Marilyn L. Dodge M.A. M.Ed. brings warmth, experience, and deep understanding of children’s emotions to every page she writes. A graduate of Rutgers University, she later earned her MA and M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology and Rehabilitation from Columbia University. Throughout her career, Marilyn has worked with children from inner-city, suburban, and rural communities, giving her a broad view of the feelings, fears, hopes, and challenges young readers may carry. She has also lived and worked in England and Japan, where she observed that children around the world often face similar emotional struggles. Now living in Virginia with her Yorkshire Terrier, Ripley, Marilyn continues to draw from her professional background and personal love for children. As a proud grandmother of Bennett, she created Bennett’s Secret Magical Power to offer young readers a gentle, memorable way to understand big feelings, practice calming skills, and believe in their own quiet strength.

Her stories encourage kindness, patience, courage, and problem-solving through child-friendly moments that families, teachers, and counselors can discuss together in meaningful ways. With a caring voice and practical purpose, she writes stories that help children feel seen, supported, and capable of making calmer choices every single day.