September 1, 2026 - Kel Sprague and her debut book, Sidewalk Magic: Resolving General Trauma in Children, have gotten attention by news sources in her hometown in Indiana, as well as where she lives now, Florida.

The (Columbus, Ind.) Republic published a story on Kel's book on June 30. Sprague grew up in Columbus, graduating from Columbus East High School. The story, by Chey Smith, says, "Her children's book is different from the self-help-style books typically found in relation to these topics. Sprague equips her years of mental health experience as a subconscious mind coach to provide a new kind of book that she says really isn't out on the market."

In the story, Sprague explained why this book fills a gap in children's mental health care. "Not every child has access to mental health (care)," she said. "Not every child has a family who will bring them or can afford it. There's a variety of reasons ... then the idea of a book came out because people can buy a book at a very low cost and have the same protocol."

The book was illustrated by Bryan Werts, from Louisville. Sprague specifically chose Werts because of his talent and style.

"The back of the brain processes imagery more quickly than words, so while the text is there, I needed the images to collaborate with what I was intending to happen in the brain," she said.

WWSB-TV in Sarasota, Fla., interviewed Sprague on air for a segment on Aug. 18. The 5-minute interview conducted by Linda Carson, touches on Sprague's inspiration for writing the book, how the Brain-Based Healing method she uses replaces traumatic thoughts with thoughts of things children find pleasant, and more.

Also available is a companion activity book that complements the main book and offers activities children can do. The guidebook was put together by Jessie Marks, a curriculum specialist in Florida, under Sprague's direction.

Sprague has a private practice called Reclaiming Light. She also serves as the children and families specialist at Operation Warrior Resolution in Bradenton, which she said serves Florida veterans and their families at no cost with Brain-Based Healing, retreats, equine programs and workforce assistance.