Shayla’s career in broadcast journalism has taken her across newsrooms where she learned to listen, to witness, and to tell stories that matter. But her most important story began long before the cameras—in quiet moments with her father, in the space between heartbreak and hope. She writes for children because she believes young hearts deserve tenderness when they grieve.
Childhood hugs, graduations, and quiet moments that shaped a story
Mike watched Echo in the Distance come to life from his hospital bed, dreaming aloud of writing a book together. When he passed in August 2022, Shayla made a promise—to finish what they started, honoring him as the book’s co-author and keeping his voice alive on every page.
Mike watched Echo in the Distance come to life from his hospital bed, dreaming aloud of writing a book together. When he passed in August 2022, Shayla made a promise—to finish what they started, honoring him as the book’s co-author and keeping his voice alive on every page.
Shayla’s debut book explores the quiet spaces where love persists, even when absence feels loudest. Written before My Daddy’s Crescent Smile, it laid the foundation for the healing work she continues through storytelling.
Mike watched Echo in the Distance come to life from his hospital bed, wishing aloud that he thought to write a book.. When he passed in August 2022, Shayla made a promise to make his wish come true, honoring him as the co-author of My Daddy’s Crescent Smile and keeping his voice alive on every page.
A U.S. Army veteran and devoted postal worker, Mike was the kind of father who showed up—in the small moments and the big ones. His love didn’t end; it transformed into words, into light, into a book that will reach children for generations to come.
Shayla brings her gift for storytelling directly to schools and communities, offering readings and grief programming that help young hearts heal through connection and hope.
