Phyllis Leyden-Alexander
Phyllis Leyden-Alexander is an author, entrepreneur, and Noah’s grandmother, whose life adventures are captured in the children’s book series, “Adventures in Noahland.” The books help reduce the discomfort some students and adults may feel around kids who are different from themselves due to disability. Phyllis brings passion and first-hand experience (even rapping and singing country music!) to convey ‘different doesn’t mean less than’ when speaking with school-age children, students with an early childhood education major, and educators. Her books have also been used by universities in developing lesson plans and strategies for general early education instruction.
Association with Camp ASCCA, a nationally recognized Easter Seals camp, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI), a part of the National Park Service, help extend Phyllis’ reach in bringing awareness to the history of disability.
A NYC native, Phyllis now resides in Pittsburgh, PA with husband Louis. Together they share 5 children and six incredibly perfect grandchildren, of whom Noah is the youngest.
Noahland is a very real place where meals are received through a tummy tube, and leg braces, wheelchair and therapies are a part of life.
But as you begin reading you discover a thoroughly likeable kid who enjoys doing the same things typical kids do, just in a different way! The book is a wonderful tool for parents and teachers to use when talking to children about those who are different from themselves due to disabilities.
Author Adventures in Noahland teaches ‘different doesn’t mean less than’ .
Born and raised in NYC, currently residing in Pgh, PA. The birth of my grandson thrust me into disability advocacy was birth of my grandson.
To host virtual presentations to local elementary schools in recognition of Read Across America and National Cerebral Palsy Awareness month.
My grandson Noah was born several months premature and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as well as several other disabilities. His mom was determined to give him every opportunity to thrive and has exposed him to a multitude of activities. Their love of life and quest for acceptance by community and peers was the inspiration for a new children’s book series called “Adventures in Noahland”.
The first book entitled “Different But The Same” introduces you to Noahland, a very real place where meals are received through a tummy tube, and leg braces, wheelchair and therapies are a part of life. But as you begin reading you discover a thoroughly likeable kid who enjoys doing the same things typical kids do, just in a different way! The book is a wonderful tool for parents and teachers to use when talking to children about those who are different from themselves due to disabilities.