Multipassionate professional. Author. Mom.

"When a child is diagnosed with a developmental or mental illness, the whole family is affected. Parents are often thrown into a world that doesn't make sense and then begins the scramble to learn everything necessary to advocate for their child. I lost and found myself in Valerie's story as I read her book Off Script. As a mother of a child with a serious mental illness, I could relate to her fears, her exhaustion, and her treasured moments of love and happiness. Bravo! This is a must-read for all NAMI families."

Ramona

"For those who've never had a first-hand glimpse at parenting a high-needs child in traumatic personal circumstances, Valerie's raw and vulnerable depiction will be an education. If you're going through something similar, you'll find hope in these pages. If you're walking alongside someone taking this journey, you'll find hope, too, as well as clues for how to help." 

Robynne Elizabeth Miller, author, speaker, teacher, and mother of special needs kids

"Valerie's vulnerability as she shares an authentic look at parenting and marriage behind the white picket fence is inspiring. Her journey is a reminder that when we embrace the challenges and learn to let go, we find strength we never knew we had." 

Rachael Ross Steidl, Founder, YouthWell and ParentClick

"Off-script is a relatable story if your life didn’t go as planned, which I guess is most of us. I have two adult children with RAD and raising them was very challenging. Valerie’s book is authentic, vulnerable, and real life. Her journey of faith is front and center and I appreciated that part of her story. The book is well-written and easy to read. I applaud Valerie for doing the hard work on a hard story and encouraging the rest of us on our own paths."

SW

"With candor and grace Valerie shares the most difficult struggles she faced as a wife and mother, giving permission for parents to openly discuss the challenges of mental Illness and substance abuse. When my parenting journey went “off script" 7 years ago I wish I’d had this book. It’s encouraging and hopeful and honest." Melissa

"Your book is honest, compelling, sad, heartening, tragic, heroic, interesting, and informative, written in a way that leaves you absorbed, wanting to read just one more chapter … at the end of every chapter! You have such an authentic, beautiful writing style that has a way of leaving you feeling lifted by the end of each chapter, regardless of the content in the middle."

Yvonne Sloan, Parent