Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine Magnoli.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Thank you so much for having me today! To be honest, my story begins in the small town that I grew up in located in New York State.
At the ripe age of three, after already experiencing several obstacles with my health, my mother who had always wanted the best possible care for me put me in a school for children with disabilities that focused on both physical and occupational therapy. She wanted to make sure that my mind and body would develop as strong as possible.
After much research , she found a school that was nowhere near my home but regardless was the only option since my small town had little to no diversity. So, finding a school that could accommodate my needs meant going outside of the radius of my home where I lived with my mom, dad, and six siblings was. All of whom, are nondisabled.
After a year of being in this school, I grew to be rather insightful and asked my mom why I was in a wheelchair while rest of my family members could walk. She told me a story where she compared the spinal cord to a magical tree.
She told me that the spine had magical leaves called nerves that help a person move their arms and legs. She went on to say that even though I was missing some of my leaves and couldn’t move my legs I still could do anything else that I put my heart and mind into.
This motivational story coupled with a feeling of security both at home and school, helped me develop the belief that anything was possible.
This feeling increased tremendously as when one day while I was receiving occupational therapy.
This particular day, my therapist would teach me a skill that, unknowingly, would change my life forever and head me down a path of advocacy just two decades later.
The skill I am referring to is being able to properly hold a pencil. This skill would unleash a passion where I would spend hours perfecting my penmanship by tracing letters in a booklet.
Five years after entering this school it was time to leave the cocoon and emerge into the world a beautiful butterfly. This task would not come easy because after graduating it was time for me to enter the public school system of my small town. Which, as a person born with a disability in a town that had little to no diversity meant being subjected to quite a bit of ostracizing.
Needless to say this affected my self esteem and broke down my confidence that I had previously wheeled through life with.
To cope with this, I spent many hours writing in a journal and releasing feelings that I found hard to articulate.
Luckily, things can change in the most surprising ways and when you least expect it. For me, this drastic change occurred, at the age of twenty-two, two years after I had moved to Miami.
The moment I am referring to occurred about a year after my health had taken a turn for the worst when my kidneys failed. Now, you must be wondering how this can be seen as a good thing. Well, it’s simple:
One day, while I was receiving my medical treatment, I was fortunate to meet another patient who I instantly formed a kinship with.
Upon meeting them, their positive energy and optimistic outlook helped me discover my own. This had a profound effect on me and I was determined to be that shining light to someone else. This prompted me to ask if they had any ideas on how I could accomplish this goal.
He instantly informed me of sn opportunity that would allow me the chance to become a volunteer teacher assistant for children within the Autism Spectrum and had acquired other learning disabilities.
At first, I was hesitant because, other than myself, I hadn’t been around a person with a disability in almost two decades.
Regardless, I followed through and I could not be happier with that decision. Within in minutes of wheeling into the classroom, I was overwhelmed by this feeling of finally finding where I belonged. This feeling was life changing and over time grew even stronger as I began to admire how these kids navigated their own episodes of bullying by their “typical-minded” peers.
Witnessing this, helped me see my journey as a person with a disability in a very different way and I again felt compelled to help others. Then, one day at a pool, the answer on how to do this came to me.
During my time there, I encountered two children who showed a lot of curiosity and confusion about my being in the pool. One showed this by staring with a look of wonder in their eyes. While the other was more vocal and expressed, his sadness for my physical disability.
Both of these responses, sparked an idea for wanting to educate children about the topic of disability. Then, like any old school cartoon would show, a metaphorical light bulb went on in my head. This was the moment that I decided that I would write a children’s book.
Once deciding this, I immediately hopped back in my chair, dried myself off, and raced to my apartment.
Once I was in my room, I began vigorously typing. Only stopping to eat and shower. After a year and a half of endlessly working on perfecting my story, titled The Adventures of KatGirl, I was published.
The story is about a superhero in a wheelchair that helps kids who are being bullied because of their physical differences.
After I was published, I started reaching out to schools and after countless no’s I finally encountered a yes.
A few weeks later, I entered that school with an enthusiasm and excitement that luckily had redeveloped in my heart and mind. I locked eyes with each student as they looked at me in a similar way that the kids at the pool did.
This was when, I asked a question which would be the opener for the thousands of events that would follow. The question I am referring to, is : “How do you feel seeing me in a wheelchair?”
This question was met with a slew of negative responses. Such as, ” I feel sad.” “I feel scared.” “I feel worried. ” Then, without judgment, I picked up my book and read the story. This was when I first witnessed what I now refer to as the KatGirl Effect. This is when I get to see the sadness or fear disappear and it is replaced with admiration and inspiration.
After I am done reading, I ask the question again and unanimously the response is , ” You’re so cool! Does your chair fly, too?!” This is when I know that my stories were truly making an impact. This realization has encouraged me to expand my audience by writing a slew of other stories in The Adventures of KatGirl series. I , also, developed sveral prher books that help educate children about the importance of inclusion and kindness. Lastly, in recent years, i developed a non profit called KatGirl and Friends Inc that helps reach an even larger audience.
My work has been recognized in many ways. Some of the ways include, several proclamations given by Sunny Isles Beach and neighboring towns. I also was honored as the title holder of Ms. Wheelchair Florida in 2017 and I received the Idelio Valdez Leadership and Advocacy Award given by the Florida Develomental Disabilities Council.
Most recently, I was awarded a Literacy Laureate Medal by thr City of Coral Gables. The medal was given for my tireless work and I am now known as a Local Literary Legend. Last, but certainly not least, I was named 1 of 13 Social Impact Heroes chosen by Authority Magazine.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As I mentioned in my first answer, my biggest struggle was one of believing in myself. Once I did, I have been unstoppable!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
To answer your question, I educate the mass population about the importance of inclusion and acceptance. I do this by breaking down stereotypes through exposing people to a different way of seeing disability. I do this through the art of storytelling , writing, and public speaking.
In all honesty, I feel that what sets me a part is my mixture of simplicity and vivacious communication skills. This unique technique helps create a positive atmosphere where each participant feels open and comfortable to speak honestly about their concerns.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If people would like to reach out to me they can email me at katherinemagnoli@katgirlandfriends.com.
They can also support my efforts by going on my website katgirlandfriends.com where they can purchase their very own AUTOGRAPHED copy of the books of their choosing.
Pricing:
- The Adventures of KatGirl: 15 dollars with free shipping
- The Adventures of KatGirl and the Birthday Party: 15 dollars/free shipping
- The Adventures of KatGirl and the Spelling Bee: 15 dollars w/ free shipping
- The Adventures of KatGirl and the School Project: 15 dollars with free shipping
- Pete the Private Eye: 15 dollars with free shipping
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katgirlandfriends.com
- Instagram: @theadventuresofkatgirl
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/theadventuresofkatgirl
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-magnoli-401a5324/
