Monday, November 30, 2009

FAPE Spotlights Member, Tina Turbin Children's author, Tina Turbin FAPE member Tina Turbin is an award-winning children's author, writer, researcher, humanitarian and mother. Working for many years with children in the entertainment business, Tina advocates for children, families and women’s issues with research into children's literacy, children's allergies, celiac disease, gluten-free foods and nutrition as a way to improve the quality of lives and health for others. Her approach in garnering awareness on these important topics comes from her position as a humanitarian, and a professional, and one who lives a gluten-free lifestyle, while utilizing her educational videos, books and storybook characters to share the educational aspect with children (http://www.DannyTheDragon.com). Many of Tina's contributions to the community and volunteer efforts include: family-oriented gluten-free cupcake parties to raise awareness about Celiac and benefit the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University Medical Center; ongoing bookings on national radio shows including: "Women Making a Difference", "Thrive in Balance", "OC Family Radio Show" and "Teacher Talk Radio"; article contributions to a variety of websites and publications including such organizations as the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) and the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children (NADWC); and readings of her book Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy at schools, libraries and hospitals. Most recently Tina participated in the Sesame Street Halloween family concert in Pasadena, CA with an audience of 2,000 patrons. The orchestral concert featured the release of Tina's latest addition to her Danny the Dragon series entitled Danny the Dragon DREAMS Tina is a recipient of 2 prestigious literary awards for her book Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy: 2nd place winner for Children’s Literature in the Arizona Literary Contest and Book Awards of 2009 and Award-winning finalist in the National Best Books Awards of 2009 to be announced at BookExpo America (BEA) 2010. Tina resides in St.Petersburg and is available for volunteer activities in the surrounding districts. (http://TinaTurbin.com) If you would like to submit a candidate for Spotlight Member, please send your nomination to pamlastowski@comcast.net