Sammi, youth at StepStones, becomes published author with “Unlearning Love”

A message from Sammi

“I’ve now been with StepStones for over two years, and it has truly been a transformative experience. StepStones offers a wonderful community service for youth who have previously been involved with the child welfare system. From the wide and diverse variety of programs, to the weekly Tuesday dinners, to the monthly check-ins, I love it all. StepStones has given me the support and guidance I need to grow and thrive.

Recently, I participated in a photography class through the program, where I learned about the basics of lighting, aperture, ISO, and frame rate. I even had the opportunity to create a professional self-portrait, which I proudly used as the author photo for my book Unlearning Love, which I recently self-published. I paired the photo with one of my poems from the book, and it felt incredibly meaningful. This was just one of many engaging and empowering programs that StepStones offers—and I thoroughly enjoyed every part of it”


We are so grateful to Sammi for sharing her experience with us so openly! Her consistent engagement in our program, whether at our weekly dinners, attending our creative workshops, or simply showing up to connect, has brought so much joy to our team. 

Sammi has a way of making everyone around her smile, and her creativity, intelligence, and sense of humor shine in everything she does. Watching her flourish is exactly what StepStones aims for and publishing her own book is nothing short of extraordinary. Join us in celebrating this incredible accomplishment and in supporting her work: 

Unlearning Love is available now — learn more and purchase below: 

Are you satisfied with the love you receive and give or do you only tolerate it? It’s a lack of effort. They arrive when they show up, But isn’t time precious? 

Unlearning Love is a raw and powerful journey through the cycles of heartbreak, self-reflection, and emotional rebirth. Told through deeply personal poetry, Sammi Brown shares their lived experiences with toxic relationships, longing, grief, and the painful process of letting go. Each poem peels back a layer of what we’re taught love is — and what it becomes when survival, trauma, and misplaced trust get in the way. This debut collection moves through stages of Toxic Love, Unlearning, and Healing, offering readers a mirror to their own stories, and a reminder that even in darkness, there is room to grow. 

These poems are written with unflinching honesty, giving voice to the pain we hide, the strength we forget, and the freedom that comes from finding yourself after being lost in someone else. This book is not about perfect endings — it’s about powerful beginnings. 

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