Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Erika Joy Sneath. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Erika Joy, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

As someone battling chronic pain myself, I’ve experienced firsthand how confusing the journey can be. When my nephew started asking questions about my experience, and specifically how my pain changes, I turned toward children’s books. He is a naturally curious and gracious learner who loves to engage in stories to further understand the world. The only problem was my search kept coming up unsuccessful. I continued to struggle to find books that captured a vague experience, and not those specific to a given person with a diagnosed condition (e.g. mom has MS). So I wrote one! Adalene Plays Many Ways is a story about Adalene and her Uncle Everett. We see some of their experiences and accompanying emotions, without knowing exactly who is navigating chronic pain. Instead, they navigate the ups and downs of the day, learning and growing together.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

Hey, I’m Erika! I am disabled and have a children’s book, Adalene Plays Many Ways, that features an adult, Everett, with an invisible disability.

I’ve always had a heart for our young learners and am a former elementary classroom teacher. I now work as an Academic Dean for a 1:1 private school. I’ve seen firsthand how a student can flourish under the intentional support of a caring adult. I’ve also experienced when roles are reversed. Some of my favorite moments include my youngest friends. We have so much we can learn from kids –from their authenticity to curiosity, I hope to never lose my sense of wonder. This is exactly how my story came about. My nephew wanted to understand more of my experiences, and how the day changes based on my pain. At the same time he has his own experiences seeing me navigate the ups and downs of chronic pain. Adalene Plays Many Ways is built off of how pain not only impacts me, but also affects those around me. Inviting readers to engage through a story has always been a priority of mine, and it’s an honor to welcome diversity through race and ethnicity, family structure, ability, economic status, and overall social and emotional learning. As someone navigating chronic pain myself, I’m passionate about providing opportunities for others to see themselves represented.

While I’m proud of my work as an author and advocate, I also take pride in being “just” Erika. Showing up to care for myself through reading an intriguing mystery novel, relaxing in a hot tub, or resting on the couch with one of my affectionate cats is a top priority. Navigating full-time work, running a business on the side, and all the while being a friend, aunt, sister, and partner takes intentionality. I’d love to hear more about you as we embark on caring for ourselves and the world around us.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Ooof, Reading this question hit home. That’s how you know it’s for you.

When I completed my undergraduate experience, I thought I was ready to take on the world. I was 22, getting married, and ready to embark on my new adventure in elementary teaching. And guess what? I did it. For a while. It was hard. I was working 60-70 hour weeks, just to feel like I was barely making it. But, I was doing it. And the work was rewarding. Right when I started to feel like I was getting into a more sustainable routine, I got hurt. At work.

It’s been over six years since this happened and I still have vivid memories of what it felt like –the pain, yes of course. But the tension I faced navigating an injury, and one that happened at work nevertheless– was palpable. I certainly faced external pressure, but the majority of it was pressure I was putting on myself.

My lesson? You can’t do it all. You shouldn’t do it all. And, when you try, you’ll hurt yourself (or someone else) along the way. My unlearning? There is so much grace in asking for and accepting help. Keep going. Keep growing.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When my partner and I moved to Spokane, WA I knew the search for a teaching job would be challenging. There’s this less talked about reality in public schools that essentially favors new candidates. Why? They are cheaper! Their new expertise actually works in their favor as districts often like to work with a candidate just starting out in the field. This was awesome for me when I first graduated, and not so helpful when I had four years of teaching and a masters degree alongside it.

Not to mention this was the summer of 2020. Remember that summer? Everyone was scrambling. When the fall came around, I was hit hard by feelings of hopelessness. I had some interviews without fruitful results, especially as I was passionate about honoring my loved ones in committing to virtual work.

I started tutoring online for a couple of different companies. It wasn’t life-giving, but it helped with some of our expenses, and prevented me from scrolling job boards all day. As December came around, I applied to work for yet another online tutoring company. I loved my interview, and found the whole application process to be very reasonable. The manager was communicative, professional, and informative while also being relatable. I left that interview not only feeling heard, but confident in how I represented myself and answered their questions.
I later checked my inbox to find that I was eligible for applying to be a Curriculum Specialist. This wasn’t a position I had seen online, but rather a specific role on their sister school’s leadership team. Designed as a fully remote, salaried job in education. What?! I had never heard of such a thing. I enthusiastically applied and went through the interview process, feeling increasingly nervous I wouldn’t get it, and very aware of the stakes.
As you’ve probably gathered by now, I got the job. The role was perfect for me –supporting students, families, and teachers. A true dream. Using my passion for designing curriculum to authentically teach our students. But if I hadn’t applied to be a tutor, I wouldn’t have gotten the job. I wouldn’t be where I am today. Who knows if I would have ended up back in the classroom, but I can say confidently that I wouldn’t have written my children’s book. I couldn’t have done so without work being “figured out.” In other words, my day job being fully remote allows me to focus on caring for myself physically, which then led to me having more energy to devote to being an author. Grateful doesn’t begin to cover it.

Contact Info:

• Website: erikajoysneath.com
• Instagram: @erikajoysneath
• Facebook: Erika Joy Sneath Author
• Linkedin: Erika Sneath