“Nothing’s impossible!” has always been a phrase that drives the Griffee household. Bonnie Jo Griffee adopted this mantra through the coaching of her husband, Todd J. Griffee, who wrote the award-winning book, Touché; A Notre Dame All-American Fencer’s Spiritual Guide to Success. As a small child, Bonnie was inspired by her mother to be an elementary school teacher.  Her mother, who taught almost 40 years, would always discuss the importance of education and work ethics which led Bonnie to receive her bachelor’s from Purdue University. She continued her education at Indiana Wesleyan where she became a born-again Christian and received her master’s in education. After 15 years of teaching, she decided to go back to school to obtain her administrator’s license and later receive her Director of Exceptional Needs license. She recently completed the Keys to Literacy training in the state of Indiana where she acquired her certification in early literacy.  She also completed her STEM certification this past year. 

This school year marks Bonnie’s 25th year in education. She now works as a Curriculum and Technology Coach in the northwest Indiana region. After her husband published his book, she was inspired once again to write a children’s book based on his life and goal setting skills that made him successful. Bonnie’s dream of writing and illustrating her first children’s book has come true. Her desire to help and encourage others in life is what motivates her to achieve her personal goals. As stated above, “Nothing’s impossible. Believe you can. Don’t forget YOU are your biggest fan!” is also from her book Touché; A Child’s Goal Setting Book. The book is not only a biography about her husband’s journey to Notre Dame, but also a rhyming book that leads the reader through each step of goal setting. She was determined to create a book to be a shared reading between family, friends, and in a classroom environment. This book is perfect for children of all ages. No child is ever too young to start setting, pursuing, and achieving goals. Touché!