Welcome, ALL, to the NOHSCBWI Directory!
Thanks for your interest in our diversely talented membership.
SCBWI members are working writers and illustrators. Many, occasionally, volunteer their talents to schools and other organizations. However, gratis presentations require a considerable investment on the part of our members. These working artists depend on income from speaking and teaching engagements to supplement sporadic advances and royalties. Each member establishes his/her own fees, however, the average hourly range is $100-$160.
We look forward to partnering with you in creating an enriching and memorable event.

Joan Marie Arbogast Stow, OH		Joan Marie Arbogast is author of the intermediate, nonfiction title, BUILDINGS IN DISGUISE: Architecture That Looks Like Animals, Food, and Other Things, as well two parent-teacher guides titled, The Advent-Christmas Book, and The Lent-Easter Book which are full of crafts and activities for kids. As contributing editor for My Friend magazine, she pens the column, Are You Bugged? Her poems, stories, and articles have been published in a variety of children's magazines including Highlights for Children and Guideposts for Kids. To schedule an Author Visit, please contact the author direct.
Sheryl Aronson Akron, OH		Sheryl Aronson contrasts bright colors with black in her papercut and colored pencil art. Favorite themes are Jewish and nature. She teaches middle school, high school and adult classes in papercutting, silk painting, stained glass and Hebrew calligraphy. Her art has won awards and been published in several publications, most recently on the cover of the 2006 The SOURCE, Guide to Jewish Living in Northeast Ohio. Sheryl has written poetry, Jewish programs and plays. She is new to the world of writing and illustrating for children, working on both picture books and chapter books. She is a psychiatric occupational therapist, is married and the stepmother of two young men.
Jane Biehl, PhD Membership and Volunteer Coordinator N. Canton, OH		I was a librarian for twenty years and enjoy conducting story hours, especially using sign language. Presently, I work as a counselor for children and adults in a private practice and teach Social Sciences at Stark State College. I've had several articles published in magazines focusing on persons with sensory loss. I am presently attempting to get picture books and magazine articles published in the important area of sensitizing children to persons who may be "different" yet the same! I'm interested in conducting story hours and school visits and tell stories in sign language if requested. Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Professional Counselor, Masters in Libary Science
LeeAnn Blankenship Kent, OH		LeeAnn Blankenship always knew that her love for children would be at the heart of any meaningful work she did.  For awhile she taught, but most of her work experience was in the field of social work in children's services - neglect and abuse investigations, foster care, and adoption.  Then, facing her own "empty nest" when her three adult children moved out, she decided to pursue her life long dream of writing for children.  LeeAnn has written for AppleSeeds, Cobblestone, Cricket, and Highlights for Children. Her first picture book, Mr. Tuggle's Troubles, was released in October 2005 by Boyds Mills Press. Her list of future writing ideas reaches from Kent to Kalamazoo.
Cristina Bruce-Kaiser Cleveland, OH		Cristina Bruce-Kaiser grew up in Puerto Rico and graduated from St.Joseph's University in Philadelphia with a B.S. in International Relations. She worked in international related business. At work, she was always the one to design a birthday card for a co-worker. She finally decided to change careers and go for an art degree. By 2000, she had an associate's degree in graphic design and relocated along with her husband to Cleveland, Ohio. Inspired by the arrival of their son Marco from Guatemala, she wrote her first story (not yet published). Currently she is in the process of finishing it and creating illustrations. She writes in Spanish and in English. She keeps busy by making invitations and presentation cards, mainly for children of her family and friends. She loves to travel, cook, decorate, read, and anything to do with art.
Michelle Buga Elyria, OH		Michelle Buga lives in Northeast Ohio with her husband, two sons, and dog. She has been a fourth grade teacher in Elyria for 15 years. She earned her B.A. and M.A. from Ashland University and achieved National Board Certification in 2002. Inspired by both the escape and the satisfaction of reading a great book, she self-published her first novel, complete with a wallpaper sample cover, at age 8. Her work with the Institute of Children’s Literature later in life renewed her desire to write. She has written a picture book biography and a math concept book - both in the submission process with hopes for publication. She is currently working on several picture book ideas and a middle grade novel. As a new member of SCBWI, she has found the support available through this organization invaluable.
Rachel Buck Northfield, OH		Rachel Buck is a Reading Specialist with a Master’s in Education and is Certified in the State of Ohio. She supervises a reading intervention program and also does individual tutoring with the Wilson Language Program. Rachel has published articles in a national magazine, and The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Rachel likes to write nonfiction articles. She also has written fiction, and won an honorable mention in the Writer’s Digest Contest in 2001. .
