Anna Unkovich
Anna was a critical part of the development of this project, and our biggest cheerleader for teaching hope with youth. Sadly, in 2017 she passed. She will be sorely missed, and we plan to make her proud by continuing to teach these skills to children around the world.
Anna Unkovich was a dedicated teacher and trainer who has committed her life to changing the world, one student at a time. She had 40 years of teaching experience at the middle school, high school, and college levels in Michigan and California, with frequent success talks to elementary students. She is the recipient of multiple local and national teaching awards, including six times having been awarded Who’s Who Among American Teachers.
Receiving her Bachelor of Science in Education, and her M.A. degrees from Central Michigan University, Anna designed and taught classes covering a wide variety of personal growth issues. Classroom topics ranged from birth to death, and were focused on goal setting, positive thinking, happiness, creativity, personal health, and success.
She was an Op Ed columnist on educational issues with the Midland Daily News for two years: “Classroom With a View.” Additionally, she co-authored a three-volume curriculum guide for teachers entitled, Chicken Soup for the Soul in the Classroom, and a recent e-book of tips and stories for educators titled, Magic Moments: This Worked for Me. Anna co-authored the book Caring to Teach, Teaching to Care with our board member Dr. Dave Opalewski. The book focuses on the importance for all educators to connect with their students first.
Anna was the former Educational Director for the Pay It Forward Foundation, as a volunteer. A sought-after speaker and presenter, and a very involved community member, Anna occasionally takes some time to read, write, curl up with her husband, Don Dirkse, and her cats. You may also find her taking a leisurely walk on the beach or a ride on her motorcycle near her home on the Central Coast of California. For more information on Anna, please visit her website.
Her books may be found on her website or amazon.