Cathy Woodyard

Cathy Woodyard has spent much of her life as a teacher -- of preschool, high school, community college, and university students. A licensed professional counselor for thirty years, she now does her teaching through workshops and retreats in both the US and Canada. She created A Sheltering Tree -- Center for Counseling & Creativity in McKinney, Texas where she enjoys working with individuals and groups to find peace and meaning in their lives.

Cathy's love for stories began as a little girl when she listened to her mother's stories of growing up in the small mining town of Pennington Gap, Virginia. At age 12, she created a neighborhood newspaper -- where she held the position of reporter, editor, and producer. Operating out of her dad's garage, the publication was short-lived as he reclaimed his space for the family vehicle. As a young teen, Cathy used her parents' antique typewriter to type out somewhat sappy stories of teenage angst. Academic writing then took precedence for many years as Cathy studied both English and Counseling.

Cathy has an extensive collection of children's stories and uses them in her counseling, workshops, and retreats - all with adults. She has a particular love for children's stories which also hold meaning for adults.