Personal experience inspires Monroeville business owner to become author
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Monroeville resident Shadia Garvin came up with the idea for her “Weekly Reflection Journal” when her youngest son, Ronnie III, was having open heart surgery.
The mother of two recalled not sleeping for eight days.
“Parents, and people in general, go through so many emotions when they’re watching a loved one in the hospital,” Garvin said. “I thought, ‘I need to put those emotions somewhere.’”
Ronnie III, who has Down syndrome, has had four heart surgeries and has a pacemaker.
Last year, Garvin was challenged to go on her own self-help journey, embracing Aristotle’s philosophy of eudaimonia, which roughly translates to happiness and well-being.
Garvin is an only child and had a difficult time when her mother, Charlotte Gray Brown, died in 2011.
“I don’t know that I had time to sit and reflect on that,” Garvin said.
“Weekly Reflection Journal” is an introspective diary that includes planning pages, reflective prompts, a gratitude section, inspirational quotes and goal setting.
To say that Garvin wears many hats is an understatement. In addition to being a wife to husband Ronnie Jr. and mother to older son Cameron, she is a small business owner. She operates a mobile boutique, Shop Char Le’ May, and mobile confection company, Candy Cove of Pittsburgh. Garvin also is an adjunct professor and teaches part time.
Garvin earned her bachelor of science degree in business administration from Duquesne University and her master’s degree in management and technology from Carlow University. She had a doctorate in information systems and communications from Robert Morris University.
She homeschools Ronnie III, which is how Garvin came up with the idea of developing activity workbooks for young children.
“A World of Animals Coloring Book” was her first book and features more than 40 illustrations of animals.
The interactive workbooks — “The Math Adventures of Benny the Bunny,” “Dr. Pooh’s Activity Book” and “Letters, Shapes, Numbers and Colors” — are valuable learning tools for traditional school, cyber school or homeschool students.
It was important for Garvin to show the world that her sons – and all children – are talented in their own way.
“These books have allowed me to share the message that everyone child, every person, is unique and able to bring something to the table,” Garvin said.
In addition to her workbooks, Garvin created two children’s books.
“Where’s the Hidden Treasure? An Adventure in Search of Buried Riches” is a story of two friends who go on an adventure in search of a box to match their golden key.
In “We Are All Unique Stars,” children from different backgrounds embark on an exciting journey through the night sky. They meet celestial characters who represent various abilities and cultures, teaching the importance of acceptance, friendship and the beauty of being different.
Garvin writes under the pen name Dr. Pooh – a nod to her mother.
“My mom used to call me Pooh growing up. When I earned my doctorate, she started calling me Dr. Pooh,” Garvin said.
Brown was a single mother, a writer and West Mifflin School District administrative assistant, and she enjoyed acting.
“Mom was in the public theater and acted. I was dubbed the ‘green room baby’ and got to watch her from the side of the stage,” Garvin remembered. “She took me everywhere.”
Garvin plans to keep writing.
“I always had a deep interest in teaching children,” Garvin said. “I want to inspire and nurture the potential in others.”
Garvin’s books can be found on Amazon. She also developed a collection of children’s interactive videos, which can be found on her YouTube channel or Facebook at Dr. Pooh’s World of Wonders.