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Peggy Palmer Finds Transformative Power in Positivity

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From teaching 7th and 8th grade to her work in the non-profit world, Peggy Palmer has not only implemented her teaching about positivity in a professional context but also in a personal one with her own children.

San Antonio, TX, USA, Oct 18th, 2018 — “People function better in life when they’re able to look for the positive,” comments educator Peggy Palmer. “My vision is to propel people to a better place. My work is my passion.” From teaching 7th and 8th grade to her work in the non-profit world, Palmer has not only implemented her teaching about positivity in a professional context but also in a personal one with her own children.

“I taught my kids to be curious and to explore. Children need the tools to know that they are in charge of their own destiny and that they are the ones who design their lives each day. It is so important for children to know that no matter what their circumstances are, they can have a better life.”

To promote this empowering message, Palmer has written a new book for children, entitled “Gather the Good” to teach children simple ways that they can incorporate a positive outlook in their daily lives.

“I hope that readers get a glimmer of light and positivity that they can carry with them into their lives and into the world,” says Palmer. “I hope children will learn that they have the choice to be optimistic every single day. I want to help make a better future, one book at a time.”

Publisher Lisa M. Umina comments, “This is a book that adults need to read just as much as children do. Palmer has made an excellent resource for parents and teachers alike to start teaching their children how to model positive behavior.”

The book launch and book signings will be held soon. For the exact date and place, please follow “Gather the Good” Facebook page.

For more information about Peggy Palmer visit www.halopublishing.com. “Gather the Good” is now available at Halo Publishing International, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Books a Million in Hardcover for $20.95, Paperback for $12.95, and as an e-Book for $8.99.

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa Michelle Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176,
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com

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Pam Saxelby Creates Resources to Make Difficult Conversations Fun for Children

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Talking to children about childbirth is not always easy, but author Pam Saxelby knows that the conversation is important because kids are curious.

San Antonio, TX, USA, October 9, 2018 — Talking to children about childbirth is not always easy, but author Pam Saxelby knows that the conversation is important because kids are curious. She also insists it can be a fun! As an educator and author, Saxelby has over 25 years of experience teaching in Chicago where she has worked with students of different ages—from junior high to high school as well as preschoolers.

“I love working with the pre-school kids because they are so funny. After many years of working with children, I have good insight into the questions these children have,” Saxelby comments. “Kids at this age are trying to figure everything out.” Children are curious about where they come from, and this isn’t a bad thing, Saxelby insists.

Saxelby has faced this question both in the classroom and at home, where years ago, she was summoned by her youngest daughter (4 at the time) to “a meeting in the living room” to discuss Saxelby’s then pregnancy with her third child.

“I saw that having children talk about where babies come from is important. We need accurate narratives that are not just centered on the stork. Children need correct information, and this topic can be presented in a way that is both fun and funny. Childbirth does not have to be scary for kids.”

The author adds, “I’ve always tried to write about what is interesting for children, and what they may be trying to figure out,” which is what led her to write her third children’s book, The Great Grace Escape.

Inspired by Saxelby’s granddaughter Grace, The Great Grace Escape is a humorous tale, told from a baby’s perspective about “escaping” from her underwater home in her mother’s womb! The author intends for this book to be a resource for parents, teachers, and pediatricians.

“I hope this story will lead to natural conversations, recognizing that children of different ages need different answers to their questions,” adds Saxelby. “I would like this book to be an opportunity for kids to ask questions about the day they were born and all the joy that goes along with that.” The Great Grace Escape is illustrated by Saxelby’s daughter, Anne Saxelby.

Publisher Lisa M. Umina adds, “This book is a great addition to children’s literature. It presents a unique perspective, helping children to understand where they come from and how they got here. Both children and adults alike will enjoy reading this story.”

For more information about Pam Saxelby visit pamsaxelby.com. The Great Grace Escape is now available at on Pam’s website, Halo Publishing International, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Books a Million in Hardcover for $19.95, Paperback for $12.95, and as an e-Book for $6.99.

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa Michelle Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176,
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com
http://www.halopublishing.com

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Renee Lovekids Promotes Diversity and Debate as the Keys to a Successful Classroom and Community

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Having worked as a teacher in the public-school system for the past nineteen years, Renee Lovekids knows the importance of promoting dialogue and debate in her classroom.

