Press Pause: Powerful New Book Tells the Story of a Trauma Survivor Who Supports Others

Local author and nonprofit founder Maureen Spataro will be releasing her powerful new book, Press Pause: The Breakdown That Rebuilt My Life and Changed a Family Legacy, on Tuesday, April 7, 2020.

A New York native and current New Jersey resident, Maureen is the founder of the 501(c)(3) organization Because She Is, which offers free support services and programs to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other abuse. A survivor herself who endured abuse starting at the age of six and through her adult years, she has written Press Pause to tell the true story of what it took to face and overcome her past trauma in order to rewrite her family legacy and to create a life she loves.

Published by Inspired Girl Books, the book explains how a beautiful woman who endured horrific things managed to heal herself and not only rebuilt her own life, but has helped others to do the same. It is no coincidence that the title is being released in April, which is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

In a statement, the publisher explains, “Maureen Spataro’s smile was the one to light up every room. She was the mom running into the classroom with cupcakes, the friend who you could lean on, the “Team Mom” for her daughter’s softball team. What no one knew was that behind that smile was a past that she stuffed down deep until one day when she woke up completely numb, feeling nothing at all. Press Pause shares the story of Maureen’s breakdown and the treatment that would have her revisit the traumas from her past that she thought she had already dealt with. Finally fully unpacking the abuse she endured and the secrets she carried for decades turned into a catalyst for not only healing herself, but changing the whole trajectory of her family’s legacy.”

About Maureen Spataro

Since establishing Because She Is, Maureen has become known as a requested public speaker and talented writer, eloquently telling her story and raising awareness with a seamless blend of poignant empathy and even subtle humor, and offering guidance to others who have faced or are facing the same challenges. In addition to presentations she has made at her self-hosted events to support the organization, she has spoken for podcasts, at a national convention in Washington, DC, at networking events, with survivors’ groups, at a TEDx-style storytelling initiative, on college radio, and on iHeart Radio, where she has become a regular co-host for the Women in the Loop program. She has also appeared on segments of WeJane TV and on the weekly talk show Wake Up with Marci.

After being the focus of numerous feature news articles about her experiences, the creation of Because She Is, and the work she’s done to support other trauma survivors, Maureen is now also the author of a monthly column for Bella Magazine about the beauty of giving back. Each Sunday night through the Because She Is Facebook page, she also appears on Facebook Live, speaking about a different topic each week that resonates with thousands of viewers.

Press Pause: The Breakdown That Rebuilt My Life and Changed a Family Legacy is being released on April 7, 2020 and will be available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Look for updates about book signings that will be planned for future dates at Barnes & Noble in Eatontown, NJ, Words! Bookstore in Asbury Park, NJ, BookTowne in Manasquan, NJ, and other venues.

For more information, follow Because She Is on Facebook or visit www.becausesheis.org.