Speaking engagements with Cathy Westbury
Bring a message of gratitude your school will talk about all year
Cathy Westbury spent a career helping children find their strengths as an award-winning elementary school counselor. Now she brings that same warmth to assemblies, family nights, staff workshops, and conferences.
Ways to work with Cathy
Every session builds on the heart of What Color is Your Sand?: gratitude is a skill, and children and adults can practice it together.
Author visits and read-alouds
An interactive reading of What Color is Your Sand? where students answer the story's questions for themselves, plus a peek at how a real book gets made.
Gratitude and resilience assemblies
A hopeful, practical talk for students or whole-school audiences about comparison, contentment, and treasuring the people and places already around us.
Educator and counselor workshops
Strengths-based sessions for staff PD days and counselor gatherings, drawing on Cathy's years in the counseling office and her recognition as Missouri Elementary School Counselor of the Year.
Family nights and 7 Habits training
As a trained facilitator of 7 Habits Signature and Family Training, Cathy leads evenings that give parents and kids shared language for gratitude and growth at home.
Who invites Cathy to speak?
- Elementary schools planning author visits, assemblies, or kindness and gratitude weeks
- PTA and PTO groups hosting family engagement nights
- Counselor and educator conferences looking for practical, encouraging breakout sessions
- Libraries, community organizations, and faith groups
Sessions can be tailored to your audience, theme, and schedule. Copies of What Color is Your Sand? can be ordered in advance on Amazon so every family goes home with the story.
Request a speaking engagement
Tell Cathy about your event and she'll follow up with availability and details. The more you can share about your audience and goals, the better she can tailor the session.
Booking questions
What does a speaking engagement cost?
Fees depend on the format, session length, and travel involved. Share your details in the request form and Cathy will follow up with options that fit your event and budget.
Can students or families get signed copies of the book?
Copies of What Color is Your Sand? are available on Amazon for $10.95, and many schools order books ahead of the visit. Mention book sales or signings in your request and Cathy will help you plan it.
How far in advance should we book?
School calendars fill quickly, so reaching out a few months ahead gives you the best chance at your preferred date. Shorter timelines are still worth asking about.
Does Cathy offer virtual sessions?
If travel or scheduling is a challenge, ask about a virtual visit in the request form and Cathy will let you know what's possible for your date.