About Stacey M Design

 
MY MISSION

My mission is to build self-confidence in kids.

I believe that there is something about every child that is special. That special thing is what makes each child unique and great.

I believe that when a child taps into that inner greatness, the world of possibilities opens up to that child. The child performs better in the classroom, feels more at ease in social situations, and is empowered to pursue his or her dreams. The child is full of gratitude, is compassionate, and has a serving heart.

I believe that the child who understands his or her inner greatness is a more confident child and blossoms into a more confident adult.

My mission is to help children tap into that inner greatness—I call it their “super power.”

 
WHAT I DO

I am an author, illustrator, and social emotional learning innovator. I design products that not only make kids smile, but that also encourage kids to think about how beautiful they are inside and out.

I write and illustrate a series of guided journal designed to help kids feel more  confident. They each feature fun and thought-provoking activities that encourage kids to focus on themselves and become more self-aware. Whether they are used at school, in a group, or at home, parents and educators report that the "Super Power" guided journals encourage productive conversations.

I also created social emotional learning programs for use in elementary schools and youth groups. The programs are based on the guided journals and include 14-20 lessons. 

I facilitate workshops at schools and for youth organizations and enjoy sharing my unique approach to social emotional leaning through presentations to parents, educators, and community leaders.

 
ABOUT STACEY MONTGOMERY

Through my series of guided journals and social emotional learning (SEL) curriculum, I provide educators in elementary schools as well as parents with tools to help their young learners feel more empowered.

My passion for empowering children started as a young adult when I became frustrated with the lack of positive diverse images in the marketplace. I was reminded of moments during my childhood of feeling out of place and unaccepted. I felt different from the world around me.  This led me to create a line of stationery and gifts that featured my original illustrations of diverse children. My goal was for children to see themselves in my illustrations and feel good about themselves. 

Years later, as a mom to an amazing son, I was frustrated with his experience at school.  He had difficulty fitting in. The strategies of the schools, though well-intentioned, resulted in my son feeling unempowered and even more like an outsider. 

These combined experiences led me to develop an SEL program that emphasizes self-reflection as a strategy to increase both self-awareness and social awareness—two of the core competencies of social emotional learning.  Principals, teachers, and parents have praised my program for its unique approach and its positive impact on the self-confidence of children.  The joy on the faces of children when they come to the realization that they are awesome just the way they are is what motivates me.

Born on the East Coast, I now live with my amusingly wonderful husband and amazing son in Aurora, IL.  I enjoy reading, walking, and cooking. I am also passionate about serving others. I believe that compassion is one of the foundations of a strong, inclusive community. 

I am the Founder and Director of the My Super Powers! Foundation.  I am also a Rotarian, and sit on the boards of the Kiwanis of the Greater Fox Valley Area and the Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois.