My Story

 

Every story has a beginning. Mine begins with faith, family, and the courage of my parents to build a new life in America.

 

My parents are Coptic Christians who immigrated to the United States from Egypt in the 1970s, grateful for the freedom to openly practice their Christian faith after experiencing religious persecution. To them, America represented hope, opportunity, and the freedom to worship without fear.

 

When I was born, my mother chose the name Christine as a joyful expression of that freedom. To her, my name celebrated the opportunity to openly raise her daughter as a Christian in a country where faith could be lived without fear. Growing up, I learned that faith isn't simply something we believe—it's something we live, cherish, and faithfully pass on to the next generation.

 

That lesson shaped my life.

 

For more than twenty years, God has allowed me to serve children, families, and educators as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, curriculum designer, professional development facilitator, and college instructor. I've worked in public schools, Catholic schools, charter schools, and nonprofit educational organizations, partnering with teachers and families to help children grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

 

Throughout those years, I discovered something that never changed: children learn best when they feel loved, encouraged, and connected to a greater purpose. The stories we tell, the conversations we have, and the values we model help shape the people they become.

 

As my own faith grew, so did a desire to create resources that bring together sound educational practices with timeless biblical truth. I wanted to create books that do more than entertain—I wanted them to spark meaningful conversations, strengthen families, encourage character, and help children discover the incredible purpose God has for their lives.

 

That's why I created Shine Bright Stories.

 

Every story, activity book, and family resource is designed to help children grow not only in knowledge, but also in wisdom, compassion, courage, gratitude, and faith. My prayer is that these resources equip parents, grandparents, teachers, and churches to disciple the next generation in simple, meaningful, and joyful ways.

 

Beginning with my debut book, Lina's Light, my hope is that every child who reads a Shine Bright Story will understand one simple truth:

 

God created you on purpose, He loves you deeply, and your light matters.

 

Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your family's journey. I pray these stories become opportunities to laugh together, learn together, grow together, and most importantly, grow closer to Christ.

 

Welcome to the Shine Bright Stories family.

 

May your light shine brightly for His glory.