Dr. Sharon Zaffarese-Dippold

Dr. Sharon Zaffarese-Dippold’s powerful writing stems from her own deeply personal experiences as a child who endured the constant upheaval of multiple foster care and family placements, marked by various forms of childhood abuse and trauma. Dr. Dippold, who moved frequently during her childhood, attended roughly ten or more schools, experiencing different educational environments and cultures. Despite that, she achieved a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, followed by a Master's degree in the same field, and eventually completed her PhD in Human Services at Capella University, specializing in Human Behavior and Counseling Studies. In 2016, she published her Doctoral Dissertation, a powerful examination of the struggles of former foster children who were forced to carry their belongings in garbage bags, highlighting the profound impact of their experiences. Fueled by her own experience with bullying, this public speaker and foster care trainer created "INAM- It's Not About Me," an anti-bullying program aimed at empowering children to combat the negative effects of bullying. With each presentation in schools, conferences, and trainings, she shares her story, inspiring others while offering valuable resources to build resilience and self-esteem. Dr. Zaffarese-Dippold calls Saint Mary’s, Pennsylvania, home, sharing a cozy abode with her husband, where she delights in the simple pleasures of family, spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her commitment to philanthropy has been widely recognized, as she consistently donates 10% of all book sales to various national organizations dedicated to fostering children.