San Antonio, TX, USA, September 19, 2018 — Having worked as a teacher in the public-school system for the past nineteen years, Renee Lovekids knows the importance of promoting dialogue and debate in her classroom.

Statistics show that in urban schools, an average of 90% of children who are involved in debate graduate from high school, while only 50% of the general population go on to graduate.

Lovekids has implemented several types of debate formats in her teaching, a measure that she feels helps students from different backgrounds learn how to effectively express their opinions and communicate with their peers.

“I work in New York City, which is one of the most diverse places in America,” the educator comments. “There are times where I’ve had eleven nationalities represented in my classroom. Yet, even with all of the diversity, there are still commonalities that we all share.”

By learning important communication skills from a young age, students are better equipped for life beyond the classroom.

“Different forms of debate are used according to the age group. There is the opportunity to learn new vocabulary and new reasoning skills,” Lovekids adds.

This message is central to Lovekids’ new children’s book, “Why Did My Teacher Cry Today? A Homework Tale”. This story uses humor to relay the different perspectives that students and teachers have on homework. To express their different viewpoints, the students are asked to hold a debate.

“I was inspired to write the book based on the experiences I have had with my students over the years. I hope that readers take away the sense of humor and fun that can be instilled in everyday activities, such as homework. I hope that teachers will take away some ideas about making the topics they are teaching more interesting and engaging for students.”

  • For more information about Renee Lovekids visit www.halopublishing.com. “Why Did My Teacher Cry Today? A Homework Tale” is now available at Halo Publishing International, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Books a Million in Paperback for $11.95 and as an e-Book for $3.99.

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa Michelle Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176,
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com

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New Storybook Helps Fathers Carve Out Reading Ritual With Their Child

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When a father takes the time to read to his child, there is a big payoff, studies show. In fact, a 2014 Harvard study indicates that when dads regularly read bedtime stories to young children, it actually has a measurably bigger impact on the youngsters’ language development than when Mom reads.

San Antonio, TX, USA, September 19, 2018 — When a father takes the time to read to his child, there is a big payoff, studies show. In fact, a 2014 Harvard study indicates that when dads regularly read bedtime stories to young children, it actually has a measurably bigger impact on the youngsters’ language development than when Mom reads.

However, through research for a book she was writing, award-winning journalist Margaret Bernstein became aware that the lack of a father figure was being passed down from one generation to the next. Men who grew up without a father in their lives didn’t know how to fulfill their own roles as dads because that behavior had never been modeled for them, she discovered.

“As a writer,” Bernstein explains, “I wanted to do something to help break that cycle. I wanted to write books that inspired dads to read with their children and help them build a bond.”

Bernstein is now releasing a new book for children entitled “Donuts with Dad” to accomplish just that. According to the author, “This is a fun story that any dad and daughter can enjoy, it’s designed to spark lots of conversation and laughter.” The main characters are a dad and a daughter of color who embark on a day of creative adventures together.

This is Bernstein’s second multicultural storybook aimed at dads. “We want children of color to enjoy reading books that reflect what they look like,” she says. “We need diverse books people can relate to.”

She hopes dads and daughters will develop a bedtime ritual of reading “Donuts with Dad” together, because numerous studies show that having an active father figure boosts a child’s academic achievement and fosters healthy social-emotional development. Daughters in particular benefit—the increased confidence from spending more time with Dad has been shown to increase the percentage of women who embark on nontraditional career paths like science. “One of my dreams is to help inspire dads to understand the important role that they play in their children’s lives,” adds Bernstein.

Publisher Lisa M. Umina comments, “This book is not only a fun read but an important one. It is accessible and inviting to readers of any level. Bernstein is celebrating involved fathers and encouraging them to be creative and have fun.”

The book launch event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018 at Café Bon Ami in New Orleans—with an assortment of donuts, of course!

For more information about Margaret Bernstein, visit www.halopublishing.com. “Donuts with Dad” is now available at Halo Publishing International, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Books-A-Million in Hardcover for $16.95, in Paperback for $11.95 and as an e-Book for $6.95.

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa Michelle Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176,
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com

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Frances Ellen Walsh Embarks on an Unforgettable Journey

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In our globalized world, there is cross-cultural contact that increasingly spans international borders. While online resources provide greater opportunities for travel, there is also more information about violence, conflict, and unrest in distant destinations.

