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polished up - Colleen

Any introduction of Robert M. Tansley begins with, he is a father. This role is the thing that defines him the most as a person. It is his top priority in his values. Robert has four wonderful children, Marcus, Brodie, Rhys and Marlee. They range in age from seventeen to twenty two. Robert is also a partner in life to Colleen. Without Colleen’s support many things in Robert’s life would not be possible. It is only through this relationship that success occurs.

Robert grew up in the City of Brantford, Ontario where his working class parents encouraged him to write, to be expressive and to be confident. Robert’s father, Joe, was a World War II Veteran serving his country in the Canadian Paratroopers. Joe was a man of great courage imparting the characteristic of fearlessness to his children. Robert’s mother, Irene, was a stay at home mother building a foundation of trust and love in a home from where risks could be taken.

Along with being a Writer Robert has worked as a Therapist helping both children and adults struggling with mental health related issues. Part of this work has been with the most vulnerable in our communities, the homeless, the abused, those struggling with addictions and people with mental health challenges. Robert has spent thousands of hours, with individuals, couples, families, and groups, in therapy listening to stories of tragedy, horror, healing and change. It is the collective spirit of these people that energizes Robert’s writing.

Academically, Robert holds an undergraduate degree from Lakehead University in ThunderBay and a Masters degree from the University of Toronto, both in Social Work.

Robert has worked with the Key Publishing House to produce two novels. His current novel, Predisposed, is a look into life of a girl raised in chaos who finds art as a way to thrive.