Cinda Williams Chima Strongsville, OH		Cinda Williams Chima comes from a long line of fortune-tellers, n'er-do-well musicians, and spinners of tales. She began writing romance novels in middle school, which were frequently confiscated by her English teacher. Cinda is the author of a New York Times and USA Today bestselling series of young adult fantasy novels—The Warrior Heir, The Wizard Heir, and The Dragon Heir (Disney-Hyperion). Her new fantasy series, The Demon King, will debut in October, 2009 (Disney-Hyperion). A graduate of the University of Akron and Case Western Reserve University, Cinda has been a freelance writer for the Plain Dealer and other publications. The Warrior Heir was named to Voya’s Best Science Fiction and Fantasy 2005-2006, is a 2006 Booksense Summer Reading Pick, and is on ALA’s 2008 Popular Paperbacks list. It received a starred review in the Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books and a “Perfect Ten” (5Q, 5P) in Voya. The Wizard Heir received a “Perfect Ten” from Voya, was named to Voya’s Best Science Fiction and Fantasy 2007, and is a 2008 New York Public Library’s Book for the Teen Age. The Dragon Heir received a “Perfect Ten” from Voya and a starred review from Kirkus, who called it “a superlative accomplishment.” A former college professor, Chima has been a workshop leader, panelist, and presenter at local and national writing conferences, speaking on topics relating to writing and publishing young adult and fantasy fiction. She also loves speaking to young writers and readers at schools and libraries nationwide.
Beth Choi Richmond Heights, OH		Before being drawn back to her original field of social work, Beth Choi, now retired, worked in libraries, public schools and bookstores. She briefly flirted with foreign language translation, and she danced, always, though not for a paycheck, because dancers cannot do without dancing. Bibliotherapy greatly interested her, as did her role, for years, as a therapeutic arts leader and advocate with severely troubled adults and children. Beth published in magazines throughout the 1990's. Faced with the twin pull of dance and writing,not to mention the draw of her grown children and grandson and the head-spinning lives they lead, Beth keeps intending to get her children's and adult writing (books, poetry and magazine pieces) out there. Intending, of course, is the key word. Action, she hopes, will ultimately come on the heels of intention. Perhaps this will be the year.
Mary E. Ciesa Wooster, OH		Writing began for me in third grade as I was pulled out of mainstream classroom and put into a creative writing class, a defining moment for a third grader, giving me the license to write and see the world as “creatively” as possible. I am a member of SCBWI . I attended Kent State University with a BSN in nursing, an MSN Clinical Nurse Specialist, and a Post Master’s Adult Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care. My day job is with a busy Internal Medicine Practice in Wooster, Ohio. My early morning and evening job is writing my hearts desire. While at Kent State, I was precepted for one semester with the writer-in-residence in the English department. My goal was to write stories for children who were coping with illness in the hospital as well as developmental issues parents and children face in the course of a lifetime. I write about the bittersweet human experiences that I have seen first hand with the desire to help the reader grow, heal, and laugh which always seems to be the best medicine in the world.
Susan Collett Millersburg, OH		Susan Collett works as a free-lance illustrator and graphic designer. In the children’s book business, her main focus is writing, but in 2007 she had the opportunity to illustrate a chapter book,The Christmas Dragon, for author Mary Ryan, including the cover design. Last year she designed a second cover for another chapter book of Mary’s. She also finds it rewarding to put her artistic talents to work for NOHSCBWI’s annual conference and other events and being on the conference committee in general. Susan had been a member of Northern Ohio SCBWI for many years and attends meetings and events regularly. “SCBWI provides a bridge to the complicated world of children’s publishing,” she says. “ It is a valuable network of hard working comrades and information.” Susan lives on a farm in Holmes County, Ohio. She has raised four children and has three grandchildren. She is also a member of an online critique group with other children’s book writers from around Ohio.
Charlie Colman Cincinnati, OH		Charlie Colman lives in Cincinnati. His business writing has been published, but he left his business career a few years ago to write for children. He is a member of the NOHSCBWI, and the on-line Ohio critique group moderated by Susan Collett. Charlie's first children's book The Bald Eagle's View of American History was published by Charlesbridge in 2006. If he's lucky, Charlie will also sell his current projects: a middle grade novel and a non-fiction, transitional reader. Charlie and his wife, Pam, have two wonderful children: one at school , and the other at college.
Mia Coulton Shaker Heights, OH		Mia Coulton was formerly a Reading Recovery teacher in the Shaker Heights Schools in Shaker Heights, Ohio. She has combined her experience in early reading intervention with a lifelong passion for pets in the "Danny Series." Mia has written books that will capture young reader's imaginations and stimulate their interest in reading. The photographs of Danny make the stories come to life. "This has been a labor of love for me (possibly not for Danny) and I intend to write more books focused on Danny's escapades," she says. "I will continue to solicit input from colleagues to assure that I produce books that are helpful and fun to read." Mia and Danny are available for school visits. Please visit them at: www.maryruthbooks.com
Jean Daigneau Past Regional Advisor Kent, OH		Jean Daigneau runs the library aide and is the tuition administrator at St. Patrick School in Kent and she coordinates their after school day care program for kindergartners through sixth graders. She and her husband, Buzz, have lived in Kent for over 30 years. They have three children - Tracy, Ben, and Nick - and five grandsons, Ty, Aaron, Eli, Simon, and Christian. Jean has been published in Clubhouse, Fun for Kidz, and My Friend magazines, the Record-Courier newspaper, and a middle school teacher reference book entitled Nurturing the Peacemakers in Our Students, which she also extensively copyedited. She has sold educational testing material to McGraw-Hill, non-fiction craft material to Gryphon House, and has upcoming work in Highlights magazine and the 2009 Guide to Literary Agents. She has also sold greeting card text to both Andrews McMeel and American Greetings. She previously served as the assistant and regional advisor for the SCBWI and is a member of a "local" critique group, the Jambies, and an online picture book critique group. When she is not writing, you can usually find her cross-stitching - another passion – playing with her grandboys, or cruisin' with her hubby in their '51 Chevy or '64 Corvair!
