Author of Good-bye, Baby Max

As a licensed professional counselor, Diane Cantrell, author of Good-bye, Baby Max, has dedicated her career to helping those who are most vulnerable. Her work has focused on providing counseling services to the homeless, single mothers, young children and those with physical or mental disabilities.

Cantrell began her career as a kindergarten and pre-k teacher after graduating from Trinity University in 1975 with a bachelor’s in elementary and kindergarten education. After teaching for seven years, Cantrell enrolled in the master’s program at St. Mary’s University, where she counseled high school dropouts and provided mental heath services to college students. Cantrell graduated from St. Mary’s University in 1991 with a master’s in mental health counseling, and obtained her certification as a licensed professional counselor in 1994.

Today, Cantrell devotes much of her time counseling young children. Her experience working with this age group began at Fort Sam Houston I.S.D., where she taught kindergarten for four years. Cantrell also facilitated grief support groups for children at Hospice San Antonio, and provided therapy to homeless women with young children.

Cantrell’s time at Fort Sam Houston I.S.D. also provided inspiration for her new children’s book, Good-bye, Baby Max (Bridgeway Books, February 2008, $16.95, 978-1-933538-95-2). The book, which is based on a true story, describes how Mrs. B helps her kindergarten class cope with the loss of a classroom pet. Max, one of three baby chicks, is unable to break free from his shell and Ms. B must help her class plan a special good-bye for their lost friend, as well as address the class’s questions and fears about death.

Cantrell currently provides counseling for children with emotional disabilities, as well as parent education and support groups. She is also a member of the Association for Play Therapy, an organization that emphasizes the value of play therapy as a method for mental health professionals to treat young children with mental health issues. In addition to mental health counseling, Cantrell is also a life coach who helps clients clarify their life goals, manage stress and deal with life transitions.

Cantrell serves on the advisory board of the San Antonio Birth Doulas, an organization that supports first-time parents, giving special attention to pregnant teens and low-income families. Additionally, Cantrell is a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, which promotes the professional and personal growth of women educators. In her spare time, she enjoys decorating, going to movies, dining out and designing hooked rugs. Cantrell currently lives in San Antonio with her husband, Rich, and their three dogs, Precious, Sunday and Mr. Lee.