Kelly Caleb

About the Author

Kelly Caleb, LCSW, MCAP, is a licensed therapist, OCD specialist, author, and lifelong believer that sometimes the most helpful response to an uninvited thought, opinion, or expectation is a well-timed, “Um, actually…”

Kelly holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Buena Vista University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California. She is also a certified hypnotherapist and trained provider of Accelerated Resolution Therapy.

As an OCD specialist, Kelly has extensive experience helping individuals navigate obsessive and intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, anxiety, uncertainty, self-doubt, and the exhausting mental loops that can result when the brain insists that every thought needs to be examined, answered, solved, or taken seriously. Her clinical work also includes helping people facing depression, trauma, substance use concerns, difficult relationships, boundary challenges, and the many other complications that come with being human.

Throughout her career, one lesson has appeared again and again: emotional growth does not have to be humorless.

Sometimes insight comes through mindfulness and quiet reflection. Sometimes it comes through compassion, learning to tolerate uncertainty, setting a boundary, or discovering that a thought can exist without requiring an answer.

And sometimes it comes through imagining an inner defense attorney yelling, “Objection!”

That philosophy helped inspire My Sassy “Um, Actually…” Journal, a guided journal that combines reflection, humor, creativity, and an entire cast of emotional allies. Rather than treating every thought, feeling, criticism, setback, or unsolicited opinion as equally deserving of attention, the journal invites readers to notice what showed up, consider how they want to respond, and practice becoming a stronger voice in their own lives.

Long before the Sassy Friend assembled her emotional support squad, however, there was a cow.

Kelly is the creator of the Now Cow series, a collection of modern mindful fables for children and families. Originally inspired by a desire to make mindfulness concepts easier for children to understand and remember, the stories use rhyme, humor, memorable characters, and everyday struggles to explore emotional resilience. Through Now Cow and friends, children encounter lessons about anxiety, habits, responsibility, anger, sadness, kindness, courage, and responding thoughtfully to difficult emotions.

Although My Sassy “Um, Actually…” Journal was created for a different audience, it grew from much of the same philosophy: we cannot control every thought that enters our minds, every circumstance we encounter, or every opinion someone else decides to offer—but we can become more intentional about what we do next.

The journal also has a particularly meaningful connection to Kelly’s family. The Sassy Friend at its center was inspired by a character originally created for Kelly by her daughter, Tiara, when she was in high school. Years later, that little character evolved into something neither of them could have predicted: a companion with opinions, boundaries, backup, and eventually an entire cast of emotional allies. My Sassy “Um, Actually…” Journal honors that original spark of creativity and the idea that sometimes the voice we most need is the one reminding us to trust ourselves.

Originally from Wisconsin—where she spent plenty of time around cows but remarkably little time around llamas—Kelly now lives in sunny Clearwater, Florida.

When she isn’t counseling or writing, Kelly enjoys reading, spending time with her family, solving Escape Rooms, practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, learning Korean, and pursuing whatever creative project has most recently convinced her that sleep is terribly inconvenient.

Mindfulness and self-compassion remain central to both her personal life and professional work, but Kelly also believes there is plenty of room in emotional wellness for humor, imagination, irreverence, and the occasional raised eyebrow.

Because not every thought, opinion, or action deserves your attention.

Some deserve consideration.

Some deserve compassion.

Some deserve a boundary.

And some?

Well…

Um, actually.

About the Illustrator for the Now Cow Books

John VanHout III, an artist originally based in Tampa, FL (currently in New York state), brings the Now Cow characters to life with warmth and imagination. Though this series marks his first published work, John has been delighting friends, family, and local customers with his art since he first picked up a pencil at age five.

The Now Cow Series

Now Cow was born of the idea to simplify mindfulness meditation using a rhyming cadence. A Dr. Seuss type rhythm keeps concepts entertaining and easy to recall. Inspired by Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now, the first story “Now Cow Helps Drama Llama: A Mindful Tale for Coping with Anxiety” has since expanded to become a series of 10 books.

Each book in the Now Cow series is a mindful fable designed to spark courage, kindness, and emotional self-awareness:

Book 1: Now Cow Helps Drama Llama: A Mindful Tale for Coping with Anxiety

Drama Llama worries about everything under the sun. Now Cow teaches mindfulness and deep breathing to help Drama Llama see things in a new way and overcome fear.

Book 2: Now Cow Helps Bad Habit Rabbit: A Mindful Tale for Changing Behaviors

Bad Habit Rabbit is late, messy, and careless. With Now Cow’s guidance, he learns responsibility and how small mindful choices can change his life.

Book 3: Now Cow Helps Lost My Shoe Caribou: A Mindful Tale for Personal Responsibility

Lost My Shoe Caribou can’t keep track of his things. Now Cow helps him embrace simplicity, responsibility, and generosity.

Book 4: Now Cow Helps Fighter Spider: A Mindful Tale for Coping with Anger

Fighter Spider lashes out and bullies others. Now Cow teaches her self-control, mindfulness, and how true strength comes from within.

Book 5: Now Cow Helps Mole in the Hole: A Mindful Tale for Coping with Depression

Mole in the Hole feels stuck in sadness and loneliness. With the help of Now Cow and friends, he learns to accept support and rediscover connection.

What Readers Say:

"Ms. Caleb's use of rhyme and knowledge of mental health disorders makes for a fun and educational tool for children to learn appropriate and healthy coping skills. I highly recommend the Now Cow series for anyone who works with children or has children of their own! "

Nicole Locklear, LCSW

"The thoughtful message of mindfulness in this story is clear and relevant. What better way to promote positive habits than a clear image of the "prize" we receive: time, energy, and a greater capacity for love. I'm keeping it on my shelf for my clients and my own children. We could all use a friend like Now Cow."

Alyssa Schell, MSW

"Now Cow Helps Bad Habit Rabbit is a beautiful illustration to help children and adults alike learn ways to build better habits in a healthy manner. The coping skills utilized in this book are simple and easy to understand for all ages to help calm the mind when frustrated or uncertain. A wonderful read!"

Jessica Mueller, MSW, RCSWI