Diana Eid North Royalton, OH		Diana Eid loves writing. This passion started when she was in college studying literature. She graduated from O.S.U. in 2002 with an English degree. Since then she has done a lot of research on the writing process. Recently she started writing her own stories. Diana works with her father at his store. She loves to create funny characters and feels that her inspiration for this is drawn from the many diverse people that come into the store. She also works at a travel agency and hopes to one day pursue travel writing. Diana lives with her two cats, Steve and Pickles.
Karen R. Fabre Akron, OH		Karen Fabre is a "yet to be published" author.  Karen has written a middle grade novel which she is trying to get published.  In addition, she has begun research on an historical novel.   Karen works as a Title One Tutor with the Akron Public Schools.  Her specialties are Reading and Writing.  She lives in Akron with her husband, daughter, dog and two cats.
Don Gallo Solon, OH		Don Gallo is one of the nation's leading authorities on books for teenagers as well as an editor of ten highly-acclaimed collections of original short stories written by notable young adult authors, including Sixteen, No Easy Answers, On the Fringe, and Destination Unexpected. Before moving to Ohio in 1997, Dr. Gallo was a professor of English at Central Connecticut State University and the author of numerous journal articles and chapters in professional books about the teaching of English in middle and high schools. Although he is retired from full-time teaching, he currently is working on a new short story anthology, editing a column about YA books for the English Journal, interviewing famous authors for the Authors4Teens.com website, working on a couple of picture books and middle grade informational books, and conducting workshops for teenagers, teachers, and librarians across the country.
Jeannine Garsee Strongsville, OH		Jeannine Garsee grew up in Cleveland, Ohio which is also the setting for her first two novels. As the author of three “practice” novels before she was out of high school, she never wanted to be anything but a writer—but fell under a strange, insidious spell and found herself in the nursing profession instead. She now works as a psychiatric nurse and lives with her family in Strongsville. Jeannine is the author of two young adult novels published by Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books. Before, After, and Somebody in Between (2007) was named a Borders Original Voice for August 2007, a School Library Journal Remarkable Read, and 2008 New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age. Say the Word will debut in March 2009. Jeannine is currently at work on a third novel.
Charles Goodwin Norwalk, OH		I am an established writer in non-children’s magazines, seeking to market two stories in the children’s and general fields. The Findley Lake Chronicles is a 1950s revisit to the adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, set in western New York. Randy Raccoon is the tale of his rescue from the chimney of a house and eventual relocation to a paradise of field corn and delicious frogs. Both are largely non-fiction. I’ve made my living as a writer for 42 years and currently work for four automobile magazines.
Candy Gremler Perrysburg, OH		Candy Gremler grew up in Spokane,Washington. Her dream as a little girl was to write and illustrate books. But as she grew, her parents convinced her to get a real job. After graduating with a degree in graphic design, she moved to Phoenix, Arizona where she had lots of real jobs in advertising agencies, magazines, and marketing firms. It was not until she attended Arizona State University to study education, and was encouraged to keep a journal of her classroom experiences, that her children’s book writing began to take shape. Her first picture book text, Spagotta Have Spaghetti, was born out of that journal writing. It chronicles a day in the life of a first grader who loves to make word jokes. As a mom of preschoolers, she sent Spaghetti out into the big world of children’s book publishers while she worked on her masters degree in Children’s Literature at the University of Idaho. A flurry of rejection letters came back. As her daughters entered elementary school, Candy began devoting more time to her writing, and in the summer of 2005 finished the first draft of her middle grade novel, The Dollhouse Mouse. She joined SCBWI in 2007 hoping to connect with other writers, attend conferences, and publish her manuscripts. In addition to her stories, she writes articles for her church newsletter, and the local newspaper. She lives in Perrysburg, Ohio with her husband, two daughters, and a calico cat.
Barb J. Huff Dover, OH		Barb J. Huff is the author of the ON TOUR Christian young adult series. She also writes regularly for many Christian youth publications such as Devo'zine, SHINEbrightly, Celebrate!, and Encounter, and she has been featured in Chicken Soup for the Mother and Daughter Soul and Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul 2. Actively advocating for the youth, Barb is a foster parent, children's ministry worker, and YMCA mentor. She is always available to share her passions-- ministry, child advocacy, and literacy-- and teach writing to both children and adults in the classroom and workshops. www.barbhuff.com to find out more about the Christian Book Club for Teen Fiction!
