NYC Gazette

Alissha Greer, a graduate of the Katz School’s M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, has co-authored a children's book titled "Pablo’s Pandemic" with her twin sister, Taissha. The book aims to inspire families to reconnect and reduce reliance on technology, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Greer observed that children were increasingly dependent on technology for entertainment and social connection during the pandemic. This observation led her to create a story that emphasizes real-life connections among family members. "We saw that children weren’t enjoying the time together with loved ones and family," said Alissha Greer, who works with special needs children at P-352X, The Vida Bogart School for All Children in the Bronx.

Published by Gatekeeper Press, "Pablo’s Pandemic" follows an eight-year-old Hispanic boy named Pablo as he learns to appreciate spending time with his family over playing video games like Minecraft. The story culminates in a family karaoke session that changes Pablo's perspective on connecting with loved ones.

The character of Pablo is inspired by Greer's little brother Andy from the Dominican Republic. "We wanted to encourage children to rely less on technology and enjoy hands-on activities with family and friends," said Greer.

The book reflects Greer's Hispanic heritage and carries a universal message about persistence in engaging children in activities they might initially resist. "Even if children initially say no to activities, families should keep trying until they find something their kids enjoy," she added.

Greer's personal experiences also influenced her career path. Her grandfather suffered a stroke but did not receive necessary speech therapy or rehabilitation, motivating her to serve bilingual and underserved communities through her work at P-352X. She helps students develop communication skills using hands-on activities and positive reinforcement strategies.

Greer believes "Pablo’s Pandemic" can be particularly beneficial for families with special needs children who faced challenges during remote learning amid the pandemic. "A lot of these kids have issues communicating, and the story can encourage them to try new activities," she explained.

Through both her book and professional practice, Greer aims to help children communicate better and connect socially while reducing isolation caused by excessive use of technology. She plans to write more books addressing challenges faced by special needs children.

"Whether it’s through speech therapy or storytelling, my goal is to make a difference," she stated. "Helping children find their voices and connect with their loved ones is the most rewarding part of what I do."