The Kite: Learning To Fly Again

Spanning a forty year career, Dr. Bill Effler has been a pastor, university instructor, counselor, and published author. Now drawing upon the diversity of his professional pilgrimage, this fifth published book demonstrates a sensitive application of his professional life in everyday language. Writing to children, their parents and teachers came as a total surprise to Bill and has been, in his own words, "an unexpected life giving experience". Bill's earlier publication this year, "Resilient, Tools For Getting Up After Life Knocks You Down" and a follow up publication, "Teen Resiliency", are further examples of his deep heart for people in need (both available on Amazon).Bill holds the Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary with an emphasis on mental health issues with men. He and his wife, Kristen, reside in Apison, Tennessee, are the parents of three grown children and are excitedly expecting a first granddaughter. Today, when not counseling, researching, or writing Bill can be found herding chickens, gardening and, enjoying the beauty of southeastern Tennessee. Dr. Effler can be reached for speaking engagements, consulting or mentoring at weffler@epbfi.com. Learn more about Bill through his Facebook activity and Open Door podcast (Facebook, YouTube) which addresses culture and contemporary issues.

Paula Friedman is a watercolor, pen and ink and mixed media artist from Solon, Ohio. After earning an undergraduate degree from the University of Cincinnati in early childhood education, Paula spent the next 40 years as a pre-K teacher and later, would become an assistant director.Paula's true love has always been children, bringing her contagious laugh and sensitivity into the classroom. Not surprisingly, her art would always find a way into the teaching setting. Upon her retirement her school principal said to her, "Paula, kids have always been your passion but art, yes art, is your 'northern star.'" In earlier years, Paula found herself drawn to ink and watercolor as she created whimsical flowers. In more recent years, Paula has branched out into vivid expressions of abstract work and has particular fun painting people, particularly celebrities, and honors them on her FB page on their birthdays.Paula lives in Solon, Ohio with her husband Scott and has two grown sons. paulafriedman98@gmail.com