Meet Geraldine Oades-Sese, Ph.D. | Child Psychologist, Children’s Book Author, & Passionate Birder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Geraldine Oades-Sese, Ph.D. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Geraldine, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
Working for myself has been one of the best decisions I ever made, but it was only the first step toward success. The real secret to my achievements has been my unwavering passion for what I do. I truly believe that when we love what we do, we can achieve anything we set our minds to. For me, that passion has always been about helping children find happiness, realize their potential, and connect with nature through birding.

I poured my heart and soul into my work, dedicating myself to each project with 500% of my energy. That meant creating something that aligned with my passions and beliefs, something that mattered. That’s why I decided to combine my expertise as a child psychologist with my love for birding and photography. And that’s how Melusine: Birds of Many Feathers was born.

This children’s picture book tells the story of Melusine, a young birder on a mission to find a mysterious bird. But it’s not just an ordinary birding adventure. Through her journey, Melusine discovers the importance of self-acceptance, belonging, and diversity in both the human and bird world.

With this book, I hoped to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the birding world, while showcasing the power of language to connect with one another and our feathered friends. But above all, I wanted to inspire children to unplug, get outdoors, and connect with nature. The benefits of spending time in nature are well-documented, and I believe that by encouraging children to explore the outdoors and the wonders of birding, we can help them unlock their full potential and find joy and fulfillment in life.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am proud to say that I am a successful entrepreneur who has made a meaningful impact on children’s lives. My private practice is a safe haven for children to develop resilience and identify their strengths and weaknesses through therapeutic intervention and comprehensive neuropsychological assessments. I am also actively involved in research projects, advising national children’s media organizations, and leading programs that promote social-emotional learning.

As I expand my practice and education, I am excited to announce that I am venturing into the world of children’s books that focus on mental health and social-emotional learning, therapeutic games, animated videos, and resilience-building programs. My upcoming book, Melusine: Birds of Many Feathers, is a testament to my passion for nurturing happy children, embracing diversity, and connecting them to the wonders of nature.

While my journey has been challenging, I have learned that success is not achieved overnight. It takes hard work, dedication, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. Nevertheless, through two years of gathering supporters and readers, I am confident that my book will positively impact children’s lives.

Driven by the belief that every child deserves to be happy, healthy, and resilient, my brand aims to inspire children to connect with nature, appreciate diversity, and embrace their unique superpowers. I invite you to join me on this journey toward creating a better world for our children and feathered friends.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would begin our journey of art, culture, and cuisine with a picturesque stroll through the Grounds of Sculpture, where renowned sculptures and impressionist paintings adorn the gardens in a breathtaking display of art and nature. Later in the evening, we would indulge in a culinary experience like no other at Eno Terra, renowned for its farm-to-table cuisine and charcuterie. The food is made with only the freshest ingredients, with attention to presentation.

The next day, we would immerse ourselves in the eclectic energy of Soho, as we peruse the art galleries, bookstores, and unique fashion boutiques. We would take a break to savor the to-die-for guacamole at Rosa Mexicana before heading to the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art.

We would dine in a cozy Mediterranean restaurant at Boulud Sud as the evening drew near. We would enjoy exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and a welcoming atmosphere that would make my friend feel right at home. We would finish off our night with smooth jazz at the best jazz club in NYC, The Blue Note, where the atmosphere and music are so relaxing and unforgettable.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The road to becoming an author is not an easy one, but with the support of a village, anything is possible. Robert’s (my husband) unwavering belief in me and his endless encouragement gave me the courage to pursue my dream of writing children’s books. With his support, I took the leap of faith and began the journey of bringing my story to life.

But I could not have done it alone. My family and friends, April Anne, Richard, Nate Sankary, Donna Schwind, Wai-ling Rubic, and Carlota Monte stood by my side and tirelessly reviewed endless drafts of my book, providing valuable feedback and encouragement.

And that was just the beginning. My crowdfunding coach, Lisa Ferland, played a pivotal role in funding my book and helping me navigate the complex world of book publishing. Kim Ann Yap and Yobe Qui also provided invaluable guidance and mentorship in marketing and the book business, allowing me to get my books into the hands of more readers.

But the support didn’t stop there. Hundreds of people contributed to my book’s creation, from illustrators to editors, beta readers to author friends, and Kickstarter backers to sponsors. Each one played a critical role in bringing my story to life.

Website: www.kiddiewinkspublishing.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiddiewinkspublishing/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldine-oades-sese-a702234a/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@oadessese

Other: https://www.flickr.com/photos/geraldine777 https://childresilience.com/

Image Credits
Photo of Self with Camera was taken by Natalie Licini of Je Revele