Before she got the phone call, Tiffany Lott Stevenson was at the end of her rope. Her son Oscar was having major behavioral problems in school. No one was willing to help. Instead, the white teachers and administration were all ready to write Oscar off as a "troubled black youth." Tiffany was sure that his newest teacher, Anita Kelley D'Abbraccio, would be exactly the same. When Anita finally called, Tiffany was sure she too was giving up on Oscar.
Instead, Anita proposed a different solution. She wanted to work with Tiffany to come up with an action plan to address Oscar's issues and change some of his troubled behavior.
As the two women began meeting to discuss Oscar's progress, something amazing happened. They became friends. The two bonded based on their shared Christian faith and experiences as mothers. Tiffany wasn't the only one who needed help with her family, and the two promised to be there for each other through the troubled times ahead.
In this heartwarming memoir, both the "white teacher" and the "black mama" show what this friendship has meant to them and how their bond has helped them through times of extraordinary hardship.
About the Author: Anita Kelley D'Abbraccio is an educator specializing in helping children with severe emotional and behavioral disabilities. She uses positive behavioral techniques and a deep sense of empathy to help students coping with trauma, neglect, abuse, and poverty. Nothing makes her prouder than seeing a classroom of children slowly create a brighter future for themselves.
D'Abbraccio has a master's degree in teaching. She is also an accomplished public speaker and facilitator. She is a devoted wife, proud mother of four, and enthusiastic Green Bay Packers fan.
Tiffany Lott Stevenson used her strong Christian faith to help her overcome extreme poverty. She is currently studying early childhood education at Grand Canyon University. Lott Stevenson has eight children. One who had special needs that brought her into contact with Anita Kelley D'Abbraccio.
Lott Stevenson enjoys cooking, volunteering with her church, and spending time with her husband, children, and extended family.
