by Samantha Tobin-Hess
AFNH Young Leadership Chair, Samantha Tobin-Hess, LMSW, a Trauma Therapist, has written a beautiful book, Leo and the Storm Inside: A Kids’ Book about Managing Big Feelings, a story about a young boy named Leo who feels like a storm is raging inside him whenever big emotions take over. He has a hard time calming the storm until he learns simple ways to listen to his body, breathe through his feelings, and find his inner strength. With the help of gentle guidance, Leo discovers that just like real storms, feelings don’t last forever, and he has the power to weather them. This book introduces children to somatic therapy techniques, helping them recognize emotions in their bodies and develop tools to feel safe, strong, and in control. Leo and the Storm Inside empower kids to navigate big feelings with confidence and calm.
Samantha believes that learning to understand our emotions is one of the most powerful tools we can have, especially for kids. With a background supporting veterans, first responders, and their families, she now works in a hospital system in New York City, where she continues to help people build emotional resilience. Samantha is passionate about teaching children how to feel confident in themselves, connect with their bodies, and navigate big feelings with calm and strength.
In the spring of 2026, Samantha will be reading, Leo and The Storm Inside to the children at Neve Hanna, and demonstrating Somatic Therapy and the various therapeutic exercises that will help benefit the children. She will be donating copies of her book to the Library Program. Samantha looks forward to spending time with the children, leadership, staff, and volunteers at Neve Hanna.
Leo and the Storm Inside: A Kids’ Book about Managing Big Feelings uses Somatic Therapy, which helps people feel better by connecting their minds and bodies. It utilizes techniques such as deep breathing, movement, and gentle exercises to help release those feelings, much like stretching helps sore muscles feel better.
In addition, Samantha will be working on movie night and game night fundraisers in the New York Tri-State area, which will help strengthen community engagement and school spirit, provide family-friendly activities, and help raise funds and awareness for the children at Neve Hanna.
If you are interested in learning more about AFNH Young Leadership or how your school or community can participate in a movie night fundraiser, please contact Samantha Tobin-Hess at info@afnevehanna.org or 347-836-8118.
Let’s Build Something Together.
American Friends of Neve Hanna 