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Christina is a mother, wife, author, educator and entrepreneur. She has homeschooled for 15 years and counting. As a mother, she knows and understands that our children are the future, so it is imperative that they are taught the power of their choices through the understanding of knowledge of self and emotional intelligence. Additionally, she wants children to know that cultivating and using their imagination is key to developing the world they want to live in and to love themselves is to have great health! One of Christina's latest projects is developing an online homeschooling curriculum, called "SUNSCHOOL".
Some of Christina's favorite things to enjoy are: a good book, a good laugh; good food, good company & good music!
Christina was born and raised in the Bay Area. She is a certified graduate/alumnus of George Ramirez' "Present with Purpose" (2008) & two-time student of his "The Miracle in the Mirror" programs. She has received a Certificate of Recognition from California State Assembly in Honor of Graduating from the Women's Initiative for Self Employment and dedication to empowering the quality of her life and her community (2007).
Additionally, she is a student of Certified Rebirthing-Breathwork Practitioner, Iris Nelson. She holds an Associates degree in Legal Administration/Paralegal Studies from Heald Business College.
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Joseph's Journey: When Dad Left and Never Came Back is a nonfiction book for children written by Christina Nicole Smith and illustrated by Dolores Melgar. Joseph is a young boy who has learned about how we all make choices in our lives. Offered a choice of beverages, he may choose water, milk or juice. He may want to sit at home and read or go out shopping with his mom. His mom offered her insights and knowledge about making choices when Joseph asked about his dad. Joseph’s dad used to come and visit with him on a weekly or biweekly basis. Then he stopped coming at all. Joseph was confused and hurt by it. He felt angry and sad all at once. His mom had no way to contact his dad, and Joseph felt as though he had no recourse but to be upset. Then his mom explained about choices, and how we have to make choices just about all the time. At this point in time, Joseph’s dad’s choices mean he’s not coming to visit right now. His dad’s choices don’t mean that Joseph has to feel sad or bad. Joseph has his own choices to make and can choose to be happy instead.
Joseph's Journey: When Dad Left and Never Came Back helps kids understand a parent’s absence in a way that absolves them from feeling as though they did something to make that parent go away. Smith’s book addresses the subject in a sensitive and empathetic manner. I especially liked the fact that Joseph tells the story rather than his mom, and think that hearing the message from another child, a peer, will make it resonate more strongly with young readers. I loved getting to know Joseph through the artwork of Dolores Melgar. His smile is radiant, and the illustrations illustrate a deep and lasting bond between Joseph and his mom. And while this book is geared towards single-parent kids, the message about choice and personal power is a valuable one for all kids to hear. Joseph's Journey: When Dad Left and Never Came Back is most highly recommended.