Deborah L Jackson Illustrator Coordinator Website Editor Aurora, OH		Deborah L Jackson’s studio, DLJ Illustrations, is the culmination of over 25 years of personal studies in art. With a B.S. in Education, she later studied Graphic Illustration at KSU. Although very acquainted with traditional methods of drawing and painting, she was introduced to computer generated art, and fell in love with the endless possibilities it provides for producing creative pieces of illustration. Because of the rapid pace, she could finish a very complex piece in a matter of days, and implement revisions quickly. After having created literally thousands of worksheets for preschool and homeschool curriculum, she took a personal sabbatical from children's' illustration, and illustrated the “Magdalene Legacy Tarot: Lost Keys of the Madonna” for esoteric tarot art expert Casey Duhamel. It is scheduled to appear in US Games 5th edition Tarot Encyclopedia. A retired preschool teacher of ten years, she is now in the process of illustrating books that will inspire, educate and entertain young children. Deborah, an empty nester, proud Mom and Grandmother, currently resides with her husband of 32 years, one extremely mischievous Pomeranian, Honey, and Sir William, a most persnickety cat!
Maureen Brady Johnson Oberlin, OH		Maureen Brady Johnson is the author of four books that help teachers use drama in the classroom. Her first two books, Middle Mania and Middle Mania Two, (Smith & Kraus Publishers) share her imaginative approaches to teaching drama to Middle School students. Her third book, Shoes on the Highway: Using Visual and Audio Cues to Inspire Student Playwrights (Heinemann Publishers), offers a jumpstart to teachers when teaching playwriting in the classroom. A fourth book will be published in the spring of ’09. Namely Me (Smith & Kraus Publishers) is a collection of monologues based on the ancient meaning of a person’s name. This volume, first in a series, helps youngsters develop basic acting skills like character creation, memorization and concentration. Maureen is also a published playwright. “Shoes Along the Highway” and “Moving On: a collection of 3 short plays for women” (Baker’s Plays) and “The Nameless Princess” and “The Fourth Locker” (Brooklyn Publishers). These plays have been performed all over the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. “The Treehouse” won the Gregory Millard Memorial Playwriting award for TADA! Youth Theatre Ensemble in New York City in December of 2008. Maureen is a frequent contributor to "Teaching Theatre" magazine, a publication of the Educational Theatre Association and she has the first lesson plan ever published by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame magazine, "Impact". “Along the Way” is the name of her guest newspaper column for the Oberlin News Tribune. She lives in Oberlin with her husband, Mark. They have four children and one grandchild.
Wendy C. Kasten, Ph.D. Kent, Ohio		Wendy C. Kasten, Ph.D. is a professor who teaches reading, writing, and children’s literature in the College of Education at Kent State University, in the Department of Teaching, Leadership, & Curriculum Studies. She has co-authored 5 professional books, the most recent which is on the topic of children’s literature, called Living Literature, (with Kristo and McClure, 2005, Prentice-Hall Merrill). A former classroom teacher, Kasten is working towards publishing for children. She is also Associate Editor of The Reading and Writing Quarterly.
Paul J. Kijinski Lyndhurst, Ohio		Paul Kijinski was born in Garfield Heights, Ohio, and earned degrees from Oberlin College, The Ohio State University, and John Carroll University. He began writing seriously while serving as a missile officer in the U. S. Air Force. The solitude of underground launch control centers provided a uniquely rich envirionment for putting pen to paper. His final assignment in the military was teaching English at the Air Force Academy. Kijinski has published articles in periodicals such as the Plain Dealer Sunday Magazine and the Akron Beacon Journal. Camp Limestone, his first young adult novel, was published by Journey Stone Creations in April 2006. He has also completed manuscripts for two middle grade novels. Paul Kijinski teaches fourth-graders at Rowland Elementary School in South Euclid, Ohio. He lives in the neighboring town of Lyndhurst with his wife Eileen and their teenaged sons, PJ and Andy.
Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton Regional Advisor Medina, Ohio		Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton is an international speaker, addressing students, educators, and writers throughout the United States and Mexico. She has authored 35 books. She has been published in the trade, educational, craft, and Christian market. WHY COWBOYS SLEEP WITH THEIR BOOTS ON is Laurie’s best selling picture book. It won the Premier Print Award given by Eastman Kodak and has sold over 45,000 copies since publication. Laurie wrote and illustrated GOD BE IN MY HEART, 1999, and RED, WHITE, AND BLUE, 2002. The Huebner Museum of Children’s Picture Book Art, housed in the Toledo Public Library, honored Laurie by displaying a piece of art from RED, WHITE, AND BLUE. Martha Stewart’s Radio Station highlighted RED WHITE AND BLUE. The Children’s Book Council invited Laurie to write about America’s freedoms as related to her book, RED, WHITE, AND BLUE, for their premier online magazine. The Children’s Book Committee of Bank Street College of Education selected A YOUNG MAN’S DANCE, as among the best Children’s Books of the year, 2007.
