings.

This impactful story gives children the language to explain their feelings to build the necessary skills to surf the riptide of their emotions. It is meant to be read to children by parents, coaches, counselors, and any adult who works with children.

Carron Montgomery is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, Level II trained EMDR, and trauma specialist in private practice. At the beginning of her career, she worked for two nonprofits: the first counseling victims of sexual abuse and the second working with low-income families and trauma. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, grief, and loss. Carron utilizes a client-centered approach that includes collaborating with each client's team of professionals and primary caregivers. At the beginning of the pandemic, she saw a huge need for education and support related to children's and teen's mental health that was not being addressed. She trained local school counselors and began writing to provide additional resources to the community and as a voice for her clients. The Invisible Riptide series was born because of the need to give a voice to her clients and provide resources to the community, with the goal of sparking conversations about and creating a shared understanding of mental health. Her passion for community, connection, and supporting everyone's well-being is evident throughout her work and The Invisible Riptide series.David Gentile is a beautiful artist and soul. He found his love of drawing while he was the president of BCBSKC. A coworker entered him in a drawing contest and his hobby turned into a passion. After his retirement, David began doodling, as he calls it, for fun and a creative outlet. He is an avid giver and has donated his time and his beautiful images all over the city.