Anna Housley Juster, PhD, LICSW, is an award-winning author, child and adolescent mental health clinician, and early childhood education consultant. She began her career as a Head Start teacher and has over 25 years of experience supporting children and families across a variety of contexts. During many years in children’s media, she served as director of content for Sesame Street developing curriculum for the series, as well as leading publishing, product development, and interactive technology. 

After several years at a community mental health center, Anna now runs a private practice specializing in anxiety, behavioral challenges, ADHD, trauma, and parent guidance. She combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, play therapy, and a strengths-based approach to working with families. She collaborates closely with educators and school guidance counselors, supports trauma-informed, play-based professional development, has covered a range of topics for parents and teachers, and written early childhood curricula. 

Anna is the author of two picture books: The Best Good Thing and How to Train Your Amygdala (2024 NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite), which has been translated into French via Éditions Midi Trente as Mon Amie Amygdale, and has been licensed for translation, print, and distribution by the Ministry of Education for Indonesia. The bilingual (Spanish/English) hardcover is also available. In partnership with Lakeshore Learning, Anna created the How to Train Your Amygdala Calming Kit, including the book and related products to help adults support children’s self-regulation skills in the classroom and beyond.

Anna holds a BA in Child Development and English from Tufts University, an MA in Developmental Psychology from Columbia University, a PhD in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from New York University, and an MSW from Boston College. She grew up playing in mud, sand, and snow, surrounded by stories, and is a firm believer in the power of play. Her favorite number is 3, and she lives with her husband, two daughters, and one very soft dog near Boston, Massachusetts.