Parent Liaison uses poetry to uncover, understand, and uplift the emotional and academic challenges students face every day
JACKSONVILLE, FL — What if the same struggles seen in students—self-doubt, pressure, and identity challenges—don’t disappear with success, but simply take on new forms? Local Parent Liaison and author Gail Carter-Cade is bringing attention to this reality through her book, “Uplifting The Pain…Now,” using poetry to uncover the emotional and academic barriers that often go unspoken in the classroom and beyond. A recent personal exchange with R&B artist Ginuwine further reinforced her message, revealing that these struggles are not limited to students but can resonate at every level of life.
Drawing from over 15 years of experience working with students across diverse learning needs—including those with exceptionalities, emotional challenges, and learning differences—Carter-Cade has observed that behavior often reflects deeper, unaddressed struggles. Through poems such as “Why I Don’t Try” and “Yes, I Am,” she gives voice to students who may feel overlooked or misunderstood, connecting their emotional experiences directly to their academic performance. Her work emphasizes the importance of educators and families taking time to uncover the cause, understand the struggle, and uplift the pain to create meaningful change in student outcomes.
That message recently extended beyond the classroom when Carter-Cade had the opportunity to share her book with R&B artist Ginuwine personally. During their interaction, he expressed genuine appreciation for the message and acknowledged the importance of addressing real-life struggles that individuals carry. The moment aligned with themes explored in Carter-Cade’s poems, such as “At The Top” and “I Am a Boss,” which reflect how success and leadership can still coexist with internal pressure, self-doubt, and identity challenges. In a brief personal exchange, the interaction reinforced Carter-Cade’s ongoing work—highlighting that the same emotional challenges seen in students do not simply disappear with success, but often evolve over time.
As conversations around student well-being and academic success continue to grow, Carter-Cade is calling on educators, parents, and community leaders to move beyond surface-level assumptions and take intentional steps to uncover the cause, understand the struggle, and uplift the pain. Through “Uplifting The Pain…Now,” she invites schools and organizations to engage in meaningful dialogue, use poetry as a tool for connection and understanding, and build supportive environments where students can thrive both emotionally and academically.
For interviews, school partnerships, or speaking engagements, please contact:
Gail Carter-Cade
Parent Liaison | Author
carter.cadegail@gmail.com