When passion meets purpose, magic happens—and Dr. Dawn Menge is living proof of that. With a heart for special education and a gift for storytelling, she has become a globally recognized author and advocate, touching lives in classrooms and homes around the world.
From the classroom to international red carpets, Dr. Menge’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. She’s the creative force behind the widely celebrated Queen Vernita’s Educational Series and Queen Giggles Kingdom—books that entertain while educating, blending imagination with real-life learning. These series aren’t just stories; they are tools for teachers, parents, and children to engage with the world in meaningful and inclusive ways.
A Trail of Awards and Recognition
Dr. Menge’s impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. She has earned over 90 international literary awards and more than 200 film festival accolades, including:
- Special Recognition Champion Award from Conquering Disabilities with Film
- Best Written Word from Miracle Makers Film Festival
- Featured Screenplay at the San Diego Kids Film Festival
- Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for her lifelong dedication to education
- International Author Boss Award from Power Conversations Magazine
- 2023 Women of Influence by Success Magazine
These recognitions reflect not only her literary talent but also her unwavering advocacy for inclusion and educational equity.
A Lifetime of Educational Leadership
Armed with a Ph.D. in Education and a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Menge has spent more than 20 years teaching students with severe cognitive delays. Her professional journey also includes mentoring graduate students, lecturing on special education, and pushing for better transition programs for students with disabilities.
She holds:
- A Master’s Degree and Clear Credential in Moderate/Severe Disabilities
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development
Her published academic work, The Six Federal Individual Education Plan Goals and the Effectiveness of Their Implementation in Preparing for Transition, offers invaluable insights into the challenges and solutions in special education planning.

A Grandmother’s Heart, A Global Vision
At her core, Dr. Dawn Menge is a mother of three and a proud grandmother of seven. Her family fuels her mission and inspires the warmth that radiates through every book she writes. Whether she’s in a classroom, on a film panel, or writing her next book, she remains rooted in the belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive—no matter their abilities.
Making Learning Magical
What sets Dr. Menge apart is her ability to make learning magical and meaningful. Her Queen Vernita series takes young readers on exciting adventures while subtly introducing them to subjects like geography, science, and social skills. It’s a model of how storytelling can be both inclusive and impactful.
Final Thoughts
In a world that often overlooks children with special needs, Dr. Dawn Menge is a beacon of hope, creativity, and compassion. Through her books, educational leadership, and advocacy, she continues to change the narrative—showing the world that all children, regardless of ability, deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
If you’re looking for a story of perseverance, heart, and purpose-driven success, look no further than Dr. Dawn Menge—a true queen in the realm of education and children’s literature.
Tags: Dr. Dawn Menge, Queen Vernita, special education author, children’s book awards, education advocate, international literacy awards, inclusive education, women of influence 2023, award-winning educator, special needs teacher
