Author & Illustrator
Barbara Coven-Ellis
Barbara Coven-Ellis is an ASHA (American Speech-Language and Hearing Association) certified speech-language pathologist who is dedicated to helping kids and their families find their way through medically complex and socially isolating feeding and communication challenges. She was inspired to write Tyler Takes a Taste by the many families who report feeling frustrated, lost, unheard, and alone as they try to figure out how to get their children the help they need. She earned her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Eastern Michigan University. She is a 5 time recipient of ASHA's ACE award for Commitment for Continuing Education. Barbara is a native to, and lives in, the Pacific Northwest along with her very patient husband and a pack of loving, rowdy dogs.
Mehreen Kakwan
Mehreen Kakwan is an ASHA (American Speech-Language and Hearing Association) certified speech-language pathologist with a passion for being a catalyst for positive growth and healing. Mehreen is the author and illustrator of Billy Gets Talking - A Preschooler’s Journey Overcoming Childhood Apraxia of Speech and Let’s Get Talking - A Speech-Language Therapy Companion for a Child’s First Functional Words. She earned her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology at Eastern Michigan University. Inspired by her patient’s healing journeys, she combined her love for illustrating and writing with her desire to help more children feel a sense of belonging, self-acceptance and hope.
