Wendy Lyons Sunshine is an award-winning journalist, writer, and editor with a master’s degree in technical communication who combines fact-based rigor with engaging storytelling.
Wendy’s most recent book, TENDER PAWS (HCI Books), received the 2024 Maxwell Medallion for rescue/adoption books from the Dog Writers Association of America and is a finalist in the IAN Book of the Year Awards.
Full of eye-opening and heart-tugging case studies, TENDER PAWS shows how the same foundational, therapeutic methods that help at-risk children can also support struggling dogs. The book grew out of Wendy’s work on two earlier books: THE CONNECTED CHILD (winner of ASJA Outstanding Book of the Year; 350,000+ copies sold) and RAISING THE CHALLENGING CHILD.
Wendy’s articles have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Psychology Today, Scientific American, and many other outlets. Her reporting for Fort Worth Weekly has received awards from the Society of Environmental Journalists, Society of Professional Journalists, and others.
On a select basis, Wendy also develops content and provides editorial services for mission-forward experts and organizations.
AWARDS
♦ 2024 Maxwell Medallion, Rescue/Adoption books, Dog Writers Association of America
♦ Finalist, IAN Book of the Year Awards, Animals/Pets/Nature
♦ Outstanding Book of the Year, American Society of Journalists & Authors
♦ First Place, Outstanding Small Market Reporting, Print, Society of Environmental Journalists
♦ First Amendment Award, Society of Professional Journalists, Fort Worth
♦ Second Place, Business Reporting, Lone Star Award, Houston Press Club
♦ Certificate of Excellence, Press Club of Dallas
EDUCATION
♦ Masters of Arts in Professional and Technical Communication, environmental science cognate, University of North Texas; Teaching Fellow; Research Fellow.
♦ Bachelor of Arts in English, phi beta kappa, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick
♦ FDM®, L.E.G.S.® Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation® Professional