Kathiann M. Kowalski Fairview Park, OH		Kathiann M. Kowalski has written 17 nonfiction books and about 400 articles and stories for young people. Her topics include social issues, law, history, politics, science, the environment, and health. Kathi is also working on a middle grade novel and an adult mystery. Kathi's writing has won honors from the ASPCA, The Society of School Librarians International, the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association, and the National Science Teachers Association and Children’s Book Council. Kathi's interactive school and library presentations explore the art of nonfiction writing, activities for children, or social and science issues featured in her writing.
Judy Irvin Kuns Sandusky, OH		Judy Irvin Kuns is a 1999 graduate of the MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults program at the Vermont College of Fine Arts. She has had stories published in the past in Jack and Jill, Humpty Dumpty, Children's Digest, and Once Upon a Time magazines. She has twice been awarded Honorable Mention in the Writer's Digest Annual Writing Competition for her short stories, A Brain of Feathers and Flying with Turtles. Her first middle grade novel, WHILE YOU WERE OUT, was published by Dutton Children's Books in 2004, was a Junior Library Guild Selection and winner of the 2005 Paterson Prize for Books for Young Readers. Judy lives in Sandusky, Ohio with her husband, four children, and Golden Retriever, Rusty.
Jason Lady Cleveland, OH		Jason Lady was an Army Brat, spending many of his formative years in Germany. From his earliest days, Jason was writing and drawing his own stories to entertain his family and friends, who oftentimes were the main characters. Jason is a graduate of Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunication and a minor in creative writing. Jason's goal is to write fun, imaginative stories for middle grade readers. Jason works as a Project Coordinator for a Telecommunications company in Cleveland, and helps lead his church's youth group. He lives in Cleveland with his wife.
Susan Ley Port Clinton, OH		Susan Ley is a professional writer and photographer specializing in animals. She wrote and photographed Llamas; Woolly, Winsome and Wonderful. Her unique animal photographs have appeared in books, calendars and posters. She also has many writing and photography credits in magazines as diverse as Ranger Rick’s Nature Magazine, Highlights For Children, The Robb Report, Country Journal, Vogue and Self Magazine. She is presently working on a YA non-fiction book titled Digital Pet Photography. Susan and her husband divide their time between Key Largo, Florida and Port Clinton, Ohio. The wealth of water-based activities in both locations has inspired her to begin working on a picture book about dogs who live on boats. Check out her web site for more.
Nancy McArthur Berea, OH		Nancy McArthur is the author of 14 children's books, including a best selling middle grade novel, The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks, and eight sequels. Her play based on the first Plant book was premiered for family and school audiences at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. For a complete list of books, see the web site. Her article, Tips on Writing Children's Books, was published in The Writer magazine (December 2000). She taught journalism at Baldwin-Wallace College and has made (and continues to make!) many presentations at schools and writers conferences.
Rhenee McGraw-Harris Kent, OH		Rhenee McGraw-Harris can’t pinpoint the age she started writing stories but she recalls her first sell, a book report to a third-grade classmate. It was the start of a thriving business. Nowadays, Rhenee writes for middle grade, young adult and picture book audiences. Her books, under contract with HarperCollins and Enslow Press, are scheduled for release in 2007 and 2008. Rhenee offers two workshops: Got Story? Successfully Submitting Your Work, for adult, aspiring children's writers and, Word Painting, an interactive workshop for her younger audiences.
Marsha McGregor Hudson, OH		Marsha McGregor's essays and features have appeared in a variety of regional and national venues, including the Philadelphia Inquirer, National Public Radio, and the popular anthology, A Cup of Comfort for Women. She was a frequent contributor to Cleveland's Plain Dealer Sunday Magazine . Marsha is a regional repersentative and workshop instructor for the International Women's Writing Guild and a member of three active writing groups. She has served as a public speaker for several organizations and conducted writing workshops at the Purnderson "Women Who Write" annual conference in northeast Ohio. She joined SCBWI to learn more about writing for children.
Bryan Miessler Northeast OH		After attending the University of Illinois (Champaign) Bryan Miessler worked in various areas of the aviation industry, including aircraft maintenance and piloting, before becoming an Engineer of aircraft cockpit and electronic systems. During this time his career took him from Illinois to Florida, Iowa, Saudi Arabia, back to Illinois and Iowa, Texas, and currently Ohio (Dayton), where he completed two aviation-related Masters Degrees. Bryan currently works with aircraft communications systems buts feels his most interesting jobs were prototyping the space shuttle cockpit displays at NASA and, believe it or not, a college job driving a garbage truck in the Chicago suburbs (there's even a "garbage truck" suspense scene in his currently unpublished book Journey to the Lost Tunnel). Bryan still flies, as a hobby, and spends some of his other free time visiting towns and cities or driving through the country in his classic corvette (convertible). Every once in a while, when he can squeeze it in, Bryan also gets out to do some ballroom/swing/latin dancing that a friend talked him into learning and turned out to be a lot of fun. Bryan’s love of adventure and exploring new places as a kid led him to write Middle Grade mystery/suspense/adventure. Living in different cities for his career have also provided a wealth of material for his books.
