Julie Steines

Julie (Freyermuth) Steines is a multiple award-winning children's book author. She co-owns the publishing and education company, Polly Parker Press, with her mother, Dr. Virginia Freyermuth. Her beloved Norbert book series is inspired by her real-life 3 lb. registered therapy dog whose message is, "You don't need to be big to make a BIG difference in the world". As a registered therapy animal team for the past six years, Julie and Norbert have spent many hours volunteering at hospitals, nursing homes, schools, fundraisers, and homeless shelters to bring comfort and smiles to people of all ages. Julie has built a global audience with Norbert of nearly one million highly-engaged followers, known as The Norberthood. Through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, Julie consistently promotes kindness and compassion, while inspiring Norbert's dedicated and passionate fans to spread smiles to others. Norbert has become a worldwide phenomenon and a captivating symbol of goodness and generosity of spirit. Julie and Norbert have appeared multiple times on Hallmark Channel's Home & Family (2012). Her segments have been enthusiastically received by viewers, as she shared real-life aspects about her work as an author and animal therapy team, and also as a newlywed bride with her husband, celebrity and show co-host, Mark Steines. Other television appearances include several segments on The Doctors (2008); Harry Connick Jr.'s show, Harry (2016); Fox News; The Hollywood Christmas Parade and KTLA Morning News. Julie's work with Norbert has been featured on Time, People, Wired, HLN, Huffington Post, AOL, InStyle, Oprah.com, Paper Magazine, and Brides.com, among others. Julie and Norbert's charity endeavors includes volunteering several times a month at Children Hospital Los Angeles, and helping make a difference with organizations such as the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Lil BUB's Big Fund for the ASPCA, Bootcampaign.org and the Los Angeles Mission. In the corporate space, Julie and Norbert have worked with national brands such as Conde Nast, iTunes, The Walt Disney Company, Hilton Hotels, Pottery Barn Teen, Natural Balance, Pet Smart, and more. Julie is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University. She is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society.