Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Copeland
Hi Dana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey has been one of transformation and purpose. I’ve been an educator for nearly 16 years, dedicating my life to creating safe, supportive spaces where students can academically and emotionally thrive. My passion for teaching stems from a deep belief that a child doesn’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. My goal is to ensure every child feels seen, valued, and is capable of achieving greatness.
Over time, this belief extended beyond the classroom. As a survivor of domestic abuse, I felt called to support women walking similar paths. This led me to found The I Am House, a nonprofit dedicated to helping women heal, find hope, and rebuild their lives after abuse. Through refuge, restoration, and renewal, we empower women to step into their full potential.
My work with children and women inspired me to become a children’s book author. Writing books about affirmations and global adventures allows me to inspire young minds and foster self-confidence and curiosity. One of my latest projects, Around the World with KoKo, includes interactive elements to create engaging and educational experiences for kids.
My journey has been filled with challenges and growth, but every step has shaped me into the educator, advocate, and author I am today. It’s an honor to impact lives in meaningful ways, and I look forward to what lies ahead.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped my journey. Starting The I Am House came with its own set of hurdles. Building a nonprofit requires unwavering dedication, and convincing others to support the mission—whether through donations, sponsorships, or partnerships—has been a learning curve. There were moments when I doubted whether I could make the impact I dreamed of, but seeing women find hope and healing through our programs made every challenge worth it.
Becoming a children’s book author also presented obstacles. Writing while juggling my teaching career and nonprofit work required focus and resilience. I faced setbacks, like funding and self-publishing challenges, but staying true to my vision kept me going.
These struggles taught me to persevere, trust my instincts, and lean on my faith and community. They’ve shown me that the most meaningful work often comes with the toughest roads, but the impact makes every step worthwhile.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a self-published author, I focus on creating meaningful and empowering content for children. My work fosters confidence, curiosity, and resilience in young readers. My books include The Power of Affirmations (also available in Spanish), which teaches children the importance of positive self-talk, and the Around the World with KoKo series, which takes young minds on vibrant global adventures, introducing them to different cultures and sparking a love for learning about the world.
What sets my books apart is their interactive and affirming nature. For example, in the Around the World with KoKo series, readers can scan QR codes to virtually immerse themselves in different countries, making the experience fun and educational. I’m proud of how my books connect with both children and their families, creating opportunities for bonding and shared discovery.
What makes my journey unique is that I write with intention. As an educator and advocate, I weave empowering messages into every story to ensure kids feel valued and capable of achieving their dreams. Seeing a child’s face light up as they explore a new culture or embrace their own worth through my books is one of my greatest rewards.
Being self-published has allowed me creative freedom to tell the stories I feel are most important, and that independence has shaped me into the author I am today.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The quality I believe is most important to my success as an author and the founder of The I Am House is perseverance, being grounded in faith and a commitment to keeping God first. Whether writing books to inspire children or supporting women on their healing journeys, my faith has been my guide, giving me the strength to navigate challenges and remain focused on my purpose.
As the founder of The I Am House, perseverance and faith are the foundation of everything we do. Supporting survivors of domestic abuse requires immense dedication and empathy, and it’s through God’s guidance that I find the strength to lead with love and compassion. Keeping Him first ensures that our mission stays aligned with providing healing, hope, and empowerment to women in need.
As an author, perseverance has been crucial in self-publishing, where obstacles like funding, marketing, and creative hurdles can test your resolve. Keeping God first has reminded me that the stories I write have a greater purpose—to empower children with confidence and a love for learning. Knowing that my work can positively impact young lives keeps me motivated and faithful to the journey.
Ultimately, keeping God first has allowed me to trust the process, even in the face of uncertainty. It has shaped my resilience, purpose, and ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theiamhouse.org
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/theiamhouse
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/theiamhouse
- Youtube: bit.ly/CopesCorner
- Other: danacopeland.com/store, instagram.com/authordanacopeland
Image Credits
Brooklyn Jones (the one with me on the mic) and Christian Reynolds (group shot) confirmed the use of the photos, and everyone signed photo releases to participate in the walk.
