Torey Hayden, born Victoria Lynn Hayden on May 21, 1951, in Montana, is a renowned special education teacher and non-fiction author. She attended high school in Billings, Montana and graduated in 1969. After high school, she pursued higher education at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. It was during this time that Hayden discovered her passion for working with children with special needs. She went on to earn a master's degree in special education from Montana State University Billings in 1975.
Driven by her commitment to making a difference in the lives of children, Hayden continued her education by pursuing a doctorate in educational psychology at the University of Minnesota. Her academic pursuits provided her with a solid foundation in understanding the complexities of child development and learning.
Throughout her career, Torey Hayden has dedicated herself to working with children who require specialized support. Her work as a special education teacher and counselor has been fueled by her desire to help children overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. Hayden is best known for her books "One Child," "Just Another Kid," and "Ghost Girl," which are based on her real-life experiences working with children with special needs.
Hayden's books cover a range of topics, including autism, Tourette syndrome, sexual abuse, fetal alcohol syndrome, and elective mutism. By sharing her experiences and insights, she has raised awareness about the challenges faced by children with special needs and the importance of providing them with the support and resources they need to thrive.
In 1980, Torey Hayden made a significant decision to move to Wales, where she focused her efforts on working with charities that support children who have experienced neglect and abuse. She collaborated with organizations such as Childline, the NSPCC, the Samaritans, and the Citizens' Advice Bureau, playing a vital role in advocating for the rights and well-being of vulnerable children.
Although Hayden's professional life has been marked by her dedication to helping children, her personal life has also been significant. In 1985, she married Ken, a Scotsman, and they welcomed a daughter named Sheena. Despite the challenges they faced, Hayden and Ken eventually divorced, but their shared commitment to their daughter's well-being remained unwavering.
Throughout her life, Torey Hayden has been a beacon of hope and support for children with special needs. Her work as a special education teacher, counselor, and author has touched the lives of countless individuals, inspiring others to make a difference in the lives of children who need it most.
Torey Hayden's impact on the field of special education and child advocacy continues to resonate to this day. Her dedication to helping children with special needs and her ability to share their stories with empathy and compassion have made her a respected figure in the education and literary communities. Through her work, Hayden has reminded us of the importance of supporting and empowering all children, regardless of their challenges or differences.