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Deb Weilnau is a Toledo-area author, speaker and educator whose work demonstrates how resilience can be transformed into meaningful action. Through memoir, children’s literature and community collaboration, Weilnau uses storytelling to foster empathy and to promote mental health awareness, creating healing opportunities for children and families. Rather than focusing on hardship, her work highlights what can be built after adversity—and how shared stories can help others feel less alone.
Creating connection
The COVID-19 pandemic marked a pivotal moment in Weilnau’s creative journey. During a time of widespread uncertainty and loss, a personal tragedy reshaped her understanding
of grief and responsibility, inspiring deeper reflection and purpose-driven writing. This experience informed her contribution to Scars to Stars — a series of online gatherings, live events and books where writers vulnerably share authentic stories of overcoming…