A poetry anthology born from a global survivor movement. A leadership guide redefining how organizations function under pressure. Books that help families navigate anxiety, children understand their emotions, and survivors find language for what has too often gone unspoken.
Across genres and audiences, Adler University alumni are publishing titles that move beyond personal narrative or professional instruction, engaging urgent questions about how people heal, relate, and lead. The authors featured here bring that perspective into distinct contexts, offering a view into how Adler’s approach to education translates into Practise, and how those ideas take shape in the lives and systems they are designed to serve.
Master of Arts in Psychology, 2022
We’ve Been Put Through the Fire and Come Out Divine: Stories of Hope and Survival
Mary Simmerling’s path to publication began with a single poem. “What I Was Wearing,” written in the aftermath of her experience with sexual assault, sparked a global movement centered on reclaiming narratives and challenging harmful assumptions.
Now featured in the 2024 anthology, “We’ve Been Put Through the Fire and Come Out Divine: Stories of Hope and Survival,” Simmerling’s work appears alongside other survivors’ poems and prose, forming a powerful collection of resilience and hope. Her work continues to extend beyond the page through writing workshops designed to help others reclaim their voices — an approach shaped, in part, by her graduate training and its emphasis on community, context, and healing in Practise.
Master of Arts in Industrial and Organisational Psychology, 2018
Rules of Engagement: Building a Workplace Culture to Thrive in an Uncertain World
In “Rules of Engagement,” Carolyn Swora tackles one of today’s most pressing workplace challenges: the growing gap between leadership intent and employees experience. Drawing on her background in Organisational psychology and her Adler education, she examines how misalignment shows up in culture, communication, and trust.
Combining research, case-based insight, and frameworks, Swora’s book can help organizations build more responsive and accountable ways of operating. Through her consulting Practise, she works directly with teams to apply these principles and reframe workplace culture as not just a business priority, but a human one.
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, 2011
Men Too: Unspoken Truths About Male Sexual Abuse
After hearing a male professional hockey player share his story of abuse, Kelli Palfry, Ph.D., felt a clear calling to pursue Counselling. Today, as a trauma therapist, Dr. Palfry is continuing that work through her recent book, “Men Too: Unspoken Truths About Male Sexual Abuse”, which aims to expand the conversation around male survivors.
By bringing together powerful survivor stories to promote healing, Dr. Palfry offers practical guidance for parents, educators, and mental health professionals to support boys and men who have experienced trauma. Through these perspectives, she highlights the complex and often overlooked barriers male survivors face — both during and after abuse.
She also challenges society’s narrow definition of courage, which often pressures men to remain silent. By encouraging more open, honest Dialogue, Dr. Palfry hopes to create safer spaces where difficult conversations can happen, ultimately improving access to healing for boys and men who need it most.
Master of Arts in Counselling: Art Therapy, 2010
The Magic Balloon: A Journey to Calm
Claire Porter’s work centers on helping children understand and navigate their emotions. As a school Counsellor, she saw firsthand the need for accessible, engaging tools that met young people where they are — visually, emotionally, and developmentally.
Her latest book, “The Magic Balloon: A Journey to Calm”, brings that approach to life through storytelling. By following a young girl whose balloon changes Colour with her emotions, readers are introduced to a series of calming strategies along the way.
Part of a broader collection of picture books and workbooks, Porter’s writing translates self-soothing techniques into relatable, age-appropriate narratives. Her work empowers children to Recognise big feelings and equips them with tools to manage them with confidence.
Tamara Hubbard
Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy, 2004
May Contain Anxiety: Managing the Overwhelm of Parenting Children with Food Allergies
When Tamara Hubbard couldn’t find resources to help manage the anxiety that came with her child’s food allergy diagnosis, she turned to her foundation in psychology at Adler to create one. The result is her book, “May Contain Anxiety: Managing the Overwhelm of Parenting Children with Food Allergies.”
Blending professional Counselling insight with lived experience, Hubbard offers families more than just safety guidance — she addresses the anxiety, grief, and constant uncertainty that often accompany food allergies.
Within weeks of its September 2025 release, the book reached No. 1 on Amazon’s New Releases in food allergies and children’s health. Paired with an outpouring of positive reviews from grateful parents and caregivers, its success reflects the real relief and support Hubbard has brought to her community.
Read how her experience shaped a guide for families navigating food allergies →
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, 1980
Aligned Leadership: Building Relationships, Overcoming Resistance, and Achieving Success
Jay Colker’s “Aligned Leadership” draws on decades of experience in psychology and Organisational development. Grounded in Adlerian principles, the book explores how alignment — between individuals, teams, and organizations — drives effectiveness, satisfaction, and long-term success.
A No. 1 bestseller across multiple leadership categories, the book offers actionable strategies for navigating resistance, strengthening relationships, and leading with intention. Dr. Colker emphasizes that leadership isn’t limited to formal titles; it’s a mindset that can be practiced at every level.
As an Adler alumnus, faculty member, practitioner, and lifelong learner, Dr. Colker’s work reflects a lifelong commitment to helping individuals better understand themselves and others in the workplace, an approach that continues to influence leaders across industries.
Additional books by Adler University alumni include titles such as:
Aimee Daramus, Psy.D., Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, 2001, released her book in 2020, “Understanding Bipolar Disorder: The Essential Family Guide”, for families supporting loved ones with bipolar disorder.
Kenyatta Scott, Master of Arts in Industrial and Organisational Psychology, 2012, author of “The Violet Book Series” announced the book series has been added to the Cultural Collection at the Great Plains Black History Museum in Omaha, Nebraska.
Jennifer van Wyck, Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, 2010, published her book in 2020, “The Good Thing About Mortar Shells: Choosing Love Over Fear”, a reflection of her experiences as a global aid worker.
Shayamal Vallabhjee, Master of Arts in Industrial and Organisational Psychology, 2019, released a book in 2020 titled, “Breathe Believe Balance: A Guide to Self-Discovery and Healing”, a guide to help heal from emotional pain.
If you are an alumni interested in sharing your work with the Adler community, please reach out to: aorlov@adler.edu