Kathleen Marcath

Feb 14, 20216 min read

Award-Winning Team!

Updated: Oct 12, 2022

My Monster Truck goes Everywhere with Me was created by the collaboration of an exceptionally talented team. It takes a dedicated team of talented people to publish an Award-Winning Book! I am honored to present the team who contributed their gifts and talents to "My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere with Me." and the accompanying four videos.

It takes a dedicated team of talented people to publish an Award-Winning Book! Above is the video team. Proud to introduce the dedicated TEAM that brought you My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere with Me - Illustrated in American Sign Language

I am grateful for them all. Don't miss the pictures of Dylan, my grandson, who inspired me to share our story.

Author

Kathleen Marcath:

Kathleen Marcath has a B.A. degree in Deaf Community Studies, as well as years of experience as a Special Education Sign Language Supporter has kindled her passion for helping children reach their educational potential. Kathleen is delighted to help fill the need for picture books illustrated in American Sign Language. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother and resides in Michigan.

I am honored and humbled by the presence success of winning the Kirkus Starred Review. This is my dream job writing for children! I found a passion for American Sign Language. Children and their zest for life inspire me, the joys they find in simple things, their big infectious smiles, their wild and free imagination.

My grandson Dylan was inspired with his joy and enthusiasm for life and Monster Trucks! See some of the inspiring snapshots below. My granddaughter told her teacher, Santa, the cashiers in any and every store, "This is my Mimi. She is writing a book!" They bring me so much joy!

To the team presented here, "Thank You" comes from my heart with deep gratitude for all your support and gifts of contribution—blessings, my friends.

Project Manager

April Cox:

April Cox is an award-winning author and founder of Little Labradoodle Publishing. The Little Labradoodle series of six books include two picture books and four coloring/activity books. "My goal is to provide beautifully illustrated books with characters that kids love while re-enforcing core values in a way that is fun for the whole family. April is a coach and volunteer, helping hundreds of authors fulfill their dreams of becoming a published authors. You can find more information at www.thelittlelabradoodle.com. April lives in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, with Steve, her husband of thirty years, and their two Labradoodles.

April Cox answered a question on Facebook with an irresistible offer. I dared to post a question on Facebook in a group of aspiring authors. I asked, "Do any of you self-publish?" With a resounding YES, they said they all do. April added, "I have just started a new group, Self-Publishing Made Simple, guiding you through the process. You are welcome to join us."

I joined that group, and the outcome is My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere with Me. I love the author and marketing community on FaceBook and Instagram. They live with purpose and passion, willing to share their knowledge so freely. April has helped me through every step of the process. Without her, I would still be dreaming.

Editor

Bobbie Hinman:

Bobbie Hinman has a B.S. degree in Elementary Education. The combination of her teaching experience and time spent with her thirteen grandchildren has given her insight into the way children think and the stories they love to read. She has been a speaker and presenter at numerous schools, libraries, and book festivals all across the United States and in Canada. For the past 10 years, Bobbie has been busy editing children’s books, helping other authors to achieve their dreams.

Bobbie's talents are outstanding. She is supportive, going above and beyond, a real joy to work with.

Illustrator Sign Language and Storyboard

Isaac Liang:

Isaac Liang Zij Jie is a Deaf illustrator based in Singapore. At the age of four, he started his artistic journey by drawing on his home's cupboards with crayons. He gains inspiration for traveling and cafe' hopping in his free time. Through his illustrations, animations, and traditional art mediums, Isaac amplifies vision and uniquely tells visual stories.

“When a Deaf Child sees the illustrated Pictures in this book their faces with light up." Isaac Liang

Teaming up with Isaac was so much fun. He serves in his community, sharing his talents and inspiring children. We both love the joy children bring to the world.

