Name: Melissa Gijsbers
Pronouns: She/Her
Neurodivergence: Autistic. ADHD.
Professional Role: Author.
Bio: Melissa is a late diagnosed autistic and ADHD woman who grew up as a missionary child and thought all her quirkiness and struggles were because she lived in Nepal from ages five to eight. When she became a parent, she found the lack of support for mums in business astounding, so started the first mums in business network in 2002. She published her first book for kids in 2014 and has been both traditionally published and self-published. She also works with young writers to inspire them to have fun with writing and let their imaginations soar.
Recent Publications: All books can be found here: https://melissagijsbers.com/my-books/
Twitter: @melissagijsbers
Instagram: @melissagijsbers
Facebook: Melissa Gijsbers
Location: Latrobe Valley, Victoria, Australia
Available for Virtual Sessions: YES
Available for In-Person Sessions: POSSIBLY
Available to Travel: Limited travel and availability due to day job, though this is flexible. Fees vary depending on whether it is a one-off event, or a regular group and travel fees may apply.
Specific Support Required: Covid safe events.
Speaking Topics Include: Late diagnosis; finding ways to write and read that suit your brain; Inspiring young people to read and write; Starting and running a business around children; Setting up your author business.
Melissa can cover a variety of topics and asks you to reach out to talk to her if there is something specific you would like addressed.
Melissa can cover a variety of topics and asks you to reach out to talk to her if there is something specific you would like addressed.
Suitable Audiences Include: Young writers aged 8-18; Parents; Business owners; Educators.
Speaker Experience: I started the first "mums in business" network with a six-month-old and had another child eighteen months later, with no money to get started! I have been working and inspiring young writers for nearly ten years with amazing results.
Other Information: This is the young writer's group I have been running for nearly ten years: https://www.monlib.vic.gov.au/Whats-On/Groups/Young-Writers-Group
Book This Speaker: Via the website: https://melissagijsbers.com/contact/
Testimonials: Testimonials from parents can be found here: https://juniorwritersclub.weteachme.com/classes/1038595-virtual-writers-group-for-young-writers