Love is a Sacrifice

Lesley LaVonne Bracero has worked as an Early Childhood Educator for more than 25 years serving in various roles from classroom teacher to building level administrator. She has been given many accolades for her performance as an educator including Teacher of the Year in her school district.  She is a native of Los Angeles, California, and was raised in North Chicago, Illinois. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Tuskegee University, a Master of Arts in Reading from Northeastern Illinois University, and Masters of Education from American College of Education.  She is a public speaker, poet, illustrator, and theatrical performer. You can currently find her moderating the podcast, Let’s Talk: Making Relationships That Last. Lesley is passionate about working with children and works tirelessly to instill in them a love of reading.  She is happily married to her husband Angel Bracero and makes her home just outside of Chicago in Waukegan, Illinois. Bethany Ewert has passionately worked as an artist since 2012. Originally exploring mixed media and traditional painting to eventually evolve into the digital artist she is today. While in high school Bethany’s artwork won awards and state recognition.  She is the Junior CEO of Pinkskate, a clothing brand she started with her mother for people who are passionate about skating. Other projects she has worked on include logo design, tattoo commission, and graphic design for nonprofit organizations. In addition to her creative artwork, Bethany is also an accomplished figure skating athlete and a hockey coach. Both of these lifelong activities have also inspired the creativity and expressionism of her artwork and illustrations. Love Is a Sacrifice is Bethany’s first children’s book. She resides just outside of Chicago in  Zion, Illinois.