Hello, I’m Portia Mills Henderson, a Self-Published Author and Founder of Resilient Reads LLC and Healing the Roots Foundation. My mission is to empower children to thrive beyond adversity, driven by the challenges that have shaped my own life. Through my work, I am committed to fostering emotional wellness and ensuring that children have the tools they need to heal and grow. In addition to my dedication to Mental Health and Emotional Resilience, I have spent over 25 years in the Dental Field, working as a Dental Assistant, Dental Hygienist, Dental Hygiene Instructor, and Dental Board Advisory Member. These experiences have given me invaluable insight into the deep connection between oral health and overall well-being. A healthy mouth is more than just a bright smile; it plays a vital role in physical health, self-confidence, and even mental well-being. Poor oral health has been linked to stress, anxiety, and systemic health issues, reinforcing the importance of early education and healthy habits. Motivated by my passion for both health and healing, I wrote Let’s Visit the Dentist to introduce young children to good oral hygiene habits early on. With a heart for teaching, I hope to encourage both parents and children to embrace lifelong healthy habits because when we care for our mouths, we care for our whole selves. Beyond my work in dentistry, I have authored books that support emotional well-being for children, teens, and adults. My collection, Nina’s Coping Toolbox, was inspired by my daughter Nina’s challenges during a school transition in her fourth-grade year. This experience sparked the creation of a collection of books designed to support emotional resilience in young readers. From this collection, I developed the Nina’s Coping Toolbox Curriculum, which teaches Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Mindfulness, and Yoga. For teens and adults, I offer my memoir, Healing My Roots, and its companion workbook, Discovering Me, which provide a roadmap for self-discovery, healing, and emotional resilience through mindfulness, affirmations, gratitude, and self-reflection. These two books are designed to guide individuals on their journey toward healing and personal growth. As a Certified Breathe For Change Facilitator, I am trained in Mindfulness, Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and Yoga Teacher Training for educators and community leaders. These certifications enrich my work, allowing me to support children, families, and educators in meaningful ways. Thank you for joining me on this journey. Whether through oral health education or emotional wellness, my goal is to help children and families build strong, healthy foundations one story at a time.