Sherrilene Classen, PhD
Surrender | Engagement | Presence | Grace | Grit
One day after retiring from a 42-year career as an occupational therapist, scholar, scientist, and academic leader, Sherrilene Classen set out on a five-day solo journey along one of the most rugged and beautiful sections of the Appalachian Trail. What began as a physical challenge became a profound spiritual pilgrimage - one that revealed the power of surrender, the gift of engagement, and the grace that moves with us even in the hardest moments.
Sherrilene will be hosting a special book signing on Saturday, October 10th, and would love to see you there and celebrate the launch of The Trail Within together. The venue only accommodates 40 attendees, so please register below now!
Meet the Author
Multiple DatesSat, Oct 10Blues Creek ClubhouseJoin Dr. Sherrilene Classen at 1pm on October 10th as she shares how a solo Appalachian Trail adventure became a journey of surrender, grace, and grit. Enjoy an inspiring author talk, audience Q&A, and book signing for *The Trail Within*.- Multiple DatesSat, Oct 10Blues Creek ClubhouseJoin Dr. Sherrilene Classen at 3pm on October 10th as she shares how a solo Appalachian Trail adventure became a journey of surrender, grace, and grit. Enjoy an inspiring author talk, audience Q&A, and book signing for *The Trail Within*.
Kabita, Gainesville, FL
Sometimes your instincts tell you to reach out to someone because what they are doing looks adventurous, inspiring, and almost unachievable. That was how I felt about Sherrilene. I hesitated before reaching out, wondering how I would be received and whether I would be met with questions or judgment. Instead, I was welcomed and became part of something much bigger than a trip.
What started as a simple connection turned into an experience filled with moments I will carry with me for life. This book is a reflection of that journey and of the unexpected connections that can become some of life’s defining moments.
This is my personal experience with Sherrilene and this book—the perfect excuse to settle into my swing chair and relive some trail memories.
May, Gainesville, FL
I truly enjoyed reading The Trail Within. Its unique format resonated deeply with me because it felt so much like the way thoughts actually unfold inside my own head—honest, fluid, reflective, and wonderfully spectomagnubulous. I think many readers will see a mirror of themselves in these thoughts and easily connect them to their own everyday experiences. The book is flowing and easy to read, yet full of wisdom that stays with you.
I learned that freedom emerges by leaving something behind, that engagement means showing up with all of yourself, and that control is ultimately an illusion. ‘Preparation is never rewarded with predictability’ was perhaps my favorite line, along with the spot-on definition of grit as taking the next step when you desperately want to stop.
I marked so many passages that I know I’ll return to whenever I need one of those reminders—and perhaps exactly the voice I need to hear in that moment.