Lynnie Vessels majored in Speech and Communications at Western Kentucky University and has a master’s degree in Secondary Education from George Mason University.  She taught English in the public school system for 26 years in Virginia, Kentucky, Colorado, and on the island of Maui.  Lynnie has taught over forty graduate education courses in the areas of communication and discipline, including Teacher Effectiveness Training, Self-esteem for Educators, Resolving Conflicts in Classrooms and Schools, Stress Management for Teachers, and Reaching Today’s Students. Lynnie appeared as a guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show and has traveled the country as a surprisingly candid motivational speaker. Her passion is teaching teenagers, their parents, twenty-somethings, and teachers her magic words to use for realizing great relationships.  Lynnie lives in Virginia with her husband, Jim Collica, and their Maltese, Yogi. Their 19-year old son, Carmello, is studying in Germany.  To Soften the Blow is Lynnie's first book.