Meet Shelly

I was raised on the Canadian Prairies. 

In my 20s, education and romance beckoned me to Eastern Canada, where I studied social work, married and started our family. 

After University, my attention was focused on raising our children, and selling fine art at a gallery. A tragic event in my new hometown unexpectedly propelled me into the arena of community advocacy and activism.

As a young mother and member of the National Council of Jewish Women, we joined forces with the London Police Force to bring Block Parent into Canada in 1968. As a National Co-Chair (with a 5 woman Social Action Committee), our chapter adapted, shaped and re-branded the program for the Canadian market. 

This gave me incredible ‘on the job’ training in community service, public speaking and lobbying local governments, community partners and corporate sponsors, as I embraced my new leadership role in public safety, awareness, civic education - and social impact.

Working with local police, city halls, schools and school boards, we worked tirelessly to expand and deliver this Safe Home initiative locally. After 4 years, we proudly handed it off to Municipal Government: Block Parent went nationwide, and became the largest and longest running child safety program in Canada. 

It was here that I met my writing partner Gerbrig Berman, and we have been working together for over 40 years. After 20 years of study of transmitted materials and explorations into spirituality, we realized it was time to write a book. 

In 2012, we published Uncharted Corners of Consciousness, a Guidebook for Personal and Spiritual Growth:   My unofficial writings were now official!

My lens has now shifted to another focus – that of my 7 grandchildren. Over the last few decades, I have written a trove of poems, stories, musings and inspirations. 

In dedication to my love for them and their wonder and curiosity for the world around them, my next adventure with, and for, my Magnificent 7 Muses blends all of the qualities, mishaps, escapades and curiosities of our wonderful times together, gathered, collected and personified into my newest character – Magnificent Mimi.  

**This exciting new collection of Children’s books will launch in 2022.**

I live in Canada, with my husband Bob, and we share in the joy and wonder of our 3 children, their spouses and our 7 delightful grandchildren.