San Antonio, TX, USA, September 5, 2018 — According to the U.S. State Department, travelers to Kashmir, India, are encouraged to exercise increased caution due to crime and terrorism. But Frances Ellen Walsh was not deterred from traveling thousands of miles on a journey that would irrevocably change her life.

With a degree in metaphysics, this author and educator is interested in exploring the “layers of meaning in everything we do and see.” She adds, “In religiously diverse India, there is a heightened spiritual awareness. I wanted to portray some of the seen and unseen dimensions of that world.”

“I say yes to everything,” Walsh explains. “I’m all about saying yes to the universe and waiting to see what comes from my decisions. My life is an adventure, and I’m not afraid of trying new things and going to new places.”

Walsh has always been passionate about travel, and over the years she has jumped on every opportunity presented to her to travel internationally. “Every trip is an adventure,” she explains. “We are all citizens of the world, and there is joy in learning about each other’s differences and similarities.”

Despite visiting many countries, Walsh found India to be special. After her first trip there, she knew she would go back, and five years later, her travels to India have become the basis for her latest book, “An American in Kashmir: Undaunted Love”.

Chronicling her life and the challenges she has encountered along the way, Walsh hopes this book will give her readers hope and permission to live a life without regret.

“Others will have opinions of what you should be doing with your life. But it’s YOUR life. We each get only one time around. There’s no time for waiting; we never know how long we have. Live your life as you dreamed it. Go for it!”

Publisher, Lisa M. Umina, comments, “This author poignantly chronicles her travel experiences, and it is powerful in that it captures both the external voyage to visit another country and the more subtle journey that is taken within the self. The result is a book that will transport the readers on personal journeys of their own.”

The book launch event will take place on October 28th, 2018, from 4-6 p.m. at The Muse Writers Center (2200 Colonial Ave #3) in Norfolk, Virginia.

For more information about Frances Ellen Walsh visit www.halopublishing.com. “An American in Kashmir” is now available at Halo Publishing International, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Books a Million in Paperback for $15.95 and as an e-Book for $9.99.

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa Michelle Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International, Inc
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176,
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1-877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com

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Educator Dina Carter Bryant Empowers Youth to Give Back to their Communities and the World

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With twenty-four years of teaching experience, Dina Carter Bryant is educating the next generation about how they can give back to their communities.

San Antonio, TX, USA, August 27th, 2018 — With twenty-four years of teaching experience, Dina Carter Bryant is educating the next generation about how they can give back to their communities. From teaching science technology to engineering and math, she is now on a mission to “bring out the beauty in things that are bleak.”

“I’ve always been interested in the reduce, reuse, recycle campaign,” Bryant comments. “Growing up, my grandparents loved to plant and they had their own personal garden. It took little to nothing for them to build a long-lasting legacy.”

In fact, gardens and green spaces have been shown to greatly improve air quality and reduce pollution in an urban environment according to studies by the UW-Madison Department of Urban and Regional Planning.

For Bryant, it is important to empower children to contribute to their communities. “Children are our biggest investment and if we start educating them from a young age, then those behaviors and those ideas stay with children longer and it impacts generations. We start getting children on board with recycling. They, in turn, will inspire their parents to reduce, reuse, recycle.”

In order to spread this message, Bryant is releasing a new book for children entitled “Daffodils and Daisies”. When two children begin working to beautify an open space in their community, other community members unexpectedly begin contributing to the project.

“I was inspired to show readers the beauty in nature and how they could give back to nature and give back to their communities,” Bryant explains. “My goal is that children will go home and look at a project they can implement in their own community.”

Publisher Lisa M. Umina comments, “This book is a fun way of introducing children to the importance of caring for our environment, by starting with our own neighborhoods. There are steps that can be taken to keep communities beautiful and healthy.”

For more information about Dina Carter Bryant visit www.halopublishing.com. “Daffodils and Daisies” is now available at Halo Publishing International, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Books a Million in Paperback for $11.95, in Hardcover for $19.95, and as an e-Book for $9.95.

