05 Mar Francine Apy
Contact information: Francine@SoulFillingAdoption.com / 518-633-7233
Website: www.SoulFillingAdoption.com
About the Author:Francine Apy is an author, speaker, adoption coach, and founder of SoulFilling, a platform created to bring modern, balanced conversations about adoption into mainstream spaces, including classrooms. With over 25 years of experience in HR leadership, coaching, and professional development, Francine blends real-life insight with educational storytelling to help students and teachers explore topics of family, resilience, and courage.
She is the author of Brianna’s Brave Day at School, a beautifully illustrated children’s book that opens up age-appropriate discussions about adoption, confidence, and sharing your story with courage. Francine also self-published her mother’s memoir, Dominica’s Story: A Life of Courage, Hope and Love, which offers a powerful entry point for middle-grade students (ages 10+) to learn about immigration, family, and overcoming adversity.
As an adoptive mother to three young adult sons, and an aunt to five nieces and nephews through adoption, Francine brings both lived experience and thoughtful perspective to every classroom visit. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, where she is focused on using science-backed tools to support emotional growth, narrative healing, and the power of resilience. Through author visits and school partnerships, Francine equips teachers to confidently explore themes like adoption, immigration, and resilience with their students.
Book titles/intended audience:
Brianna’s Brave Day at School (Ages 4-8)
Dominica’s Story: A Life of Courage, Hope and Love (Ages 10-up)
Presentations available for: Elementary School (grades PK-5); Middle School (grades 6-8)
Type of visit(s) available: In person, Live virtual, Pre-recorded
Visit details: I offer engaging and interactive readings for both Brianna’s Brave Day at School and Dominica’s Story: A Life of Courage, Hope and Love each lasting 30-45 minutes, with the flexibility to extend up to an hour if desired.
Brianna’s Brave Day at School (30-45 mins)
- Introduction and background on the book, inspired by a true story from my own family.
- Discussion on bravery, inviting children to share personal experiences.
- Read-aloud session with a focus on identifying moments of bravery in the story.
- Introduction to positive adoption language and its importance.
- Q&A session and book signing (if books were purchased in advance).
Dominica’s Story: A Life of Courage, Hope, and Love (30-45 mins)
- Introduction to the book as my mother’s memoir, highlighting its themes and historical relevance.
- Discussion on self-publishing, offering insights into the process.
- Read-aloud excerpt, connecting the story to history and its lasting impact.
- Open Q&A session and book signing.
I am happy to customize the length and content of each session to best fit your audience’s needs. Let me know how I can make this experience meaningful for your group!
Read for RMHC discounted visit fee: Visits will be provided at no cost unless the school has access to grant funding for the visit.
Grant funded visit rates:
Virtual Visit: $45 per session
In-Person Visit: $65 per session
Availability: I am flexible M-F, during typical school day hours, for in person readings and will travel up to 50 miles from Saratoga Springs, NY.
Notice required for scheduling: 1 week
Book order forms provided prior to visit? Yes. Delivery of books occurs on the day of the school visit.
Book signing opportunity: Yes
To schedule a visit: Email Francine@SoulFillingAdoption.com