About the Author

Teresa Lewis was born in Mobile, Alabama, and raised in Jackson, Alabama. She also spent a period of her childhood in Buffalo, NY. Mrs. Teresa Lewis now lives in Mobile, Alabama, with her husband, Joseph Lewis, Jr., and a blended family of five. She graduated from the University of South Alabama and obtained her Bachelor's in Early Childhood Studies. Her journey in child care started in 2008 when Mrs. Lewis worked in a child-care center-based setting for over 16 years. She ventured off and opened her own group home daycare. Teresa Lewis is the proud owner of XOXO's Preschool Academy, Inc., a group home daycare in Eight Mile, Alabama. Her unwavering dedication to the students, particularly those diagnosed with Autism, is truly inspiring. As the owner of XOXO's Mentorship Program for Child Care Providers, Teresa Lewis has achieved remarkable success. Her efforts have helped over five different centers obtain over $150,000 in grants and materials for their centers, a testament to her dedication and expertise.

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The idea for *Hidden Gift* was born from the personal journey of two of my students at XOXO’s Preschool Academy, Inc. As a parent, caregiver, and educator, Teresa Lewis witnessed firsthand the joys and challenges of working with a young child with autism. Watching the child’s world unfold—their love for patterns, their fascination with small details, and their incredible ability to see beauty in things others might overlook—became a source of inspiration. It was clear that these children, like so many others, had a “hidden gift” waiting to be celebrated.

 

Through *Hidden Gift*, Teresa Lewis hopes to offer a story that resonates with families navigating the autism journey, while also fostering empathy and understanding among all readers. The book is a celebration of neurodiversity, a reminder of the power of unconditional love, and a call to see the world through the eyes of children who experience life differently.

 

When not writing, Teresa Lewis enjoys educating her students, and advocating for autism. Teresa Lewis committed to creating stories that uplift, inspire, and reflect the diverse experiences of children and families everywhere.