25 Jul Maria Catalfamo
Contact information: catalfamo@samaritancounselingcenter.org / 518-374-3278 extension 404
Website: www.samaritancounselingcenter.org
About the Author: Maria Catalfamo was born in Albany, New York, where she has vivid childhood memories of playing outdoors with friends and family. She has always appreciated the freedom that comes with using her imagination. While working as a grade school special education teacher, Maria adopted the additional role of a dance choreographer of school performances. Maria has also worked in a shelter for homeless adolescents and assisted with the reunification of families. She is currently licensed in both the state of California and New York as a marriage and family therapist. Maria has been working with Samaritan Counseling Center in Scotia, New York, for fifteen years. She counsels individuals, couples and families and her integrative approach supports healing of relationships, improving daily functioning and healing mental health symptoms. During the pandemic, Maria counseled a rising number of children refusing to leave their homes and feeling fearful of returning to in person instruction. Maria was then inspired to write a book about children suffering with anxiety. While reading her book at Christmas Land in Altamont, New York, Maria was inspired to write a second book (using a different illustrator). The second book is a story about a group of friends enjoying a school field trip to a real place called Christmas Land. The friends support one another as they cope with the stress of keeping up and fitting in, all while experiencing the magic of Christmas Land.
Book titles/intended audience:
Russell the Worrier (ages 4-12)
Ponycow Shares a Cookie Filled with Raspberry Jam (ages 4-12)
Presentations available for:
Elementary School (grades PK-5); Middle School (grades 6-8)
Type of visit(s) available: In person
Visit details: Visits entail book reading, questions and answers, book signing and distribution of items such as chocolate bears (when approved) and book markers. I always collaborate with teachers and staff to ensure my lesson plan is preapproved. Visits can last up to an hour.
Read for RMHC discounted visit fee: No school fee.
Availability: Monday – Saturday, daytime hours. Travel radius up to 30 miles from Troy, NY.
Notice required for scheduling: 1-2 months
Book order forms provided prior to visit? Yes. Delivery on the day of the school visit.
Book signing opportunity: Yes
Travel fees: None
To schedule a visit: Email catalfamo@samaritancounselingcenter.org or call 518-374-3278 extension 404