Katie O’Brien, M.Ed., is a 43-year-old author, artist, and high school art teacher from San Diego, CA. With over 20 years of experience in the classroom, she has seen firsthand how creativity and mindfulness can empower young people to express themselves, regulate their emotions, and discover joy in the present moment.

Her second book, The Joy of Mindfulness with Dorie the Dog , A kids book ages 4-8 that teaches self-regulation, positivity , gratitude and daily affirmations was inspired by her rescue pup, Dorie, whose wide-eyed wonder reminded Katie of the beauty found in simple things such as sunshine, flowers, butterflies, and quiet breaths.

Combining her lifelong passion for art with her dedication to mindfulness practices like meditation, EFT tapping, breathwork, and her favorite book, “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle,  Katie created this book to encourage children to slow down, notice the world around them, and build healthy habits of self-regulation.

When she isn’t teaching or creating, Katie enjoys painting, traveling, exercising, and being with her family, friends, and beloved dog, Dorie in San Diego, CA.