Patty Labriola grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and graduated from Fashion Institute of Technology. While working in the fashion industry, she became part of an entrepreneurial team in her early twenties, coaching others in business ownership. Her joy is found in surrounding herself with family, friends, and of course, children, many of whom inspire her creativity. The Yawn that Went Around the World is Patty’s first book and collaboration with longtime friends and business associates, Dayna and Kathleen. Patty lives in Fort Salonga, New York with her husband, Dennis. Their daughters, Christy and Stephanie, along with their son-inlaw, Kevin, and granddaughters Emily, Beth, Kayla, and Jessica, turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Dayna Pappalardo is a former residential and commercial designer whose passion has always been to create and visualize beauty. Looking through the innocent eyes and imagination of children has enabled her to transfer her creativity into words. Dayna believes that children are the light needed to spread sunshine and happiness. Dayna says, “As you dance through life, the many songs you sing will be a reflection of the music inside you. People don’t really care about what we say. They care about how the song we live makes them feel. My goal is for my song to inspire others to find the missing notes in their personal life melody.”

Kathleen Gurchie has enjoyed decades of success in her art painting business, serving many publications and numerous high-profile clients. Kathleen serves on the Board of the Art League of Long Island, and gives back to the art community in many ways. Kathleen believes, “One of the great joys of being an artist is to help others’ vision come true. God created each of us to be unique, and in working together all of our gifts are magnified.” She lives in Lindenhurst, New York with her husband, Al.