Hetty Van GurpHetty van Gurp has been an elementary teacher, a principal, and a university professor. When her fourteen-year-old son died at his school, as a result of an incident of bullying, she was inspired to write a book for teachers offering practical, handson activities to help foster a classroom climate in which everyone feels safe. When her sister-in-law, Heather, was diagnosed with dementia, she was motivated to do something similar. She has been engaged in creative arts since childhood, including, silver jewelry, macrame, bookmaking, pottery, sewing, knitting, rug hooking, crocheting, and basketry.

She has been the recipient of many awards for her work in schools including the 1996 YMCA Peace Medal, the Baha'i Commendation for "Promoting Racial Harmony" in 1998, the Human Rights Award - Partners against Racism, NS Human Rights in 2006. She was named as a "Canadian Hero" by TIME magazine, and Readers' Digest in 2006 and by Today's Parent in 2013.

She is the author of Hooked on Tancook: A Collection of Whimsical Hooked Mats (2021), Creative Coiling: The Artistry of Jean Poythress Koon (2015), Creating Caring Schools - Peace-promoting activities for all seasons: 2nd Edition (2015), Peer Mediation: The Complete Guide to Resolving Conflict in Our Schools (2002), Peace in the Classroom: Practical Lessons in Living for Elementary-Age Children (1994), and The Peaceful School: Models That Work (2002). She also wrote teacher guides to accompany three National Film Board documentary films. The toolkit is entitled Peace@School. One of these films, Teaching Peace in a Time of War, is about her peace education work in Serbia. The trailer can be found at: https: //www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfiIT3QwJt4

She lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia with her husband, Ward. Her son and his family live nearby, so she spends much time with her three beloved grandsons. Read More Read Less