About Us

Katharine Covino, is a college professor who teaches teachers how to teach. She’s been a teacher for almost 20 years. From her experience in classrooms at all levels, she has come to believe in the importance of asking young people to share their voices and their experiences. In teaching, as in life, it is more important to listen than to lecture.

Conscious and intentional listening awakens curiosity, instills knowledge, and deepens empathy. When she’s not teaching or writing, Katharine tries to keep up with her kids. Despite her very best efforts, they are all faster swimmers, hikers, and skiers than she is. She also tries to make them laugh - sometimes she is successful. Katharine lives near Boston, Massachusetts.

Suzanne Clarke Allen is a pediatric nurse practitioner who specializes in adolescent medicine. She has years of experience partnering with young people and their families in educational, recreational, and medical settings. She has dedicated her career to working alongside youth to develop healthy, balanced and self fulfilled humans. When not in clinic you can find her volunteering for her local schools, on her bike, on top of a mountain, playing with her family or cooking up a storm in her kitchen. 

Caroline Charland is a 9th grade student in Massachusetts.  She is an accomplished artist and will be creating the illustrations to accompany the essays in the book. In her most recent publication, Caroline illustrated an award winning series of childrens books addressing  children's mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. When Caroline is not creating inspiring art she can be found working out at her karate dojo, reading, crocheting or hanging out with friends.