Author, Rachael Lovett
Rachael is the proud mother of two little boats. Rachael and her life-raft (Chad) are loving watching their little boats grow in confidence as they gradually lengthen their rope of love so they can explore the deep blue sea.
Outside of her role as Mama Boat, Rachael is a registered teacher and psychologist who has been working in Queensland schools for over 20 years. She and Chad have established their own private psychology practice (very close to a boat harbour) where they enjoy working with families, couples and individuals. Rachael believes that music and story are both fun and meaningful ways to engage children and parents in social and emotional learning. For Rachael, meaningful connections with those past and present, our animal kingdom and our planet – provides the ingredients for a rich life. Loving connecting is the foundation of mental health.
Rachael hopes that as caregivers and children read this book together, that their understanding of just how sacred their love is, is enhanced and nurtured.
Author, Robyn Sheptooha
Robyn is a healthy 64 years young. She says this playfully, to inspire the creative parts of her to lean into life as it is available to her now. Kindness and compassion have informed her varied roles and choices throughout life. She has taken the path of being in service to others as a nurse and midwife, as a mother for over 30 years raising four lovable sons, and, in her counselling and psychotherapy career for 20 years. She definitely has had some experience of navigating the choppy seas of parenting as well as sailing through days reminiscent of calm harbours and sunny skies.
Her keen interest in creative writing, human beings, Buddhism, poetry and the natural world has influenced the crafting of these books with the delightful Rachael Lovett and Kate Finnila. She hopes that this series may serve parents and caregivers to appreciate a widened view of their roles and how their influence and actions interconnects with the children in their care and shapes their future.
Her current place of practice is at Dadirri House which reflects her core values of caring, deep listening, compassion, respect and contribution to the wellbeing of others in her community.
Illustrator, Kate Finnila
Navigating the ocean of possibility through connection and love has been a gift and sharing the journey through the eyes of my two beautiful young children Leo and Frida, support of my sailing partner Ed, family, friends and mentors has brought life, hope and purpose to keep sailing strong.
The illustrations were joyfully created in the midst of a storm, pandemic and flood and came to light through connection, hope and creativity. Where I noticed that the anchoring of watercolour painting around the kitchen table also became a space for my children to draw, paint and connect with their Mumma in a playful way. This physically manifested into swims, bush walks and kayaks around the local lake again enhancing the connection in our relationship.
As a Mother, Artist and practicing Expressive Arts Therapist it is hoped that the book and illustrations inspire others to nurture relationships and find creative processes to enhance their sense of connection to self, connection with each other and the universe.