ABOUT US
Meet Sumayya (Odyssey) Lane: Championing Mental Wellness Through Storytelling
With over 25 years of experience in neonatal nursing, behavioral health, and education, Sumayya (Odyssey) Lane brings a lifetime of compassion and expertise to the world of children’s literature. A former Nurse Educator with the DC Department of Behavioral Health and holder of an advanced degree in Nursing, she now leads Free Your Mind Productions as a publisher committed to supporting young minds through powerful, culturally relevant stories.
Sumayya’s transition from healthcare to publishing is rooted in a deep passion for emotional well-being and social development. Her books are inspired by her extensive work with families, students, and underserved communities, stories that help children understand their emotions, build resilience, and feel seen.
Drawing from my background in behavioral health, work experiences, student-teacher interactions, and theoretical education, I am dedicated to creating stories that support children in navigating life’s challenges.
Sumayya (Odyssey) Lane
Nurse Educator & Publisher
Beyond children’s literature, Sumayya is also an advocate for maternal health. Her written work includes health articles aimed at addressing the Black Maternal Mortality Crisis, including “Maternal Health: Active Support During Labor Leads to Positive Childbirth Outcomes” featured in The Washington Informer (Dec. 2020). She has also presented a position paper to the DC City Council advocating for Medicaid reimbursement of doulas, helping to pave the way for legislation that now supports low-income women with access to birth assistants.
Through her leadership and vision, Free Your Mind Productions is not just telling stories, it’s helping to shape a more empathetic, emotionally intelligent generation.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Books & Media for Every Stage of Growth
We create relatable, research-informed, emotionally intelligent media for children, teens, and adults available in print, digital, and audio formats.
Mission
Empowering individuals to thrive mentally, creatively and intellectually through storytelling.
Vision
A world where stories, creativity and knowledge inspire stronger mental well-being and brighter futures.
Values
- Empowerment
- Wellness
- Accessibility
- Creativity
- Community
OUR SERIES
Our series are thoughtfully designed to support children, teens, and families at every step of their emotional journey. Each series combines powerful storytelling with emotional depth, offering mirrors, maps, and moments of connection that help readers feel seen, understood, and supported.
- The Vegetarian Fox:Our flagship series, The Vegetarian Fox, is a heartfelt tale that uses Bibliotherapy or storytelling as a tool to address the impact of social isolation, offering young readers comfort, understanding, and a path toward emotional resilience.
- Feelings Are Friends: Picture books that help kids identify, express, and understand their emotions.
- Anxiety Unpacked: Graphic novels for teens navigating stress, peer pressure, and identity.
- You’re Not Alone: Guided memoirs that walk adults and young adults through grief and healing.
- The Safe Space Workbook: Activities and tools for building communication, empathy, and trust in classrooms, homes, and therapy rooms.
