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Charlie the Goalie GirlBeyond the CreaseEvery strength tells a story. Get Release Updates

Husband-and-wife writing team

M&R Farrell

Family experience, hockey, advocacy, disability inclusion and military family life shape every story they write together.

Roxanne Farrell

Roxanne Farrell is one half of M&R Farrell and the spouse of a 22-year Royal Canadian Navy veteran. While her husband served his country and completed deployments away from home, Roxanne held their family together, cared for their children and faced the uncertainty that often accompanies military family life.

As autism, ADHD and childhood apraxia of speech became part of their family’s story, Roxanne learned new systems, explored different ways of communicating and became a determined advocate for inclusion, accessibility and acceptance.

Matt Farrell

Matt is Roxanne’s husband and the other half of M&R Farrell. He served for 22 years in the Royal Canadian Navy, including deployments and extended periods away from his family.

As Charlie’s father, he helps turn her real hockey connections and family experiences into meaningful stories shaped by naval service, fatherhood, advocacy and learning to understand communication differently.

Why they write together

Inspired by their daughter, known publicly as Charlie, and their family’s experiences, Roxanne and Matt created the Charlie the Goalie Girl books. They write to help children feel represented, honour the people who listen differently and help other families feel less alone.