Alcario Cary Cadena, born on December 24, 1965, spent much of his youth in the vibrant city of Los Angeles before moving to
Texas in 1977. A lifelong learner and educator, Cadena earned a Master’s in Education from the University of the Incarnate Word and a Bachelor’s in History from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, where he contributed as an Academic Success Coach in the SSS-Teacher Prep program.
Cadena is the author of The Curandero: The Life and Times of Don Pedro Jaramillo, a Texas Legend, illustrated by Eddie Martinez. The novel tells the remarkable story of Don Pedro Jaramillo, a man whose miraculous recovery from a horrific accident set him on a twenty-five-year journey to becoming one of the most renowned healers—or curanderos—in Texas history. So influential was Jaramillo that the state recognized him as an official “Agent” during a period of great famine. Blending mystery, the supernatural, and historical intrigue, Cadena brings Jaramillo’s life to readers through a compelling fictional lens.
A former Humanities teacher and screenwriter, Cadena adapted one of his screenplays into this captivating novel, showcasing his ability to weave history, legend, and storytelling into a work that resonates with readers fascinated by Texas folklore, healing traditions, and extraordinary lives.
