But... God Gave Me a Pencil is an autobiographical memoir in which Dr. Rhonda Richmond explores her transformative journey from being abandoned by her mother to accepting her autism and learning disabilities in reading, writing, and math.

Despite being functionally illiterate when she graduated high school, Dr. Richmond developed a pathway to literacy and began teaching her own children to read and write. Working with her children supported her creation of a new way to teach literacy skills, which helped her as a special education teacher and principal.

Now the chief program officer of a national mentorship organization, Richmond uses her skills and life experience to further develop impactful programs by training CEOs, managers, and teachers who impact children’s lives.

Author bio:

Dr. Rhonda Richmond holds an EdD in education, a MA in curriculum and instruction, and has over 25 years expertise in research, curriculum design, and training development. She specializes in enhancing leaders’, teachers’, and students’ skills for long-term success. An artist, Dr. Richmond discovered her voice through painting, using it to cope with the language barriers she still has in relation to her learning disabilities and autism. Her focus is on storytelling and empowering others to find their voices.