Our Someone 2 Know, Doug Whitener, has survived skin cancer three times, has been an educator for 45 years - half of that time here in northern Nevada - and recently published a book on key strategies for child development.

We met up with Doug at his home office, where reviews of his new work are coming in. Reading them is a new experience for Whitener, because being a published author is new.

For more than four decades Mr. Whitener has been an educator.

"I started out in Strathmore High School in California in 1973."

He began his career as a math teacher and a coach and soon discovered he had an affinity handling the kids' emotions; "A lot of times when kids were removed from classes or having problems they kinda gravitated into my class."

At Peavine Elementary, where Whitener was leading a workshop with staff, we met a former co-worker of Doug’s.

Rhonda Askins is a big fan; "He's just a very loving, caring soul,” she tells us.

Askins worked with Mr. Whitener when he was principal at Lemmon Valley Elementary and saw, first hand, his impact on students.

"If they started out in trouble, they came out of this office with a smile on their face,” Askins recalls fondly.

Doug Whitener became a counselor - and has now put his years of experience into a book with a focus on disciplining the more challenging children.

“It's kinda like the prickly thorns of a weed, sometimes we miss their bloom, we miss what they're really good at,” explains Whitener, “Some of them are not good at school, but that doesn't mean they're not good people."

"I've read the book and it's a great book,” Rhonda shares,”I wish I would've had it 30 years ago".

Whitener also shares his discipline guidelines with Washoe County educators at local workshop, where he shares insight; "Give them the care and the help now - they won't be at risk children in ten years."

Whitener says his near death experience with the last - of three - bouts of cancer inspired him to write the book, which he did from home with the support of his wife, Rosa, every step of the way.

He was told he had seven months to live.

Instead of fear, says Doug, he felt something else; "I looked back and I felt great appreciation, not just for being a parent, but for being an educator."

If you'd like to meet Doug Whitener, he will be having a book signing at the end of this month - Saturday, Sept 28th at 9AM at the Hub on Riverside Drive in Reno.

For information on how to buy the book, titled “I Saw an Angel in the Stone and I Carved to Set it Free”

The links to the author’s Facebook page and publishing site are below –

https://www.facebook.com/dgwhitener/

http://www.pagepublishing.com/books/?book=i-saw-an-angel-in-the-stone-and-i-carved-to-set-it-free