Cara Bean is a cartoonist, art educator, and the author of Here I Am, I Am Me: An Illustrated Guide to Mental Health. Her book was named to the Children’s Book Council’s 2025 Favorites lists for both Middle Grade and Teacher Favorites and was shortlisted for the Graphic Medicine International Comics Awards. Her comics and writing have appeared in PEN America Illustrated, The Women’s Review of Books, and Teaching Arts Magazine. Cara leads interactive workshops that spark creativity for people of all ages and backgrounds, with a special focus on how drawing can nurture mindfulness and imagination. She delights in seeing complex ideas take shape from the simple act of doodling. Outside of her work, she enjoys taking long walks, savoring a hot cup of tea, and sharing a good laugh with friends and family.