Mother of two, writer, speaker, therapist, and artist. 

Angie Cross has led a life committed to helping others discover joy despite the fear that can surround injury, disability or difference. With degrees in Community Health and Occupational Therapy, Angie has practiced as an occupational therapist for two decades, serving clients of all ages in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies and schools across Texas.

Angie’s commitment to help free her clients from the grip of fear took a personal turn in 2005 with the birth of her youngest son. Born seven weeks premature and diagnosed with a rare disease, Angie’s son spent the first 100 days of his life in a NICU. During that time he underwent more than a dozen surgeries as the doctors struggled to understand his uniqueness. Within the first eight years of his life he has endured more than 25 surgeries, including one to remove his right lung, has had dozens of emergency admissions to children’s hospitals, and has faced death many times.

Through this difficult and challenging experience Angie’s family has lived moments of intense trauma, fear and despair, but also moments of extreme gratitude, joy, and triumph. Throughout her son’s hospitalizations and recovery, they discovered the importance of art and creativity to help them heal. The positive effects of art led Angie to not only explore her own creativity, but to open a children’s art studio and become an art teacher at her son’s small private school. Angie’s journey with her son has helped her gain an invaluable insight to not only the journey of her occupational therapy patients, but the families who love them. Angie has learned that no matter our difference, we are all born perfectly for our unique purpose. She also believes in the power of acceptance to build community and the necessity of vulnerability to develop our strength. Angie has shared her journey and the lessons she has learned in her inspiring book, The Butterfly Knight. She is also currently booking speaking engagements where she encourages and inspires others to embrace the beauty of their uniqueness and release their truth into the world.