RILEY'S STORY
Riley’s Remarkable Roller Coaster Ride is here to teach kids how to calm their bodies and minds using the Rollercoaster Breath. This mindfulness-based activity incorporates a body scan, visual imagery, and deep breathing. It’s an easy-to-implement strategy that helps children reconnect with themselves and unlock their own special magic.
The Rollercoaster Breath is a versatile tool for parents to use at bedtime, for teachers before quiet time, for counselors to reduce anxiety and build social skills, for coaches to teach focus, body awareness, and resilience, and for yoga instructors to guide breathing techniques—the list is endless! Everyone has magic inside them—help the kids in your life unlock theirs.
The idea for the book came from a personal journey—learning how to breathe, connect with myself, and trust my inner guidance through experiences with infertility. I also saw many adult clients struggling with the same challenges, which made me wonder: what if children could learn these skills early, so calm, confidence, and resilience became second nature? Everything in this book comes from that vision. I wanted my son—and other kids—to have tools to navigate school, sports, friendships, and everyday pressures with self-trust and ease.
I’m so grateful to Elizabeth for bringing this idea to life with her illustrations. Brainstorming and watching the pages unfold together was a joy!
EMILY CAPURIA, LISW-S, CHHC
Therapist | Coach | Author
Emily Capuria is a therapist, health coach, author, and wellness speaker with over 20 years of experience. She spent the early part of her career working with kids in school, community, residential, and hospital settings.
Emily is passionate about helping everyone unlock the magic inside them, teaching kids and adults alike how to calm and connect with their bodies as a foundation for confidence, self-trust, and joy. Her approach blends psychology, coaching, and real-life practicality—equal parts science and soul—with tools, mindset shifts, and a whole lot of compassion.
Emily’s personal journey through unexplained infertility, stress, and the challenges of balancing work and life inspired her to create Riley’s Remarkable Roller Coaster Ride. She believes that learning these skills early helps children navigate life’s ups and downs with confidence, resilience, and self-trust.
She lives in Cleveland, OH, with her husband, son, and their bullmastiff, Stella.
Elizabeth Stryker PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Illustrator
Elizabeth Stryker has been a physical therapist for over 17 years, helping people bring mindfulness and attention to their bodies.
Art has always been a huge part of her life, and you can often find her painting, drawing, or creating art with nature.
Elizabeth is passionate about helping kids explore their creativity and discover their favorite ways to express themselves.
Her simple illustrations bring Riley’s world to life, making the book a joyful, interactive experience for children.
She lives in Bernardsville, NJ, with her husband and two daughters.
