Welcome!
My name is Donna Stevens Kehl, author, educator, and advocate. I also wrote Seven Stitches in Neverland: A Daughter, Her Homeless Mother, and the Peter Pan Costumes that Mended the Past, an 80,000-word memoir about rescuing my estranged mother from homelessness. My story explores intergenerational healing, redemption, resilience, and perseverance through self-education and overcoming family and childhood trauma.
My mission in telling my story is to raise awareness and spark discussions on a variety of topics related to these larger societal issues. My greatest hope is to offer comfort, guidance, and practical steps for reconnecting with estranged loved ones. Through my storytelling, articles, and advocacy work, I strive to create conversations and build community with people who have experienced estrangement from loved ones and family.
About the Author
Dr. Donna Stevens Kehl, Ed.D., is a writer, educator, and the founder of H.O.P.E. Theatre, Inc.
Donna developed a love for theatre at a young age and found her niche teaching drama to middle school students. She has directed numerous large-scale theatre productions, such as Little Mermaid, Jr., Aladdin, Jr., Peter Pan, Jr., Beauty and the Beast, and Alice in Wonderland. Donna also enjoys performing in vocal, piano, and community theatre productions.
In 2021, Donna graduated from the University of La Verne’s Doctor of Organizational Leadership program. Her published Doctoral Dissertation explores how involvement in theatre arts helps to improve social functioning skills in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder in middle school.
Through her writing, Donna encourages people to find forgiveness, healing, and acceptance that restores families. She strives to create a conversation about homelessness and the healing power of the arts.
Through her writing and foundational work, Donna seeks to cultivate work that promotes service to humanity and helps others achieve their potential.
Publications
The Words You Were Looking For: An Anthology of Winners and Finalists from the 2025 San Francisco Writers’ Conference Writing Contests, Contributing Author
Finalist: Adult Nonfiction
Doctoral Dissertation Donn Kehl, Doctor of Education, 2021
Story Summit’s We See You, We Hear You, Anthology Volume I, 2023, Contributing Author
Literary Citizenship & Community Service
President of the Board
Write a Great Story Foundation
Dedicated to empowering talented writers to craft Compelling narratives that inspire, educate, and challenge society.
Board Member
Templeton Performing Arts Center Foundation
Dedicated to enriching our community through the arts, culture, and education.
Founder
Hands-On Educational Theatre, Inc. (H.O.P.E. Theatre)
Dedicated to providing theatre-based educational experiences for adolescents and adults.