"My favorite thing about the Bookerie is the community and having a safe space to talk about things I'm not comfortable talking about with other friends."

-8th grader

Both my teen daughters joined the Bookerie about a year ago. They look forward to it each week and are excited to bring home their projects. They have great discussions, journaling, crafts, and love the book choices. I highly recommend the Bookerie!

-Mother of 8th and 9th grader

Cristi was born to do this. She truly wants to help guide girls going through the difficult phase of adolescence. She has a tremendous knowledge of and passion for children’s literature. And she is an artist herself. As a mother and professional in health care, she knows how important girls’ mental health is and I am so grateful she has created this group for girls.

Cristi provides a safe place for girls to talk about their feelings and what is going on in their worlds, provides creative opportunities, and is there for these girls to be a safe adult they can turn to. The girls journal, talk, and create – all of which are so important to mental health.

I will never forget something my daughter - and I - learned from one of Cristi’s lessons. The girls read a book called The Rabbit Listened, about a rabbit who just listened to a friend. The rabbit didn’t try to solve the friend’s problems or even cheer the friend up. The rabbit just listened. Because of that lesson, the next time I saw my daughter seemingly going through a rough time, I sat down in her room without saying anything. My daughter asked, “What are you doing?” I replied, “Being a rabbit.” I didn’t say anything else, and soon my daughter started sharing with me. Priceless.

Cristi is a blessing to this group of girls and our community. It really is a special thing she has created.

-mother of 7th grader