Elizabeth Milli Northeast Ohio		Beth Milli is a freelance writer in Northeast Ohio creating copy for print and broadcast advertisements, websites and internal communications materials for a wide variety of markets including childcare and education. She also does freelance marketing projects for a major children's textbook publisher. Beth is a lifelong equestrian and works at a therapeutic riding center helping autistic children learn how to ride horses. She hopes to write about the positive impact of such programs to create awareness through children's stories and related articles.
Margaret (Tudy) Morris Ravenna, OH Storm's		Margaret Morris (who goes by the nickname, Tudy) is a retired elementary school teacher. She moved from Texas to Ohio to open a Bed and Breakfast with her business partner. She has always enjoyed writing and now has more time to dedicate to that endeavor. Dogs have always been an important part of her life. She currently participates in Search and Rescue and Therapy Dog Hospital visits with her two Australian Shepherds, Storm and Hawk. It’s not surprising, then that the subjects of her picture books and chapter books include dogs. She is currently working on a series of picture books about Storm and his adventures. Tudy and Storm are available for interactive school visits to talk about their activities and help build writing skills in students. More information at Tudy's s Website and see Storm at his website.
Jeff Nicholas Wadsworth, OH		Jeff Nicholas, an elementary school teacher of 29 years, has written and illustrated stories for library and school programs throughout Ohio. His unique presentations have been well received statewide. With humorous stories and vividly drawn characters, Jeff has motivated children and adults to explore their own creativity. He also had a weekly comic panel published in local papers for over a decade. He recently was featured in Child Life Magazine for his interactive website www.skyoffirefly.com . The site serves as an online step by step resource for young illustrators as well as a place to experience some of Jeff’s work.
Shelley Pearsall Brecksville, OH		Shelley Pearsall has been writing since elementary school when she had a "writer's office" in her tiny bedroom closet. She sent her first story to a publisher at age 13, but wasn't published until the age of 34. Her first book, Trouble Don't Last, an exciting story of Ohio's Underground Railroad, recently received the 2003 Scott O'Dell medal for Historical Fiction. Published by Alfred A. Knopf, it has received starred reviews in Publisher's Weekly and Booklist. Shelley has been a Playwright-in-Residence for Cleveland's Bicentennial and an Ohio Arts Council writing fellowship recipient. She has held many "historic" jobs including working for Colonial Williamsburg, writing Great Lakes ghost stories, and performing historic character roles. As a former teacher, Shelley loves to visit schools and libraries to inspire others to read and write.
Deborah Perez-Stable. Fairview Park, OH		Deborah Perez-Stable is the illustrator of two picture books, both written by Dori Chaconas and published by Abingdon Press. That Blessed Christmas Night (2004), in gentle musical rhyme, shows children dressed as characters present when baby Jesus was born. They each have a part in welcoming him with songs of praise and they invite us to give voice to ours, too. Baby’s Song (2008), in lyrical rhyme and whimsical words, shows a mother and her baby as they share the joys each new season has to offer. They grow in their awareness of the blessings God has given. The mother sings of her baby in sweet thanksgiving. Enjoying the books that collected on her bedroom shelf, and those borrowed from classrooms and libraries, Deborah had the desire from an early age to create her own. Remembering those who encouraged her exploration of art from kindergarten through college, she enjoys doing the same for others. For years she taught drawing classes for all ages and ran workshops where students wrote, illustrated, and assembled their own books. Currently, Deborah is pursuing publication for a number of picture books she has written and hopes to illustrate. Working primarily in pencil, both colored and graphite, she has begun experimenting with new media.
M. LaVora Perry Marketing Coordinator East Cleveland, OH		M. LaVora Perry's Taneesha Never Disparaging, a middle grade story, was published by Wisdom Publications in 2008. Her young adult follow-up is in the works. She's also writing a teen girls health book with a Cleveland Clinic physician. LaVora lives in Northern Ohio with her husband and three children.
Kathleen A. Pichola, Ph.D Copley, OH		Kathleen A. Pichola, Ph.D is a wholistic psychologist, an ordained minister, a professional storyteller, and a writer of memoir, essays, and children's stories. She has had articles published in local, regional and national magazines, newspapers and professional newsletters. With the help of local SCBWI members, she has recently completed her first children's story, Devan's Dental Dilemma. and is fishing for a publisher. She is in the process of writing three more books, with countless ideas waiting in the wings. She is available for ceremonies, sermons, storytelling, school visits and seminars. Kathleen brings joy, inspiration, and a sense of fun to all she does.
Merrill Rainey Northwest OH		Merrill Rainey is an innovative and creative freelance illustrator based out of North West Ohio.  Merrill Rainey has been working as a professional illustrator and graphic designer for over seven years.  He specialized in the following illustrative styles: Advertising, Editorial, Children’s Book, Greeting Card, Vector, Humorous and Conceptual illustration. His experience includes producing work for children's educational materials, creating artwork for a leading toy company and illustrating magazine and newspaper editorials. Merrill has developed a charming and adorable style that has kept clients coming back for more.  To see more of Merrill's work please check out his website or keep up todate with news and new work at  his Blogspot.
