EVERETT, APRIL 18: Discovery Elementary School students were buzzing with excitement as internationally acclaimed author Dr. Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell read her acclaimed book “Let’s Live A.L.O.H.A.” on Thursday.
Thanks to a generous donation, Dr. Ebalaroza-Tunnell spent time sharing the powerful message of empathy, adaptability, and cultural connection with young learners, Thursday April 17. During her visit she engaged students in an interactive reading session, using storytelling to breathe life into the books core themes.
“Let’s Live A.L.O.H.A.” has captured hearts across the globe with its vibrant illustrations and timeless message rooted in the Guiding Principles of A.L.O.H.A.—Ask, Listen, Observe, Heart-Focus, Adapt. Designed for children yet resonating with adults, the book encourages readers to embrace these values in their everyday lives to create a world of personal accountability and mutual respect.
“Books are more than stories—they are pathways to belonging, imagination, and hope. As someone who grew up in Title 1 schools, I know what it feels like to wonder if you matter. All children need to believe, hear, and know: ‘You belong. You are loved. You matter’,” Dr. Ebalaroza-Tunnell said.
Dr. Ebalaroza-Tunnell firmly believes that “access to books in the home leads to higher literacy rates and learning social-emotional skills begins with practice.”
Every student went home with a signed copy of “Let’s Live A.L.O.H.A.” Discovery Elementary, a Title 1 school, serves a high percentage of students from low-income situations and are often under-resourced.
“It truly warmed my heart to see the joy on the children’s faces when they found out they’d each be taking home their very own copy of the book,” Dr. Ebalaroza-Tunnell wrote in an email to the Everett Post.
As part of her book tour, Dr. Ebalaroza-Tunnell will visit Horizon Elementary School in Everett on Friday, May 9.
About Dr. Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell
In addition to leading her book tour, Dr. Ebalaroza-Tunnell is the CEO and Founder of Co3 Consulting, LLC, an organization dedicated to co-creating cohesive communities and courageous leaders through systemic change grounded in Indigenous wisdom and heart-centered leadership.
As an Oral History Project Specialist for the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS), Dr. Ebalaroza-Tunnell travels across the U.S. gathering stories from elders who survived the brutal legacy of Native American boarding schools. This work, she says, is not just about documenting history—it is about reclaiming truth and fostering collective healing.
“This work is more than professional—personal,” Dr. Ebalaroza-Tunnell said. “I am walking with my ancestors, honoring the resilience of those who came before me, and building bridges for those yet to come.”
