Vanessa Ferlaino is a two-time award-winning author, host of The Human Challenge, and founder of The Being Human Foundation. As a Certified 200-hr Mindfulness Teacher — Professional Level (CMT-P), she specializes in trauma-informed offerings and social justice. She holds numerous board positions and offers free mentorship to returning citizens with a history of incarceration. Vanessa is humbled by the recognition from national and international news outlets, including CTV, CityNews, and more.

In this, human: Expansive Edition, Vanessa revisits core themes of her award-winning book, human, five years later. With ripened wisdom and raw vulnerability, she challenges her own intentions, shares new revelations, and dives deeper into the vague experiences touched on in her previous work – and why she was unable to speak about them before. This edition features opening words by acclaimed mindfulness teacher, Hiro Demichelis; a foreword by Chip Skowron; a new introduction; the full first edition; and a hearty, all-encompassing reflection by the author.

“In exploring the depths of my inner world, I discovered something profound: deep within us, lies the entire world. I wrote this book to invite us all onto this journey of inner and outer transformation.” — Vanessa Ferlaino

Makayla Webkamigad was commissioned in 2023 to write for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

“This poem is very special to me and is my first published piece.

I wrote this, as a love letter to my nieces, being truthful about our family, but also being gentle, in the important role of an auntie.

Nowadays there are a lot of negative connotations behind that word, Auntie.

I wanted to use it in the traditional way, the way I was taught. A crucial role in our family system as indigenous people. Sharing love, knowledge and teachings.

Thankful to my family, for the work they did, for the knowledge passed onto me so that I hold as much information as I can about my family history, and our history as Anishinaabe people. My grandparents who all attended residential school, my parents who both attended day schools, and the legacy of resiliency I was born into. A story that a lot of us share, a story so common for our families. All across turtle island.

Miigwech to TRC for entrusting me to continue my family’s work.

To all the nieces and nephews who have an auntie or uncle that loves and supports them in everything. The ones who are there, consistently.”

Alison McGauley was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and attended both Sir James Dunn C. & V.S. and the Sault Collegiate Institute. After earning a BAH in Psychology from the University of Guelph and a BEd from Western University, Alison began her teaching career in 2005. She earned her reading specialist certification and is currently a special education resource teacher.

“As an elementary teacher and children’s author, I work to inspire a love for books. My passion is creating stories with big heart for little readers. I aim to write entertaining and empowering books that resonate with children and caregivers.

As a person living with multiple chronic illnesses, (ulcerative colitis and ankylosing spondylitis) I hope to create many books that speak to children and families who are impacted by illness or disability.
When I’m not teaching, writing, reading, or networking about chronic illness, I enjoy family adventures and being surrounded by trees and wildlife in forests and trails nearby my home in the region of Waterloo, Ontario, where I live with my partner, two daughters, and Ragdoll cat.”