Welcome, Dear Sweet Mama!
When I was a new mama—decades ago—I needed a resource like this.
Whether you are a new mama now, or you've already acquired decades of invaluable mothering experience in the trenches, or you are anywhere in between, you are welcome to come here any time you need refreshment and encouragment for the journey. We can all use a little more of that in our lives.
Whether you are a new mama now, or you've already acquired decades of invaluable mothering experience in the trenches, or you are anywhere in between, you are welcome to come here any time you need refreshment and encouragment for the journey. We can all use a little more of that in our lives.

I answer to many names and while my favorite one is "mama," here you can just call me Ella.
A little more about my experiences that led to the creation of Raising Book-Fed Souls.
I have taught in
I have raised or am currently raising children who are dealing with
A little more about my experiences that led to the creation of Raising Book-Fed Souls.
I have taught in
- public schools,
- private schools,
- charter, magnet, and other alternative education programs,
- homeschool co-ops, and
- homeschool of my own children.
I have raised or am currently raising children who are dealing with
- hyperlexia (multiple presentations);
- dyslexia, dysgraphia, and apraxia;
- autism spectrum disorder (ASD);
- sensory processing disorder (SPD), without autism;
- talented and gifted (TAG);
- twice exceptional (2E), diagnosed with both giftedness and a learning disability;
- mental health issues, including anxiety and depression;
- PTSD from childhood trauma; and
- nontraditional family situations.
I've spent decades in the trenches and my advanced education and training has helped me to gain perspective and take a deeper look at what worked, what didn't, and why. As a mother, or as an educator, it is easy to become wrapped up in the details, distracted and worried about so many things. What I have learned, though, is that focusing on the details is of no help to me or my children if it is contributing to worry and distraction. What I have to always keep in focus is the big picture, the true long-term goal, and then view the details by that light. It changes everything, and that is what I want to show you, Sweet Mama, how to change your perspective, because that will change everything.
As of Spring 2019, I am just getting this site started, but I'll be adding articles and answers to questions from my readers on a regular basis. I hope you will come back often to see what's new. If you'd like to receive a once-a-month email with a list of what's new, plus special subscriber exclusives, please sign up for my monthly reader newsletter. I promise it will be one of the highlights of your month, providing refreshment, encouragement, and inspiration in a safe space.
Plus, if you sign up now, someday you will be able to look back and say that you've been with me from the beginning.
Plus, if you sign up now, someday you will be able to look back and say that you've been with me from the beginning.