Illustrator Color Design

Pardeep Mehra:

Pardeep Mehra is the founder of Pencil Master Digital Studio, a family-owned business employing a large group of talented artists providing illustration and publishing services. For over fifteen years, Pardeep has been providing his keen eye and digital art skills to create beautifully illustrated books that delight children worldwide. Pardeep lives in India with his wife Priuam and daughter Mehar. For more info and portfolio review, visit www.pencilmasterdigi.com.

Pardeep is an experienced, gracious gifted man, who loves his work and family.

Certified ASL Interpreter

Emma Massman:

Emma Massman has been an ASL Interpreter in Michigan with a BEI certification since 2015. She learned ASL while at Madonna University, where she received a B.A. degree in Sign Language Interpreting.

Emma interpreted our Zoom calls with Isaac and filming day. Emma is a delightful professional ASL Interpreter.

Graphic Design

Praise Safor:

Praise Safor has been a book graphic designer for nine years. She loves her work, her family, and life in the Philippines. She has the gift of making magic happen on any book's pages. Children's books are her specialty. Working with Praise is joy and pleasure. Her clients rave about working with her, and the work she produces is the best in the market. One word that best describes Praise is AMAZING!

Award-Winning Video Team Directed by Dustyn Blindert

Dustyn Blindert:

Dustyn Blindert is a talented and dedicated professional videographer, film director, and producer. Dustyn graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Technical Communication. He is an honorable man of integrity—a Five-time Emmy award-winner working in the sports industry as Senior New Media Producer at Detroit Lions. The world is a far better place because of Dustyn's dedication to giving above and beyond.

Deaf ASL Storyteller

Diana Campbell

Diana Campbell graduated from Florida School for the Deaf and married her Deaf husband, Scott Ashley. They have twins CODA’s (Children of Deaf Adult). Diana has worked as an ASL Specialist/Intervenor with Deaf-Blind students at the Bloomfield Hills School for DHH Program for almost 30 years. She always enjoys working with DHH children. She was born profoundly Deaf and had Deaf parents. Diana still works as a mentor with DHH families after school. She serves in the community teaching ASL classes and mentors at Oakland Community College. Diana is a caring, passionate, and dedicated professional who always has your back.

Deaf ASL Storyteller

Michelle Osterhout:

Michelle Osterhout has performed for Mill Neck’s and DPan. She continues to work with Lutheran Bible Translation and Lutheran Friends of the Deaf. Michelle has taught in schools throughout Michigan, including Michigan School for the Deaf, Bloomfield Hills, and Oakland Schools. She’s an ASL mentor for SRP, Gallaudet’s program. She has worked as director and coordinator of Extreme Ropes, ASL Network Workshop for Educators. Michelle, Deaf, wife, and mother of four ‘Deaf heart KODA'S. Her volunteer work includes Eastern Woods Outdoors (EWO) and her husband’s saddle hunting business. Michelle's gifts and talents come naturally to her. She graces the planet with her warmth, positive attitude, and volunteering.

Narrator - Voice Over

Dennis Neubacher:

Dennis Neubacher is a traffic reporter and anchor, weekday mornings on WWJ Newsradio 950. He has an impressive resume, including teaching, TV host, outreach coordinator, and even a helicopter pilot. Besides his exceptional past work experiences, Dennis also has a huge heart for people. So when the opportunity came to voice the audiobook for My Monster Truck, he jumped at the opportunity. He was so willing to be a part of this project, and he indeed did an amazing job. Dennis is a man of many talents and has a heart of gold that beams with contagious joy!

Audio Production

Doak Breen:

Doak Breen has been a radio voiceover and production artist for close to 50 years. He’s been a voice of Detroit radio for over 40 years and spent his final radio years at Newsradio 950 WWJ. He’s had the honor of producing ads with Al Kaline, Gordie Howe, and Barry Sanders. Now semi-retired, Doak still works with radio clients and is thrilled to be asked to help out in this important project. The team was blessed to have the experience and talented Doak Breen a man of honor and compassion who also performed above and beyond the call.