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa Michelle Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International, Inc
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176,
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com

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Maria Shamkalian Imparts Lesson of Kindness to Combat Bullying

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Bullying is a problem in schools nationwide, with 49% of children between grades 4 to 12 reporting being bullied by others at least once in the past month.

San Antonio, TX, August 23, 2018 — With a master’s degree in education, Maria Shamkalian knows that affecting change begins with early childhood education.

“If you teach young children important lessons about kindness and accepting others, they are equipped with these skills for the rest of their lives,” Shamkalian explains. “They are like sponges at this age and they can learn quickly about the beauty of diversity: to accept others and to accept themselves as they are.”

Teaching these values runs back generations in Maria’s family. In Russia, her grandmother worked with children with exceptionalities, who were often ostracized because of their differences. Shamkalian herself also experienced bullying when she moved to the United States.

“I had short curly hair and big glasses, I didn’t speak English, and I looked like a boy. These things made me stand out, and I was a victim of bullying because of it.”

Although Shamkalian went on to model and act, conforming to conventional beauty standards, she eventually realized that true beauty was not in changing herself but in being herself.

This is central to the message she imparts in her new book for children, “Sunny the Yellow Bunny”.  The main character’s fur is different from all the other bunnies, but when Sunny asks his mom to dye his fur white, she refuses, teaching him to take pride in his differences.

“You don’t have to fit in by looking like everyone else,” adds the author. “You benefit the community because of your individuality. We are all pieces of the big, universal puzzle.”

Of the book, she adds, “I hope that my readers understand that we are all citizens of the world. We have different colors, cultures, and religions; there are so many ways in which we are different, but we all have dreams and hopes. We all want to be loved and have friends and a strong community. There is so much more that we have in common than what makes us different.”

Shamkalian plans to use her book as a tool to help make schools a kinder place, where children can be excited to learn from peers who are different from themselves.

Publisher Lisa M. Umina adds, “This is a beautiful book—from the illustrations to the powerful message for children, who will relate to Sunny and have fun learning about love, kindness, and acceptance: crucial values for us to instill in children today.”

For more information about Maria Shamkalian visit www.halopublishing.com. “Sunny the Yellow Bunny” is now available at Halo Publishing International, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Books a Million in Hardcover for $20.95, in Paperback for $12.95, and as an e-Book for $6.99.

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa Michelle Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International, Inc
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176,
San Antonio, Texas 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com

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Elizabeth Williams Encourages Families to Have Fun Outside

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Texas People are spending more time than ever before inside, and according to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average person in the United States spends only 7% of their lifetime outside.

San Antonio, TX, USA, August 17, 2018 — People are spending more time than ever before inside, and according to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average person in the United States spends only 7% of their lifetime outside.

Health equity advocate and entrepreneur Elizabeth Williams is working to help parents and children alike reconnect with a love of the outdoors.

“We are currently experiencing challenges that are specific to the age of technology,” Williams explains. “Rather than playing video games, surfing the web or texting, I want to encourage families to get outside with their kids to play, explore, and go on adventures.”

A sense of fun is integral to Williams’ work, and with the inspiration of the adventures that she undertakes with her own young son, she decided to share their story with the world to encourage others to get outside to play and become healthier.

“My son is excited about everything. Whenever we go outside, all that we do is an adventure for him. In his view of the world, most experiences are new. The world to him is shiny and big and he wants to explore and learn all about it,” Williams explains.

It is this sense of adventure that she instills in her debut children’s book, “The Adventures of Joyful John: John Rides His Bike.”

Of the book, Williams comments, “This book is a tool to help children and adults alike get excited to go outside and play and explore. It is a reminder for parents about the fun, health-promoting activities that we can do with our children: walking, biking, playing basketball, etc.”

This message is especially important for underserved communities, who often face increased barriers to playing outside. “Some children of color live in areas that are park deserts or the spaces they do have are not safe,” Williams comments. “One of my goals with ‘The Adventures of Joyful John’ book series is to address these types of challenges and find solutions through working with organizations committed to creating healthier spaces and communities.”

Publisher, Lisa M. Umina, adds, “Williams is tackling an important problem by approaching it with positivity. This book not only imparts an important lesson to children, but it will bring a smile to readers of every age.”

For more information about Elizabeth Williams visit www.ElizabethEWilliams.com. “The Adventures of Joyful John: John Rides His Bike” is now available at Halo Publishing International, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Books a Million in paperback for $13.95 and as an e-book for $9.99.

