Amy Shepherd, M.Ed.

About the Author

Amy Shepherd, M.Ed., is a parent, educator, and advocate for children who are blind or visually impaired. Her journey began as the mother of a young man who is legally blind and grew into a passion for making early learning more accessible and joyful for all children.


She serves as the Parent Liaison for the Michigan Department of Education’s Resources for Blind and Low Vision. Amy holds a Master’s in Education and Social Policy from Northwestern University, a Perkins-Roman CVI Range Endorsement, and is completing a graduate certificate in CVI at UMass Boston.


Hooray for Summer is her debut published book—created with love, grounded in best
practices, and driven by a deep commitment to accessibility. It’s the first in a growing
collection from the CVI Book Nook, which she founded to spark wonder, promote
exploration, and design inclusive materials for early learners.

 

Fun Facts About Amy Shepherd

  • Dubbed the “Advocate General” by friends: I’ve spent decades leading
    nonprofits, planning family retreats, and advocating for inclusive learning. I’ve served as President of Michigan Parents of Children with Visual Impairments, currently sit
    on the APH Parent Advisory Board, and stay active with the Lions Club and National Federation of the Blind.
  • Put me in, Coach—I’m ready to play: Sports have always been a big part of who I
    am. I grew up playing tennis, soccer, and downhill skiing—eventually competing in
    Division I tennis and teaching part-time for over 30 years. I believe sports build
    teamwork, character, and perseverance—and they break down barriers for people
    with disabilities. These days, I’m hooked on Pickleball and still love teaching
    adaptive sports, from guiding skiers to coaching racket games with kids who inspire
    me every day.
  • Plot twist: I became an author. When I couldn’t find books that worked for my
    students with CVI, I started writing them myself. That turned into the CVI Book
    Nook—a free library of accessible stories and resources for families and teachers.
  • My happy place: Anywhere near a lake or in the mountains—ideally with a loved
    one, a bit of sunshine, and maybe a book or two.

Collections

View all