Julie Hernandez has been in the field of addiction, co-dependency, trauma, grief, parenting, and anti-bullying work for over forty years. She was a co-founder of one of the largest counseling centers on Long Island and worked as director of community relations on Long Island for a group of psychiatric hospitals and substance abuse facilities. She also hosted ""Spotlight on the Issues"" a radio show on WLIE. Julie has been on numerous non-profit boards, including president of New Perspectives: an organization whose mission focused on anti-bullying. She appeared on MSNBC and CNN to help families of plane crash victims, as she lost her own father in a commercial airline crash as a child. She has been quoted in Time magazine and the New York Post, and she has appeared on TV and in a few documentaries about her work in the aftermath of the World Trade Center attacks. She has numerous honors for her volunteer work, including being in the circle of heroes at the Barnum and Bailey Circus. Newsday and Women's World have both featured her life story. She lives in Northport, New York with her husband of forty-three years, Rich. They have two married children and five grandchildren.
As a parent who lost my only child to the disease of addiction, I highly recommend The Monster by Julie Hernandez. I only wish I had this book when my beautiful boy was battling his monster. Her insight details the depth our loved ones face as they battle the disease of addiction. Her compassion draws analogies to let us understand our human weaknesses and her suggestions guide us to bring our loved ones back to who they truly are. The words shine throughout this beautifully illustrated book giving families in crisis a true look at ways they can better support and guide their loved ones to listen to their higher power. - Sharon Richmond, parent advocate, educator Emanuel Vincent D'Antoni 10/28/91-9/13/2017 The Monster by Julie Hernandez is an important guide for anyone who has ever felt desperate and alone while dealing with addiction. Families will find inspiration, hope, and useful tips to help navigate them through this devastating disease. - Anita Mancini, LCSW Advisor, Business Development Zucker Hillside Hospital The Monster by Julie Hernandez, is an extremely accurate depiction of what addiction is like for both the addict and their family members. It is a must read for both loved ones and professionals in the field of addiction. - Lori Miller, LMHC, Private Practice