Charmaine Ramsey Akron, OH		Children and inspirational Author Charmaine Ramsey began her writing career as a teenager when she developed a passion for poetry.  It was in 1991 when she first entered the realm of children's stories and adult inspirational works.  Since 2005, she has released two children's books entitled, "Emo Goes For a Walk" and "Buster The Big Yellow School Bus".  Be on the lookout for her next children's book this year, 2009 entitled, "Frollica and Frenzi,"  a story about two bears who celebrate their friendship with a trip down memory lane and a special exchange of gifts to each other which sparks a surprise at the end of the story.   The author is co-owner of CharVic Enterprise with Twinsburg Author Victoria A. Selvaggio.  The authors teamed together to provide a variety of literature to reach bigger groups of audience therefore establishing their company in January of 2008.  They are available for classroom presentations, assemblies, library presentations, local events, and book-signings,etc.  To learn more about Charmaine log onto her web-site. The author resides in Cuyahoga Falls with her husband and has three daughter and two pets.  Her youngest daughter is a published author as well.  Born in Uniontown PA, she has been a long-time resident of the Akron-Cleveland area, as well as member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators.
Judie. Ryan Stow, OH		Judie Ryan grew up with a father who quoted Browning and Byron the way others sing in the shower. He read her everything from Pat the Bunny to Edgar Allen Poe, giving her a love of words, a big imagination and an interest in children’s literature. Ryan has a background in the arts, frequently using it in her stories, and has a particular interest in how the arts make children better and more motivated readers. Hence, she formed children's company EDUFUN. She was principal harpist for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and worked in dance, theater and opera, performing with artists ranging from Luciano Pavoratti to Stevie Wonder and Shari Lewis. She studied art, visual communication,  and writing at Atlanta College of Art, Emory University and the Portfolio Center and has a degree from Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Institute of Music. She has recorded for Columbia Masterworks, SONY to name a few and has been featured on many television programs. Ryan writes children’s music, has published in COSMOPOLITAN and other magazines, newspapers and websites. She has written and produced programs at Border’s Bookstore and other schools, bookstores and libraries. She received multiple design, art, and content awards for her web site www.edufun.net (no longer available). Ryan won the Dr. Toy Award for her book Mixed-Up Barnyard with its matching activity kit. Dr. Toy is an international advisor on children’s products. Her short stories are featured in The Kindness of Strangers. Judie lives with her inspirations husband, Dr. Frank Ryan, daughter, Julia and their five pets in Stow.
Mary C. Ryan Auburn Township, OH		Journalist, freelancer, and children’s author, Mary Ryan's first paid writing was a poem in the Wall Street Journal for a whopping $5. Since then, she has worked as a correspondent reporter and humor columnist, written two cover stories for Boys’ Life, published articles, poetry, and stories in several national and regional newspaper and magazines, and published seven middle grade novels, a chapter book and a small picture book. Me Two was the basis for the Disney Channel Original Movie, The Other Me. . Mary has presented community education programs in writing and been a featured speaker at many schools, conferences, libraries, and events for a variety of organizations. She is an instructor with the Institute of Children's Literature. In 1999, Mary formed her own publishing company, Dragonseed Press, to self-publish The Secret in The West Woods, a middle grade novel with a local slant. In 2007, she collaborated with NOSCBWI illustrator Susan Collett on a chapter book, The Christmas Dragon. In 2008, she released Twitcher McGee and the Wonderful Tree. Susan also designed that cover. Mary has also re-issued Me Two through the Author’s Guild Back-in-Print program under the auspices of iUniverse.com. A resident of Auburn Township, Mary enjoys the outdoors and “neat stuff,” like hot air ballooning, snorkeling with sea turtles and dolphins, sea kayaking and swimming with sea lions off the coast of Mexico, going underwater in a nuclear submarine, and exploring a Maya cave in Belize.
Victoria A. Selvaggio Assistant Regional Advisor Twinsburg, OH		I live in Twinsburg, Ohio with my husband Vincent, our children Anthony and Dominic, and our family pets. I have welcomed the many challenges in my life, from owning my own business for sixteen years to being a mother. Writing and drawing has always been a passion of mine. I did not share completely my passion of storytelling until I had children of my own. My children are my inspiration. And watching their lives change through the good stages and yes, the bad have influenced my two published books: Because I'm afraid and The Hope Chest.
Annette Sheldon Past Regional Advisor Austinburg, OH		After nearly 20 years as a library storyteller and preschool specialist, Annette Sheldon retired to pursue writing (and grandchildren!) full time. Her first book, Big Sister Now, was released in 2005 by Magination Press. Other books to follow include Big Brother Now, a much-requested boys' version of the story. She is available for author visits, writing workshops, and editing. She also enjoys public speaking on the topics of writing, life, and the validity of following your dreams. She lives on a farm in Austinburg, Ohio, with her husband, Harry.
