Author SissyMarySue is Wendy Muhlhauser!
(pictured above with my Editor- Hanna)
(INVITE SissyMarySue - VIRTUAL AUTHOR INFO BOTTOM OF PAGE!)
In French and English!
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Lifelong Minnesota educator, is also accomplished children’s Author SissyMarySue. She is regarded as an expert, with her play for learning pedagogy. Although, it is through her humility, flexibility and openness that allows her to easily serve all levels. SissyMarySue/Wendy Muhlhauser is highly accomplished in teaching youth, Pre-K to 12th grade, teachers and college students. She holds an M.A. in Human Development, from St. Mary's University. She is pursuing her Doctorate in Education through Fielding Graduate University, where she is ABD (all but dissertation). She was humbled to have received, one scholarship from St. Mary’s University and two from Fielding Graduate University, for her leadership, literary work and communication skill surrounding youth, empathy, equity, and inclusion. She was chosen as a Marie Fielder Fellow -through Fielding Graduate University's Marie Fielder Center for Democracy, Leadership and Education.
SissyMarySue designed and taught a graduate level class through Hamline University’s Graduate School of Education, surrounding the play based, learning technique, she originated. She presented countless speeches to educators and members of the business world successfully, as well, about the needs of youth and mankind.
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SissyMarySue used her play for learning-pedagogy, to teach from the text of the "Jelly Beans the Cheetah and Hope" story, long before it was published. In fact, she fully utilized the interactions, reactions and opinions of students to inform the edit process. Ultimately, the book that was published reflected the students preferences and learning.
SissyMarySue/Wendy Muhlhauser has founded and run two acclaimed education organizations with the intention of serving youth and the greater good for mankind.
SissyMarySue exudes, unbridled passion in equity, teaching, training, speaking and in authorship. Her first children’s book AWARD WINNING (GLOBALLY MINDFUL)
“Jelly Beans the Cheetah and Hope” received FIVE STAR REVIEWS and SOLD OUT in a multitude of states, at her many Barnes & Noble signings. Since the first book was so well received, SissyMarySue is launching the second book in the series “EMPATHY AIRLINES-Jelly Beans the Cheetah and Hope” Book Two, shortly. "Tristy Sparkles-The Teacher and Others who Shine" has a beautifully diverse classroom. It is a new series soon out as well. She just began illustrations for "Dunnigan Bower" about a beloved Black male teacher. This is her third MCAD (Minneapolis College of Art and Design) intern she has hosted. She has enjoyed a wonderful collaboration with the college. All of her books are illustrated by students.
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International translations and music production are being accomplished through intern talent, for both books.
SissyMarySue has a passion to empower through mentoring youth, college age students and adults. Her books are marketed, recorded, supported and illustrated by the high school and college age student interns, she mentors. She has devoted her life to youth and in making sure that equity is realized for as many, as possible.
She has served with distinction on many volunteer boards including her current Early Childhood board work with Milestones. SissyMarySue leads in all she does with a thoughtful, optimistic, open, welcoming communication style. She consistently achieves, seemingly impossible goals. She speaks extensively about the needs of our youth, mankind, empathy, tolerance, shared humanity and perseverance.
I began Jelly Beans Creative Learning in 1996. With this organization, I emphasized emotional competence and called upon drama and play-as-learning as tools for development and education. As an educator, I provided an educational experience that used dramatic activities to facilitate child development, social and emotional growth, and critical thinking. I strongly believe that if youth are given a chance to develop these skills, it's less likely that they will engage in violent and self-destructive behavior. As a business, Jelly Beans expanded to encompass: ages 3-18; keynote speeches; teacher and childcare provider training; a Hamline graduate class; diversity classes; humanitarian-based curriculum development; and a children's book about empathy, set in Tanzania. The mission of Jelly Beans was recommended, endorsed, and written about in twelve regional publications!
My goal is to give youth the child/human development they need. I am concerned that kids are playing and interacting less, which is essential for brain development, as well as for acquiring soft skills and obtaining strong language development. I seek to provide that element of play to respond to this deficit, using drama to mimic playing.
First, I implemented the technique broadly. It was in eight cities concurrently. I taught literature, social studies, science, foreign language, and diversity classes using the technique. Next, I introduced the ideas and trained as many teachers and caregivers, as I could. I set out to encourage children's confidence, to empower them, and to inform other educators about this technique as a way to enhance any learning topic.
In 2014, I launched "Jelly Beans the Cheetah and Hope", which is set in Tanzania. It features the Barabaig tribe, a community of people that I had the privilege to meet in 2007 when I participated in a clean water project. The book is set in rhyme and communicates a message of empathy. It is also about kindness, resilience, and the power of love. I believe that we only need to inform youth about world issues to spring them into positive action! I have long held an understanding that there are positive implications when our world has emotionally healthy people who can think critically. I know that people who are grounded and stable emotionally are able to make choices from that frame of reference. True critical thinkers are innovators and problem solvers, and it is imperative to foster these strengths early. Sending GREAT JOY, HOPE, LOVE and EMPATHY for our human/world/animal FAMILY! SissyMarySue
