Dr. Tyra Manning’s story is both unique and universal, as it demonstrates the pervasive devastation of loss while demonstrating how courage and love can triumph. Tyra’s husband was shot down over the Laotian jungle while flying a top-secret mission during the Vietnam War. She learned of his death while she was hospitalized at the Menninger Clinic, where she was being treated for depression. Tyra’s worst fear had come true.
Determined to fulfill the rest of the dreams and promises she and her husband had made to one another, that she get well and become a teacher, Tyra persevered through the darkest of times. Ultimately, Tyra earned a doctorate in education from the University of Kansas, becoming one of the nation’s top school superintendents.
She has devoted her forty-year career to helping children achieve their highest potential. Since retiring in 2004, Dr. Manning’s mission has been to share her personal journey of hope with people who are experiencing depression, addiction, and loss.
Though she travels around the country delivering the messages and lessons in her new book, Where the Water Meets the Sand, Dr. Manning is a born and bred Texan. She currently resides in the Texas Hill Country.
Music Magic
Music has the power to transform an average day into something magical. And, if you are lucky enough to experience it in a live performance venue, it’s even more special. Fortunately, I’ve lived close to live performance spaces throughout most of my life. My musical taste is eclectic, ranging from traditional classical music to a […]
How Great Music Tells a Story and Heals the Soul
“You have to believe what the words are saying and the words are as important as the melody” — Bob Dylan In all my 70 years, I would never have dreamed I’d be reading a piece in AARP’s magazine featuring an interview with Bob Dylan, one of the most iconic musical artists of our time, […]
Northbrook and Oak Park River Forest Rotary Clubs
Thank you to the Northbrook and Oak Park River Forest Rotary Clubs for inviting me to speak with their members this week on the topic of destigmatizing mental illness. Although I call Texas my home now, I was an Illinois resident for twenty-two years and it is always wonderful to return, especially to talk about […]
