a story of resilience
In 3rd grade, Ronnie Sidney, II, LCSW was diagnosed with a learning disability and spent 7 years in special education. Sidney's early academic challenges ignited a passion within him to self-publish Nelson Beats the Odds and share his inspirational story with the world. He's appeared on NPR, Fox News, & HLN .
About Me
Author-Therapist
Author Visits, Workshops, and Keynotes
Nelson Beats the Odds Series
Ronnie Sidney II, LCSW, is a 2014 graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Social Work master's program. In 2017, Sidney became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and was recognized as one of 15 Black Male Therapists You Should Know by HuffPost. Sidney spent nearly two decades working in mental health with youth & adults
Ronnie Sidney II, LCSW, is a 2014 graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Social Work master's program. In 2017, Sidney became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and was recognized as one of 15 Black Male Therapists You Should Know by HuffPost. Sidney spent nearly two decades working in mental health with youth & adults.
Sidney is both a best-selling and award-winning author. He released Amazon bestseller Nelson Beats the Odds in 2015, a semiautobiographical comic book about a young man who struggles with the shame of being placed in special education.
Old Dominion University honored Sidney with the prestigious Darden Award in 2017. The award is given to Darden College of Education alumnus who have made outstanding achievements. In 2020, Virginia Commonwealth University featured Sidney in the Shafer Court Connections magazine. He was one of 200 VCU Alumni featured in The Power Issue, which honored inspiring alumni.
In addition to his professional and academic life, Sidney is a loving husband and father. He enjoys exercising, attending broadways plays, and listening to music. Sidney is a member of several boards, including the advisory board for VCU's Center on Transition Innovations (VCU-CTI). The Center on Transition Innovations (CTI) at Virginia Commonwealth University provides evidence-based resources and information along with emerging practices in the field. Sidney is also an active member of the Essex County Economic Development Authority and Essex Youth Football Association.
Nelson Beats the Odds Series
Author Visits, Workshops, and Keynotes
Nelson Beats the Odds Series
The Nelson Beats the Odds series inspires confidence in children and encourages a fondness for reading and a heightened level of social awareness. Please contact us if you're interested in purchasing in bulk or requesting autographed copies of our books.
Nelson Beats The Odds is an inspiring story that celebrates friendship, resilience a
The Nelson Beats the Odds series inspires confidence in children and encourages a fondness for reading and a heightened level of social awareness. Please contact us if you're interested in purchasing in bulk or requesting autographed copies of our books.
Nelson Beats The Odds is an inspiring story that celebrates friendship, resilience and empowerment. The striking illustrations give life to Nelson Beats The Odds, while the author’s story is perfect for students diagnosed with learning disabilities or mental health disorders.
Tameka’s New Dress shines a light on these tough things and lays them out on the table to talk about. He also presents us with a strong girl in Tameka, who not only finds adults who can and do support her, but also finds a way to confront her bullies without becoming a bully herself. Real tips for real life situations are presented here – just what real little children need - a great addition to the library shelves.
Rest in Peace ReShawn Reloaded completes a trinity of quality young adult literature by Sidney, including his second book Tameka's New Dress. Rest in Peace ReShawn Reloaded was selected for the Recommended Book List for the 2018 In the Margins Book Award. A committee of librarians who work with marginalized youth decided Ronnie’s book was an outstanding fit to recommend to other groups who work with marginalized youth. Rest in Peace ReShawn Reloaded was also an honorable mention award winner for the 2018 Young Adult Virginia Authors (YAVA) award.
Author Visits, Workshops, and Keynotes
Author Visits, Workshops, and Keynotes
Author Visits, Workshops, and Keynotes
Whether it's an author visit or statewide conference, Ronnie Sidney, II, LCSW inspires students, parents, and professionals to push their boundaries and grow. As an author-therapist, he will bring new life and connection to your next event. In the past, Sidney has facilitated professional development workshops, keynote addresses, assembli
Whether it's an author visit or statewide conference, Ronnie Sidney, II, LCSW inspires students, parents, and professionals to push their boundaries and grow. As an author-therapist, he will bring new life and connection to your next event. In the past, Sidney has facilitated professional development workshops, keynote addresses, assemblies, author visits, writing workshops, and more. Contact us, and we can schedule a presentation, virtually or in person, that fits the needs that you have today.
Photo Journal of Past Events
Presentation Topics
Nelson Beats the Odds Comic Creator Workshop
The writing and illustrative workshop is designed to help children become confident and creative writers. During the workshop we will discuss the “5 Ws” and explore what it takes to make a comic book. Participants will have time to design their comic book from cover to cover. They will engage in the writing process by selecting topics, drafting, illustrating, and sharing their work with their peers.
The Journey from a Child with Learning and Attention Issues to a Best-Selling Author
While enrolled in Essex County Public Schools, Ronnie Sidney, II spent seven years in special education. He was diagnosed as learning disabled and learning and attention issues were ADHD and Dysgraphia. The presentation will guide you through Sidney’s early academic experiences, exploring how
resilience, along with some very special people, helped him break barriers.
Helping our Most Vulnerable Students Beat the Odd
The interactive session takes participants on an emotional ride through three critically acclaimed graphic novels that help teachers and students explore disabilities, trauma, race and policing in a sensitive, easy-to-understand format. The session will equip educators with tools they can use to help their most vulnerable youth beat the odds.
Tardigrade Mentality: Overcoming Uncertainty, Adversity, and Unexpected Events
This workshop will introduce participants to tardigrades, the most resilient species on earth. You will learn the advantages of resilience and how it develops effective leadership. We will discuss mental health and the guiding principles for social and emotional wellness. The workshop is interactive and will include several team-building activities.
The Power of Connecting with One Caring Adult
The interactive presentation seeks to inspire educators to use supportive relationships with their students as a vehicle for empowerment. Despite age, race and gender differences, Sidney and his special education teacher was able to connect with him in a unique way. Sidney will share their inspirational story and provide strategies for educators seeking to forge caring relationships with their most challenging students. The presentation will equip educators with tools they can use to reach students with disabilities, mental health issues and trauma histories.
Blueprint to Beating the Odds
This interactive journey is designed to give a glimpse into the real-life experiences of Ronnie Sidney, II, LCSW. In 2015, Sidney released Amazon best-seller "Nelson Beats the Odds", a semiautobiographical comic book about a young man who struggles with the shame of being placed in special education. The presenter will explore how resilience and championing helped him beat the odds. Sidney will share information parents and educators can use to better support youth with learning and attention issues.
Perceptions of the Black Father
As a Black father, I often ponder how I am viewed through society's lens. This presentation seeks to dispel the absent black father myth and explore the current and historical perceptions black fathers in America. The presentation will also examine the risk, protective and resilience factors of non-residential, single and incarcerated Black fathers and their children.
Engaging and inspirational tales for students coping with common problems."
Kirkus Review
Meet the author
VCU Center on Transition Innovations formed a partnership with Strivven Media to produce Virtual Job Shadow tools that a used in schools to help students learn about different career paths. This video is apart of a series are highlighting individuals with disabilities in their workplace settings. Ronnie Sidney, II, LCSW decided to film at Tappahannock Elementary School because it’s where his educational experience started.
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Questions or Comments?
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Creative Medicine: Healing Through Words, LLC
Virginia, United States
Email Address: ronnie@creative-medicine.com
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