Xiomara Gallego-Bernard was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, where she spent her formative years. Enduring open heart surgery at just one-year-old due to a congenital heart condition shaped her perspective on life, instilling in her a deep appreciation for every moment and a commitment to purpose-driven living.The inspiration behind "Tomás Returns to School" stems from Xiomara's journey supporting her highly sensitive child. Recognizing a gap in literature addressing coping mechanisms for children facing situational triggers, she embarked on writing the book. During this creative process, Xiomara discovered her sensitivity, reflecting on childhood experiences where such strategies would have been invaluable.Her writing serves as a conduit for sharing practical knowledge, acquired through lived experiences, with others. Xiomara envisions her stories as not only promoting a love for reading but also nurturing values of acceptance, empathy, and kindness.Outside of writing, Xiomara dedicates herself to her wellness journey and empowering others to lead healthier lives. She cherishes moments spent at home with her husband and three sons.Read more about this authorRead less about this author