Zoy’s stories help a child and a parent practice feelings. The For Schools pages stay up so a family can trust how the stories were made. Zoy does not sell coaching, and it does not sell a package to a school or a therapist.
Behind every playful story and meticulously-crafted resource is a team united by a singular purpose: to empower the next generation through social-emotional learning (or SEL). Zoy’s ensemble of experts ranges from licensed teachers and board-approved child psychologists to witty writers and talented illustrators.
Director of Creative Operations
Washington, USA
Ashley Bugge is an award-winning author and K-12 educator, who utilizes her training and expertise in the subjects of human behavior and leadership to create authentic and transformational material for Zoy. Her hope is to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders by supporting their emotional intelligence, all starting with social and emotional learning from a young age!
Writer and Lead Editor
Texas, USA
Carrie is a children's author and editor who's written over 2 dozen children's books and edited many more. After studying Child and Family Development at Stephen F. Austin, she taught for seven years before launching into writing and editing. She is passionate about creating stories that empower children to grow in their social-emotional skills while having fun.
Writer
California, USA
David has a background in more traditional literature for older audiences, but after writing his first children’s book a few years back, he fell in love with the idea of expressing complex ideas in a simple manner for children to enjoy and learn from.
Therapist and Child Development Expert
Florida, USA
Bibi Sabahat Shah is a therapist and child development expert who works with children and families. Her goal is to help families nurture what is most important for healthy minds and hearts: connection, presence, and social-emotional skills that will last a lifetime.
Storybook Illustrator
Bitola, North Macedonia
Elena Gjorgjievska is a fine artist, painter, and illustrator living in Bitola. Love drawing and painting since an early age. She has an MA degree in painting from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Skopje, North Macedonia. She has more than a decade of experience as a fine art teacher. She's also a game designer and children's book illustrator.
Psychometrician & Illustrator
Laguna, Philippines
Enghel Garcia is a psychometrician turned graphic illustrator who has been drawing since she was 5. She loves watching animated series. After having a Psychology Degree and becoming a Psychometrician, Enghel started working in the industry. After working for some time, she had an epiphany where she wanted to pursue her dream of working in the art industry while spreading mental health awareness. Being a Children's Book Illustrator made her proud that she could share it with children and can empower and guide them through purposeful stories.
Education Specialist
New York, USA
Katy holds a Master's Degree in Education with over ten years of special education classroom experience focusing on behaviors. Katy has a passion for social-emotional learning and has put her methods to the test both in and out of the classroom. She utilizes movement, dance, yoga, mindfulness, and, most importantly - fun - in all of her content.
Writer
Massachusetts, USA
Mary Beth Bass is an award-winning fiction writer with a side of teaching and theatre. She’s also written about life-changing food, far-off places, silly kids, and big secrets! She loves bad weather, punk rock, octopuses, and the Oxford Comma.
Storybook Illustrator
Surabaya, Indonesia
Natalia is an illustrator based in Indonesia. She has loved illustration and character design (and cute things!) since childhood. She currently works on children's book illustrations and character design for video games.
Head of Marketing & Strategy
Massachusetts, USA
Olena is an award-winning, proactive growth-minded strategic marketing leader with diverse experience in global marketing and consulting roles. Olena has over 25 years of experience developing new go-to-market strategies and targeted marketing programs as an internal entrepreneur, digital agency leader, or consultant to growing companies. Olena passionately innovates customer-centric solutions, integrates omnichannel strategies, and helps ensure efficient and flawless execution.
Head Comedy Writer
California, USA
Richard Anderson is a comedy writer who grew up in Boulder, Colorado, where he fell in love with Dr. Seuss and other whimsical storybooks. After graduating from the University of Colorado, he moved to Chicago to study comedy and writing at The Second City. After thirteen years of writing, directing, and performing in comedy shows for all ages, he moved to Los Angeles, where he continued his journey in storytelling.
Subject Matter Expert
Missouri, USA
Saskia Helen is a former educator and SEL specialist who now provides countless families and classrooms with essential tools for building relationships, supporting and uplifting children, and helping them to develop crucial life skills - all through her work with Zoy!
At the heart of Zoy are values that go beyond just words—they’re the compass that directs us in every endeavor, with every resource we create.
We don’t just aim to teach; we aspire to connect. For us, the journey of learning is peppered with fun, laughter, and those ‘aha!’ moments that make each day a celebration.
Every family is a universe, each with its own stories and traditions. We cherish this diversity, understanding that these differences make our community rich and vibrant.
Our spirit thrives on community and creativity. We believe in the magic that’s born when passionate minds collaborate, be it through innovative solutions or a simple doodle that brings a smile.
For us, open-mindedness isn’t just a value—it’s a practice. We engage in genuine conversations, being always eager to listen, learn, and share.
The world of SEL is vast and ever-evolving. With a commitment to continuous learning, we remain at the forefront, making certain that our offerings are both current and impactful.
We don’t walk alone. Alongside us are esteemed educators, therapists, and SEL specialists—thought leaders who amplify our mission and enhance our expertise.
At Zoy, we recognize the boundless potential of collective effort. Our journey for social-emotional learning is most transformative when shared. Join us in shaping a legacy where every child’s social-emotional development flourishes!
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