Leonardi-Fichera, Heather: - Heather is a passionate educator, devoted mother, and lifelong advocate for inclusive learning. With over 11 years of experience as a multilingual teacher, Heather has dedicated her career to creating classrooms where every child-no matter their background, language, or learning style-feels seen, valued, and supported.As the mother of two neurodiverse boys, Heather's understanding of education is deeply personal. Her sons have taught her more about resilience, creativity, and the power of individualized learning than any textbook ever could. Navigating their unique educational journeys has shaped Heather's perspective as both a parent and a teacher, inspiring her to champion equity, empathy, and accessibility in everything she does, whether at home or in the classroom.Skilled at bridging cultural and linguistic differences, Heather brings warmth, patience, and curiosity into every lesson. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child deserves a learning experience that fits their needs-not a one-size-fits-all approach.By weaving real-life insight with imagination and heart, she creates stories that resonate with readers of all ages. Her debut book, Learning Looks Different, is thoughtful, beautifully illustrated, and rooted in a message of equity, which mirrors the lessons she teaches in both her home and her classroom.Outside of teaching and writing, Heather enjoys exploring nature with her family, building LEGO bricks/sets with her boys, cooking, traveling, and connecting with other families and educators who share her vision for a more inclusive world.With a voice shaped by both professional expertise and personal experience, Heather invites readers to see learning through a more compassionate lens-one that honors the differences that make each child unique.