For over 20 years, I've worked as an educator and administrator. I started with an undergraduate degree in education, then went on to earn two master's degrees, one in school counseling and one in educational leadership.
Along the way, I also completed the ADHD Teacher Trainer Academy, a program that trains educators to help teachers support students with ADHD and executive function challenges, and lead professional development for other teachers doing the same.
All of that gave me a strong foundation. But it didn't fully prepare me for my own kid. Then I had my own spirited child, and everything I thought I knew got tested in a whole new way. Bedtime, especially, was brutal for a long time in our house. The kind of nights that leave you wondering what you're doing wrong. I wasn't doing anything wrong.
"I just needed tools that actually matched how my kid's brain worked..."
not the version of parenting advice that assumes a calm, compliant kid who doesn't exist in my house.
That's where the books came from. And the color-your-own pajamas came from the same place, something hands-on and calming to fold into a hard part of the day.
I want to be honest with you: I don't have this perfected. Some days still go sideways (more often than not). But I show up for my own child, and for the students and families I work with, and everything I make for Root to Bloom comes out of what's actually worked, not what's supposed to work.
Meet Marlo
PTS Coaching: Helping Children Build Executive Function Through Storytelling
A conversation about the inspiration behind Popsicles in Space, the importance of executive function, and creating meaningful bedtime experiences.
Featured Conversations
The Children's Book Review: An Interview with Marlo Neuhaus-Franks, Creator of ‘Popsicles in Space’
A conversation about becoming an author, encouraging a love of reading, and the mission behind Root to Bloom Books.
Douglas County School District: From Assistant Principal to Children's Author: The Story Behind Popsicles in Space
In this feature from Douglas County School District, I share the inspiration behind writing Popsicles in Space and how my experiences as both an educator and a mother led me to create a story that helps families navigate bedtime with connection, imagination, and heart.
→ Watch the Interview
I'm honored to have been featured by organizations and publications that share a passion for children's literacy, executive function, and supporting families and educators.
Credentials & Partnerships
ADHD Professional Development Trainer Academy
Marlo has completed the ADHD Teacher Trainer Academy, a comprehensive program that equips educators with the knowledge and strategies to support students with ADHD and Executive Function challenges. This training enables her to lead professional development sessions, empowering teachers to create inclusive classrooms and effectively manage off-task behaviors, thereby fostering a positive learning environment for all students.
Our Partners
