ABOUT
Mara J. James
Welcome to my website. As someone who knows first hand what it's like to experience life altering experiences and challenges, I am grateful that I can provide some solace and encouragement for anyone seeking help, looking for answers to a thousand questions, and or course offering resources to help you along your journey.
With passion and commitment, you can accomplish anything!
"Pain is inevitable, Suffering Is optional, Healing is possible!"
Mara's Story
Mara J. James is an author, visionary, entrepreneur, and advocate for mental health. She is on a mission to empower others to rise above life’s challenges and embrace the truth that healing is possible – and it is powerful.
In 2014, at the age of 48, Mara experienced a life-altering manic episode and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Like so many, her journey with mental health had begun much earlier. Together with her husband, Mara had already been navigating a complex path of emotional challenges within their family, including raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD.
Refusing to be defined by her diagnosis, Mara sought help from both traditional psychiatry and gifted holistic healers. Mara knew that her manic episode was a spiritual awakening, an experience that transformed her life.
Inspired by her personal healing and the emotional experiences of those she loves, Mara became a force for change in the world of children’s mental health. In 2015, she founded the Extraordinary Lives Foundation (ELF), a nonprofit organization committed to improving children’s mental health and emotional wellness and removing the stigma surrounding mental health challenges.
Shortly after launching ELF, Mara created Piggie Bear; a beloved, heart-centered character designed to help children understand and manage their emotions.
Throughout Mara’s healing journey and spiritual awakening, she felt called to share her story and the many amazing things she discovered were truly possible. Writing became a way to do that, and her first two books were written for children. Her award-winning book ‘The Power of Piggie Bear’ followed by ‘Piggie Bear’s Power of Happiness’ are full of tools and encouragement for younger children to learn how to navigate their emotions and build resilience.
Mara’s new book is called ‘Unconditional: Mental Health Redefined’. In it, she offers insights through a new lens, for anyone facing mental health challenges or supporting someone who is.
As Mara expands her ventures in empowering others, she continues her quest for change, knowing the future of mental health starts with the hearts and minds of our youngest generation.
Mara lives in Southern California with her husband, Dr. Kenneth James, and their three amazing adult children.
Mara was thrilled to meet Glenn Close – award-winning actress, passionate activist, and Co-Founder of the Bring Change to Mind (BC2M) nonprofit organization – at a BC2M event.
Mara has had the pleasure of meeting with former U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy – author and founder of The Kennedy Forum – on several occasions, including during the UCLA Friends of the Semel Institute event
Mara was honored to be named one of the “Women of the Year 2025” by U.S. Congressman Lou Correa, recognizing her impactful contributions to mental health advocacy and community service.
One of Mara’s greatest joys is spending quality time with her beloved fur babies.
Author, advocate, and founder of the Extraordinary Lives Foundation. On a mission to prove that healing is possible — and powerful.
BOOKS
Unconditional
The Power of Piggie Bear
Power of Happiness
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