I’m a 17-year-old junior at Santa Barbara High School, and I’ve turned my personal experiences with loss into a mission to help others. After living through the Thomas Fire and Montecito debris flow, I know the fear and grief that follow natural disasters. So, I wrote a children’s book to help young kids cope with the anxiety and sadness that disasters can bring.

My inspiration came from my German Shepherd, Tucker, who’s been my rock through tough times. His love and comfort helped me heal, and I hope my story can offer that same support to others. The book shares real coping strategies in a way that feels warm and accessible to young readers.