Hey Friend!

It’s happening! The very first reading of the Roots of Belonging is happening on Wednesday, October 29th, 2025.

Roots of Belonging helps you discover why you feel lonely, how your earliest relationships shaped you, and what true emotional connection really means. 

The brilliant Cindy Childress, Ph.D., hosts the Author Debut Literary Salon at Brazo’s Bookstore in Houston, TX. We’ll kick things off with a reception at 6:00 p.m. (think wine, non-alcoholic sips, and tasty bites), and the readings begin at 6:30 p.m. sharp.

You’ll hear powerful stories and teachings from a lineup of incredible debut authors from across the country, including:

✒️ Sandy Evenson, a second-time author and Women’s Empowerment Coach, is following up her multiple-award-winning, bestselling book, The Woo-Woo Way. Rochester, NY

✒️ MaryAnn Gramig, CliftonStrengths Coach and founder of Authentica Coaching and Consulting, author of The Howl of the Whisper. Lexington, KY

✒️ Jennifer Hacker, Life Coach and Grief Coach, author of forthcoming book, From Gutted to Glorious. San Antonio, TX

✒️ Rebecca Thorne, LCSW, Intuitive Spiritual Healer, and creator of the limited-series, Glimmers in the Granular. Chattanooga, TN

✒️ (yours truly) Jen Slingerland Ryan, Ph.D., LPC, founder of I Choose Change and author of The Roots of Belonging, currently seeking representation. Dallas, TX

✒️ Vanessa Miller, Business and Mindset Coach, certified Hypnotist and EFT Practitioner, and author of forthcoming book, Daughters of the Hustle. Houston, TX

✒️ Patricia Rogers, CST-D, Trauma-Informed Body and Brain Therapist, and author of Body Smarts: The Guided Journal. Richmond, WV

✒️ McClain Sampson, Ph.D. and MSSW, Associate Professor at the University of Houston and author of forthcoming book, Savage Self-Care. Houston, TX

If you’re in Houston, Texas—or ready for a road trip—I’d be thrilled to see you in person. For everyone else, stay connected to my process by joining my waitlist (HERE). Stay tuned for the official launch date and other details! My book is in its second edit right now, and I'm on the hunt for a literary agent and/or a publishing house to help me push this project forward. Just as I teach all my clients, I'm trusting the process.

With love, clarity, and belonging,
Dr. Jen