Lynn McLaughlin Inspires Change and Resilience Through Writing and Advocacy
Empowering Families And Communities
Award-winning author Lynn McLaughlin shares her journey through adversity, insights on mental health, empowering tools for children, and her dedication to creating resilient, connected communities through stories, podcasts, and volunteerism.
Lynn McLaughlin, a seasoned educator and accomplished author, is on a mission to empower and inspire families, educators, and communities. With a career that spans roles such as Superintendent of Education and teaching experiences from junior kindergarten to post-secondary, Lynn’s dedication to well-being, education, and mental health shines through her work. A best-selling, award-winning author, Lynn also connects with audiences through her podcast, Taking the Helm, offering invaluable resources for parents, clinicians, and school communities.
In her debut book, Steering Through It, Lynn documents her deeply personal journey of navigating a life-threatening brain tumor diagnosis. Reflecting on the writing process, she reveals how journaling became a lifeline, helping her process overwhelming emotions and find clarity during her greatest uncertainties. Drawing from these journals, she also invited her family members to share their own poignant experiences to create a multifaceted narrative. This honest and moving book aims to resonate with anyone facing challenges, whether as a patient, caregiver, or simply someone striving to overcome life’s adversities.
Lynn’s podcast, Taking the Helm, further amplifies stories of resilience and transformation. Over its four-year span, the podcast has delved into universal truths that unite us, showcasing the strength of the human spirit. For the past 18 months, the focus has shifted to proactive solutions for children’s and youth’s well-being, providing listeners with powerful, often heart-wrenching conversations. Lynn emphasizes how these discussions underline the importance of teaching young people skills that help them thrive.
The theme of mental health continues in Lynn’s novel Jackson , which addresses the challenges families face with anxiety. Inspired by her professional and personal experiences, this story is told from both a mother’s and a son’s perspective, confronting the delicate balance between helping and unintentionally causing harm. To ensure authenticity in capturing the son’s emotional journey, Lynn collaborated with Yvonne Marrs, a respected author and chronic illness advocate. Readers struggling with similar challenges within their families have found deep connections to the book’s heartwarming and insightful narrative.
Lynn’s passion also extends to younger audiences through The Power of Thought children’s book series, co-authored with her niece, Amber Raymond. With Amber’s background as a Master of Social Work graduate, the series introduces emotional literacy to children in a creative and accessible way. By combining relatable characters, illustrated emotions, and proactive strategies, this series provides tools for healthy emotional development. Feedback from readers has been overwhelmingly positive, with children, parents, and even grandparents praising how the books make complex topics fun and approachable.
Outside of her writing, Lynn is an active community advocate, volunteering with organizations like the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and Kingsville Southshore Rotary. Her efforts reflect her mantra: “If that’s the biggest problem I have to face today, then life is pretty awesome.” Lynn is also involved in innovative community initiatives, such as helping a group of 100 women collectively donate $10,000 to local non-profits—an approach that creates ripple effects of joy and positive change.
Lynn’s work is a testament to her belief in human potential, the power of stories, and the impact of community. Whether it’s through her books, podcast, or volunteerism, Lynn reminds us that even in the darkest moments, we can not only survive but also thrive—and help others do the same.
