About the Author

About Laura Joy Palma

Author, Educator, and Mental Health Advocate

It was a Tuesday night in March 2015 when the writing called me back. After years away from the page, I found myself on my front porch with a glass of wine and an unstoppable urge to write. What began as Tuesday night therapy sessions became Writer’s Growth—my unfiltered journey through life, faith, and the discovery I’m fearfully, wonderfully, and bipolar-ly made.

For over a decade, this blog has been my safe space to process everything from sunrise reflections at Yorktown Beach to the complexities of integrating mental health awareness in both classroom and sanctuary. Raw, real, and unrevised—it’s where I’ve documented my path from undiagnosed struggle to purposeful advocacy.

My Story With 18+ years as an educator, I’ve taught everything from AP Language to alternative school, always drawn to students who needed someone to truly see them. My own mental health journey—culminating in a bipolar diagnosis and the healing power of therapy—transformed not just how I live, but how I teach. I integrate social-emotional learning naturally into academic content, believing teachers can be mental health ambassadors for the students who need us most.

My Mission I wrote the book I needed to read and couldn’t find. Fearfully, Wonderfully, and Bipolar-ly Made: From Shame to Sanctuary is available now on Amazon — part memoir, part guide, part call to action for anyone living with bipolar disorder, loving someone who does, or leading a community that doesn’t yet know how.

BUY ON AMAZON

Currently

  • Published author of Fearfully, Wonderfully, and Bipolar-ly Made: From Shame to Sanctuary (Writer’s Growth Press, 2026)
  • Releasing Two-Hour Tuesdays, a blog-turned-memoir, in May 2026
  • Writing Sanctuary in the Storm — what happens when the sanctuary is tested
  • Sixth-grade ELA teacher at Yorktown Middle School
  • Public speaker for NAMI and DBSA on bipolar disorder and faith integration
  • Completing a gifted education endorsement through Shenandoah University

This blog remains my writing therapy—where I’m most authentic about the beautiful mess of being human. I hope you’ll find something here that encourages you when you need it most.

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4 thoughts on “About the Author”

  1. This is Janaya I was your student last year I just wanted to tell you something I spent 4days reading all your words and life stories and I just want to tell you something (free write word: story )your story May not be finished you have been through ups and down and life is full of these your heart is so big and wide and your words have so much meaning yet maybe it’s time for a new book fresh pages that haven’t been filled a new book for new beginnings and a new outlook on life you have taught me many of things last you but the most important thing you did teach me is that I can’t express myself and let the world enter my mind and I thank you for that always and forever. -Janaya

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  2. Dear Laura,
    I read your blog entries in batches, so they take on the form of a never-ending novel. I read your posts for June and July this afternoon (July 29, 2018) in my home office. Dapples of sunlight enter, dancing from the breeze of your parent’s trees and accompanied by the soft voices of young children at play. I found myself lost in thought when I finished reading; your courage and resilience touched my heart. You have become one of my favorite authors as well as a lifeline through what has been a most difficult year.

    Our godson died last August 8 while on his morning run. He was a brilliant 28-year-old lawyer, graduated from the top Ivey League schools, federal law clerk, spoke 5 languages, practiced law in Paris, traveled the world, and was one week away from starting a job at an extremely prestigious law firm in Manhattan. And poof- with one erratic heart beat- he was gone. An undiagnosed heart defect was the cause. This year has been a had one for me as I try to understand the transient nature of life and why what had been an essential plot line in my life’s narrative was brought to a cruel and abrupt halt.

    Your insight and eloquence, coupled with your courage and honesty, have provided light and enlightenment in this very dark year. As I write this one, of your young nephews is playing basketball and the rhythmic bounces bring me back to the days when you are your brothers would be bouncing, laughing, and filling the air with the joy of living in the moment. That joy is still here for both of us.
    Know that the love and light within you is strong enough to carry you through whatever challenges you face. It certainly has brought solace and hope to your neighbor from long ago.
    Peace & Blessings,
    Donna

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