WILLIAMSBURG — Dr. Pamela Cappetta, author of the book “Mindful Moments with Maude,” was recently awarded a Gold-level one Mom’s Choice Award.
The Mom’s Choice Awards (MCA) evaluates products and services created for children, families and educators, and is “recognized for establishing the benchmark of excellence in family-friendly media, products and services,” according to the organization’s website.
Dr. Cappetta’s life work is as a family therapist, where she takes a holistic and mindful approach to her patient’s needs and desires. Growing up in rural Pennsylvania, she is now a long-time resident of Williamsburg. She says her life and career have been dedicated to exploring the invisible links that tie the emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental health of an individual to the healing process.
“Mindful Moments with Maude” follows young Addie on a visit to her grandmother’s house, where she’s able to slow down and really take the time to enjoy her visit with the help of Maude, a dog.
“Well, I had this dog, Maude, who was a real dog,” Dr. Cappetta admits. “Maude was an almost 16-year-old Australian shepherd, and she used to come to my therapy office with me. She would come into the mindfulness meditation groups. I’d ring my bells and Maude would lay down. Maude just loved everyone.
“I’ve always wanted to write a children’s book and I just thought it would be a great idea to use Maude as the actual meditation teacher in the book,” Dr. Cappetta explained.
Dr. Cappetta realized she herself was practicing mindfulness with her own dog while growing up. That influenced her decision that Maude, Addie, and Grammy would be the best way to help both children and adults calm down and put down their electronics.
“I was trying to do something to help families put the electronics down for the day and learn how to just favor the little precious moments.” Dr. Cappetta said. “If that’s the only thing that people pick up from the book, it’s just this idea of being in the moment, and we’re safe in this moment.”
The book is currently available for pre-order with Amazon, Mascot Books, and Barnes & Noble Booksellers. It will officially be released to the public on July 12, with a book signing scheduled for later this month at the Williamsburg Barnes & Noble. For more information on Dr. Pamela Cappetta, visit her website.
