My name is Kerri McCaffrey. I am a parent, a transgender teacher of 5th grade in a NJ public school, and poet. I love life, and want to share this love with others. Nature has helped heal me over the years I struggled with my gender. But, like a butterfly emerging from the darkness of the chrysalis, I have found air. While being a transgender teacher made it difficult to become "Kerri", I persevered, and am so glad I did. My poetry changed after my transition. Well, it changed so much that there aren't words. Okay, here are two attempts at words--more authentic.