Melanie A. Stinson, LMT, CCP Bowling Green, OH		Melanie Stinsonloves playing with words and their meanings. Known  as The POFFF Master and weaver of yarns, she has published articles, verse, and interviews for New York City Ballet,  and her stories have appeared in Highlights for Children and in Stories and Poems: We're All Forum, an anthology. A former  contributing editor for a county park district and the Northwest Ohio Writers Forum, Stinson is a screenwriter, crystals and  stones enthusiast, and an avid blogger, who loved interviewing young actor Alex Etel (The Waterhorse) and sound healer  Aleya Dao, for one of her blogs for young people. A self-published author of two children's books (so far), The Middle  Princess (K-6) and Hilarede Centipede, A Many-Shoe Adventure (preschool), Stinson is a bit unusual in the world of  children's books. Rather than an illustrator, she is an award-winning artist who uses her digital art to help children, young people  and adults write, grow, and discover all that they can do and be. Her art is also fairy magic: it is treated with Reiki, which can be felt as vibration or warmth, and is sometimes called energy medicine, and at other times, a form of spiritual  blessing. Stinson is available for school visits, relaxation and meditation- based retreats, and to help children and adults with their writing adventures using the arts and nature. A Reiki Master Teacher,  dancer, and Advanced Crystalline Consciousness Practitioner, Stinson likes to challenge the bounds of what we think  is real, placing science side by side with the mystery of the universe and all that is possible within the fairy nature  realms and beyond.
Diane Stresing Kent, OH		Diane Stresing is the author of 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of Cleveland. A fulltime freelance writer since 1999, Diane writes a variety of marketing and corporate communications materials for a handful of clients, serves as a correspondent for The Record Publishing Company newspapers, occasionally reviews books for The Cleveland Plain Dealer, and is the Ohio Editor for the Webby Award-winning family website, GoCityKids.com. Diane says she finds writing for children both more challenging and more rewarding than writing for adults. A handful of publishing credits include a poem in Ladybug magazine and articles on several now-defunct websites. So far, she has had very polite rejections on two completed middle-grade projects - one a novel, set in the US during WWII, the other a nonfiction book about vegetables. Diane lives in Kent with her husband and two children, and enjoys volunteering in the local school system—especially with young writers!
Jodi L. Warner Events Photographer North Olmsted, OH		Jodi Warner is a picture book author. She says: I currently have two manuscripts at a publisher in California-one of which has been there for almost 2 years.(EEK!) Received a great letter from the editor-sounded very promising! The hardest part is waiting for the "okay we want your story"!(Is it a good thing if you call to check on your status and the editor tells you it's in the "I like very very much pile" ?) For now, I'm still waiting & working on several new projects. I really enjoy attending the NOHSCBWI meetingsI -seeing all of my friends there - and leaving each time feeling inspired with hope that some day I may be published.
Sandra Warren Strongsville, OH		Sandra Warren’s published works currently number 11+, and span poetry, gifted education, teacher's guide, publishing, children’s stories, newsletter and journal articles, video, audio, CD and script writing. She has optioned an adult biography for a movie-of-the-week, and a children’s story, Edna Mae: First Lesson In Prejudice, is included in Chicken Soup for the Kid’s Soul. Two adult biographies related to the Persian Gulf War are also on the market as well as edition one of a teacher's activitiy guide. The second edition of the teacher's activity guide is due out by Spring of 2006.
Laurel Winters		Laurel Winters is an artist and educator living in Akron, Ohio. She received her B.F.A. and M.F.A. in painting, drawing and printmaking from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her work has been accepted into over 25 national and internally competitive exhibitions, and numerous regional juried and invitation shows, in addition to her one-person exhibitions. She has taught studio art, art education, and art history at the University of Akron, Mt. Union College and Walsh University. She has designed organizational awards and her illustrations have been published locally in books and calendars. Raising two boys and teaching art to young children at Canton Country Day School has turned her attention to children’s books and illustration, an area where she is currently focusing her efforts. You can visit her work at her website.
Andy Wohlwend Hudson, Ohio		Andy Wohlwend is a writer/illustrator who attended Miami University for Journalism. He has written numerous articles in various newspapers such as The Middletown Journal and the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Andy and his wife Maryann design greeting cards under the name Studio 1.2.1. Andy is currently working on a series of picture books that teach biblical principles through tales of adventure. He draws his inspiration from his two young children, Ethan and Sophia.
Joy York Hudson, Ohio		I am originally from Alabama where I graduated for Auburn University with a BA in Sociology. I spend 30 years in retail management, eighteen of those years as a Store Team Leader for Target. I moved to Hudson, Ohio with my husband and son in 1995 to manage a Target in Stow, Ohio where I was also the District Community Grant and Volunteer Coordinator. I left Target in 2003 to spend time with my family, volunteer in my church and community, and pursue my passions. I have never been published. My thirteen year old son has been my writing inspiration. I discovered that the stories I made up for him were a wonderful way to not only delight, but to build imagination, teach, establish values, and promote diversity. I have written a 50,000 word middle school fiction novel that has been submitted to a publisher. I am currently writing my second fiction novel for YA.

The Ohio SCBWI Member Directory is updated annually during the first quarter, when new biographies are accepted and existing biographies may be revised.