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa Michelle Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International, Inc
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176,
San Antonio, Texas 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com

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Derrick and Tukaj Offer New Social-Emotional Learning Resources through Book Launch and Website

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Special Education professionals, Amanda Derrick and Jessica Tukaj, are excited to celebrate their first children’s book, “In Time Butterfly,” at their book release event.

San Antonio, TX, USA, July 12th, 2018 — Special Education professionals, Amanda Derrick and Jessica Tukaj, are excited to celebrate their first children’s book, “In Time Butterfly,” at their book release event. Their book release event will take place on July 28, 2018, at the Butterfly Estates located at 1815 Fowler Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) experiences provide students with the opportunity to enhance their prosocial skills, which aid in creating healthier students, schools, workforces, and communities. Fostering SEL across environments encourages retention of all these skills.

“Social-Emotional learning opportunities are imperative in the educational journey of our children. Children need the opportunity to practice skills such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and positive decision making,” states Derrick.

Derrick and Tukaj have been conversing about meeting the educational needs of all students since 2001 when they roomed together at Florida Gulf Coast University. Both women went on to earn their Bachelors in Special Education, before continuing on to earn a combined three Master’s degrees in various areas of education. Through their educational and professional journeys, the conversations have returned to the importance of SEL being incorporated into students’ educational careers.

Derrick and Tukaj have decided to team-up to create a children’s book that presents a new perspective, teaching children the value of being a unique individual. “There is a lack of knowledge and resources addressing social-emotional development, which is why we decided to create this book,” says Tukaj. “All learning begins within social-emotional skills.” Through their website and social media accounts, Derrick and Tukaj will provide both science and SEL resources that correlate with their book.

The additional resources for “In Time Butterfly” can be found on their website at www.derrickandtukaj.com as well as through their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. “In Time Butterfly” is now available at Halo Publishing International, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Books a Million in Hardcover for $19.95, in Paperback for $13.95, and as an e-Book for $5.00.

* Halo Publishing International
* Amazon
* Barnes and Noble

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa Michelle Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International, Inc
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176,
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com

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Aisha K. Guiles Empowers Others to Fulfill Their Walk with God

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With a background in biology and pre-medicine, Aisha K. Guiles has a unique perspective on spirituality that she is using to empower others.

San Antonio, TX, USA, Jul 11th, 2018 — With a background in biology and pre-medicine, Aisha K. Guiles has a unique perspective on spirituality that she is using to empower others.

“I incorporate my own biology background by using spiritual senses through finite revelation,” Guiles explains. “I had serious issues following traditional worship. Instead, my path was to follow a supernatural walk with God.”

From her experience as a child in the Nation of Islam and then the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Guiles is now an ordained minister in the non-denominational church.

Of her ministry, Guiles comments: “I’ve worked with several ministries in different capacities. My true mission is to spark the attention of those who are either new to learning how to pray, weary with their prayer life, or seasoned and need a refresher course.”

To fulfill this mission, Guiles was called to write a prayer book to guide others on their walk with God entitled, “Heavenly Father, Will You Teach Me How to Pray? A Prayer Journal on How to Develop a Closer Walk with God”.

“I want readers to be inspired to develop their own personal journey and self-reflection on past issues that may conflict with walking with God in a divine way,” says Guiles, who hopes to empower readers. “I want those who are curious about understanding the Scriptures to realize that they can interpret and understand the context of the Scriptures as well as receive their own revelation from the Holy Spirit.”

She advises that “If you grasp early on that effective prayer has to be with a truly sincere heart and spirit when you go before the Lord without hatred, bitterness, envy, resentment, or malice, you can make an impact in the Kingdom of Heaven and here on earth.”

Publisher Lisa M. Umina adds, “Aisha Guiles has a fresh voice that is adding something new and different to the current conversation on spirituality in our society.”

For more information about Aisha K. Guiles visit www.halopublishing.com. “Heavenly Father, Will You Teach Me How to Pray?” is now available at Halo Publishing International, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Books a Million in Paperback for $19.95 and as an e-Book for $6.99.

* Halo Publishing
* Amazon
* Barnes and Noble

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa Michelle Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International, Inc
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176,
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com

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