✦ Now Available ✦
Giving your neurodivergent child a voice.
A revolutionary, heart-centred approach to understanding, connecting with, and empowering the children who need it most.
✦ What It Is
The Bellyflies Method™ emerged from years of storytelling, listening, and learning alongside children who experience the world differently. It offers parents, educators, and caregivers a compassionate, practical framework to understand the inner world of neurodivergent children — and to help them find their voice.
✦ About the Author
"I'm living my dream — sharing my stories with children and helping them shine."
Cathy Gagliardi is a children's author, speaker, and passionate advocate for the emotional well-being of children — particularly those navigating the world as neurodivergent individuals. Born in the Hamilton, Ontario region, Cathy discovered the healing power of words early in life and has never looked back.
Her journey began with Bellyflies, a story born from grief and love after losing a dear friend's teenage son far too soon. What emerged was not just a book — it became a movement. Parents, therapists, and educators began using Cathy's stories to open conversations that once felt impossible.
Today, Cathy visits schools, hospitals, libraries, and organizations supporting children and families, bringing her warmth, her stories, and her deep commitment to helping every child know that their feelings are valid, nameable, and workable.
Based in Hamilton, ON, Canada · Available for speaking engagements worldwide
✦ Book Cathy
Cathy brings an extraordinary gift to every room she enters — warmth, lived wisdom, and the ability to make both children and the adults in their lives feel truly seen. Whether visiting a classroom or joining a podcast conversation, her presence creates lasting impact.
She is available for school visits, library events, parent information evenings, conferences supporting neurodivergent families, and as a podcast guest speaking to parents, educators, and mental health professionals.
"Wherever children gather — Cathy shows up."
From cozy library story circles to hospital playrooms, from school gymnasiums to parent evenings — Cathy brings her books, her warmth, and her gift for making every child feel seen. She visits schools and libraries with interactive read-alouds, activities, and the kind of gentle magic that stays with a child long after the last page.
Organizations supporting neurodivergent families, therapy practices, and parent communities invite Cathy to speak on the power of story in helping children name and navigate their world. And for podcast hosts exploring parenting, child mental health, and neurodiversity — Cathy is a candid, compelling conversation partner who brings both heart and lived insight to every episode.
Whether in person or on air, the message is the same: every child deserves a voice, and every family deserves to be met with understanding.
Before the Bellyflies Method™, there was YumYum the Alligator — Cathy's beloved children's book series that has been touching hearts and starting conversations in homes, schools, and therapy rooms around the world. The series includes books in both English and Spanish, with coloring pages and activities to extend the magic.
Explore the Twinkling Lynx Series →✦ Words of Praise
"Meet my amazing entrepreneur friend Cathy Gagliardi and her friend YumYum. Together they help children around the world to understand their feelings and emotions. If our children can learn the tricks of warding off anxiety… maybe it could become as natural as laughing."
"A couple of weeks ago I was feeling down in the dumps for no apparent reason. Then out of the blue, your message and Mother Love popped into my messages. It was just what I needed — to hear your voice. Keep up the good work."
"My granddaughter absolutely loves Cathy's books — Bellyflies and Gonna Build A Boat. It would mean the world to Cathy to be able to provide her books to schools, organizations, and children everywhere."
"Cathy's books support children by helping them name the uncomfortable, confusing feelings we get. Belly Flies will be sure to touch your heart. If you are able — please support her by buying these books."
"I can't share this beautiful woman's work enough. It would mean the world to Cathy to be able to provide her books to schools, organizations, and children free of charge. Please take a moment — I know it would mean the world to her."
"I'm told this book has been used during therapy for a few children, and parents have reported that Bellyflies has become one of their children's favourite night time reads. Children are saying — 'Mommy, I have Bellyflies!'"
Whether you'd like to invite Cathy to speak at your school, library, or organization, book her as a podcast guest, request a signed copy, or simply reach out to say hello — Cathy genuinely loves hearing from you.
💚 GoFundMe — Cathy donates books to children in need around the world. If you'd like to help put her books in the hands of more children, please consider supporting her GoFundMe initiative.
Support the mission →
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Every great story begins with a single page
— Let yours begin here
