The Art of Leadership and Storytelling
From Corporate Titan to Bestselling Author
Discover powerful tales of resilience and redemption in The Kite That Couldn’t Fly: And Other May Avenue Stories—a memoir that reminds us we’re never truly alone.
Featured Book
The Kite That Couldn’t Fly
and Other May Avenue Stories
After six decades, Menard has written his memoir, The Kite That Couldn’t Fly: And Other May Avenue Stories. His childhood stories are powerful and, somehow, both unique and relatable at the same time. Written by the second oldest of 14 children, Michael Menard tells his childhood stories of beautiful redemption and how light comes from darkness.
You’ve been through some tough stuff; we all have, but Menard’s experiences are off the charts. The May Avenue Stories range from funny to unthinkable to unfathomable and offer a raw and courageous glimpse into a journey none of us would choose, yet in a sense; we are all on. The May Avenue Stories tell the reader, “You are not alone,” and provide the opportunity to reflect on subjects we desperately need to discuss.
The Author
The Kite That Couldn’t Fly
Michael has had unparalleled success as a business leader, entrepreneur, inventor, and writer. He has 14 US Patents and has advised The Coca-Cola Company, NASA, and the United Nations. Living in Tennessee with his wife, Emilie, Michael is a proud father of five daughters and grandfather to nine grandchildren.
“What a truly superb and beautiful book! Michael Menard is a master storyteller whose tales brought me from laughter one moment to tears another. The Kite That Couldn’t Fly is chock full of wisdom, humor, and insights about why we thrive and stumble. It shows how unconditional love, hope, faith, and a strong spine overcome the most difficult circumstances. I’m grateful for the pleasure of reading it and know it will inspire and uplift all who read it.”
— Dr. Glenn Schiraldi, author of The Adverse Childhood Experience Workbook
The Professional Counselor
Kristin Trudeau
Kristin is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-MHSP) and a Level II Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC II), as well as a Certified First Responder Counselor (CFRC) in the state of Tennessee. Kristin supports her clients in processing challenging life experiences to release the burdens of trauma and embrace a life of gratitude and authenticity.
Understanding and Healing
About Childhood Trauma
“The effects of unresolved trauma can be devastating. It can affect our habits and outlook on
life, leading to addictions and poor decision-making. It can take a toll on our family life and
interpersonal relationships. It can trigger real physical pain, symptoms, and disease. And it can
lead to a range of self-destructive behaviors.”
Peter A. Levine, PhD
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are possible traumatic events that occur from birth through adolescence (zero to eighteen years of age.) ACEs came to fruition through a study by Dr. Vincent Felitti and Dr. Robert Anda to identify negative critical conditions a child may experience and their lasting impacts. Dr. Felitti, the head of Kaiser Permanente’s Department of Preventive Medicine in San Diego, along with Dr. Anda, a researcher for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, set out to conduct a study between 1995-1997 with the hypothesis that childhood trauma is linked to poor physical and mental health in adults. Felitti and Anda collected survey data from 17,000 patients (gathered during their physical exams.) The adverse childhood experience survey included ten questions to identify traumas and neglect. The ACEs were identified as physical and emotional neglect, abuse (sexual, emotional, and physical), and household dysfunctions (including aspects such as parental divorce or separation due to incarceration, substance abuse and addiction, mental health problems, and witnessing violence.)
Understanding and Healing
About Childhood Trauma
“ACEs may well be called the number-one unaddressed public health concern because of the devastation they leave in their wake.”
Glenn Schiraldi, PhD,
Author: The Adverse Childhood Experiences Recovery Workbook
Toxic stress from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can change brain development and affect how the body responds to stress. ACEs are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood. If a child has experienced four or more ACEs before age 18, they have experienced Complex Childhood Trauma.
The Hidden Toll of Childhood Trauma
In The USA Alone
Depression, COPD, Asthma, Stroke, Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes, Addiction
These are just a few of the health issues caused by ACEs.
Source: CDC/Vital Signs/August 23, 2021 2020 U.S. Census
Pathways to Recovery
The Promise of Healing
The suggestions for healing included here are based on the written work of mental health experts who have focused on recovery and healing from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). I have utilized The Adverse Childhood Experiences Recovery Workbook, written by Glenn R. Schiraldi, PhD, as a resource to advance my healing. This book provides powerful new strategies to overcome low self-esteem, shame, depression, anxiety, emotional trauma, and other long-term effects of toxic childhood stress.
Recommended Reads on ACEs and Healing
Explore Insightful Books by Experts
These resources provide valuable tools, research-backed strategies, and compassionate guidance to
help individuals understand and recover from the lasting impacts of childhood trauma.
Book Trailer
Unveiling A Literary Masterpiece
This movie trailer will provide you with some small insights into the book,
increasing your desire to read it.
Bookish Treasures
Explore Our Merchandise
Proceeds go to support the promise of healing to those suffering from childhood trauma.
How we serve
Building Hope Through Three Core Pillars
The UACT has recently been formed. More information on the
Foundation will be available soon. The three Pillars of The
Foundation will be:
Awaken
We will raise awareness of the prevalence and destruction of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic childhood trauma and the potential for recovering and healing.
Provide
We will provide the resources, services, and care to those in need to heal from ACEs.
Prevent
We will work to end preventable ACEs.