In addition to being the founder of Dragon Tales Publishing, creator of
the Dream Dragon and the Dream Dragon Safety Programs, Gerald Kostecka is also a public
speaker, determined to make a difference in the lives of troubled kids. He has taken from
his own personal experiences and developed a message of empowerment and hope. His
goal..."Changing the World, One Dream at a Time!"
Gerald was born in Omaha, Nebraska on September 16, 1968. When Gerald was
only 16 months old, his baby sister died, leading to the divorce of his parents. His
biological father never in his life, his mother was left to raise he and his older sister.
His mother joined the Navy when he was five and they moved to San Diego, CA. Things took a
major turn for the worse for Gerald when his mother remarried when he was 13. There were
major problems between he and his stepfather, problems that would have life changing
results.
Things between Gerald and his stepfather rapidly deteriorated. The next
several years were a roller-coaster ride of emotional pain and confusion for Gerald. His
mother turned her back on him and his stepfather wanted him gone. Gerald was thrust into a
world of high-priced psychiatrist, locked psychiatric hospitals, juvenile detention
facilities and out-of-state placement. After over a year and a half of being tossed back
and forth to different placements, Gerald returned to the home of his mother and
step-father. With about 6 months before his 18th birthday, Gerald was prompted by his
stepfather to move out and support himself. He moved, got a job, and was trying to finish
high school. It was at this time that he also started experimenting with drugs. In a
very short period of time, things went from bad to worse. Circumstances forced
Gerald to return to his parents home about 2 months later. A final altercation with his
stepfather made Gerald pack his bags and leave. Gerald was arrested
as a run-away the next day and was
taken to Juvenile Hall. He stayed there for a month and was then accepted into the East
County Gatehouse. His stay would last until the day of his 18th birthday.
His life had spiraled out of control and Gerald now faced the harsh
reality of becoming an adult in a few months. For the first time in years, he decided to
do something for himself, to take his destiny into his own hands. He decided he
wanted to earn his high school diploma. He should have been in his senior year, however
his records only showed him completing his sophomore year, as some of his transcripts had
been lost in his moves during the previous years. Gerald worked hard, spending each
day completing between 5 and 10 assignments per day, per subject, while also having a
part-time job with a roofing company. His hard work and much needed emotional support from
the Gatehouse staff paid off for Gerald. He was presented with a high school diploma on
his 18th birthday in a formal ceremony on the front lawn of the Gatehouse. The staff even
rented a cap and gown and bought a graduation cake for this single graduate of this Class
of 1986. Ironically, Gerald's mother attended and gave him a birthday card. Taped inside
Gerald found a quarter and a stamp, with the hand written message, "Good luck with
your life, feel free to call or write".
Gerald had successfully worked through many of his family problems and
looked forward to life as an adult. In 1989 Nicholas, the first of his three
children, was born. Gerald was working and going to school. Unfortunately, the
relationship with the child's mother deteriorated, but not before she became pregnant with
his second child. In 1990 his daughter, Khailey, was born. At the same time, Gerald
finished school and decided to relocate to Orange County, CA to establish a new direction
in life.
Gerald maintained steady employment and started writing again, which had
been a way to express his feelings when he was a teenager. He focused attention on a poem
he had written for Creative Writing. The poem was the birthplace of the Dream Dragon. He
began writing different Dream Dragon stories. After moving to Orange County, Gerald met
Susan. She would become his wife, mother of his third child and his final inspiration to
do something great. Gerald and Susan married in 1994. Gerald's third child, Nathaniel,
soon joined them. Gerald focused on getting his life on track and made a commitment to
himself and his family.
Several opportunities allowed Gerald to continue to grow professionally,
including professional training as a public speaker and business seminar presenter. He
excelled and considered the pursuit of his dream of becoming a published writer. In 1999,
he turned his dream into a reality by forming Dragon Tales Publishing. Writing under the
pen name Nyle Steck, he published his first children's book. Gerald now works with
troubled young people as a motivational speaker, although his message of empowerment and
self-worth applies to all children. Using his personal experiences, he illustrates how
anyone can make it if they really try. Gerald has personally experienced "The
System" and understands what children are going through. His story will inspire. His
dynamic public speaking skills will captivate. His straightforward message of empowerment
and self-worth will have a powerful, long lasting affect on any audience. His sincere
caring will touch the hearts of both children and parents.
Gerald has continued to explore opportunities to apply his
writing and experience. He is currently a contract
Instructor of a Children's Book Writing course at
LearningTree University.
Gerald is available for motivational speaking engagements, personal
appearances or as a guest for radio or television talk shows. His personal experiences
give him a unique perspective on the problems facing children today. Gerald offers solid
solutions for these problems, instead of just criticism.
Would you like to have Gerald speak at your school or organization? Would
you like Gerald as a guest on a talk show? Would you like
Gerald to teach at your educational institution? Contact us for information on having Gerald
Kostecka come to your location.
Call us 714-730-5386 or email us for more information info@dragontalespublishing.com
"My greatest strength is my passion for kids. I do this for every
tear needlessly shed; for every laugh that will never be heard; to help others that have
felt my pains; to keep others from ever feeling them. I believe I am destined to help
children and I intend to fulfill that destiny." Gerald L. Kostecka
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