Meet the Contributors

Click the letter of the last name to link to the page containing the contributor's biography.  

A, B, C | D, E, F | G, H, I, J | K, L, M | N, O, P, Q, R | S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z

Edwene Gaines is a Unity minister known for her life-changing seminars such as: Prosperity Plus Workshop; Integrity, Commitment, Riches and Honor; Rites of Passage;The Firewalk; and Celebrating the Goddess Within. 

Jennifer Galvin received her Bachelor of Science in Art from Oregon State University in 1992. She writes and illustrates from her home in Northern California. In addition to writing and drawing, she enjoys reading, walking, camping, and being with her family. www.jennifergalvin.com.  JenniferLGalvin@aol.com

Jayne Garrett professionally serves as a business/personal coach and facilitator. She writes lyrics, poems and stories for children and adults. She writes from the heart while interspersing humor into her work. Her greatest joy and inspiration comes from her family, friends and God. FOCUSunltd@aol.com  

Carole Gaunt is a Broadway producer and an award-winning playwright (Dance of the Seven-Headed Mouse). She is a member of both Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime. Currently she is writing a memoir on her childhood and the early deaths of both her parents. Because of her family background and the events of September 11, she is working on setting up grief programs in schools dealing with early parental loss. An active board member of the alcoholism Council of New York, Carole lives in New York City with her husband, David, and is the mother of three daughters.

Aisha D. Gayle is 18 years old, and a sophomore at Yale University where she's majoring in English and plans to be an attorney and a writer. She is the co-head of a program that teaches creative writing to elementary students in New Haven, is a writer and photographer for the Yale Daily News Magazine, and marketing director for V y r t i g o, a campus style magazine. She loves hazelnut praline Godiva chocolates and has a passion for black and white photography. Email: aisha.gayle@yale.edu.

Patricia Forbes Giacomini is a freelance writer residing in Denver, CO. (303) 733-7220.

Nancy B. Gibbs is a pastor's wife, mother of three grown children and a grandmother. She is a weekly religion columnist, author and freelance writer. She is a contributing writer to Chicken Soup for the Soul, Guideposts Books, Honor Books, Stories for the Heart, and Heartwarmers. She is the author of Celebrate Life...Just for Today and has also been published in numerous magazines such as Family Circle, Woman's World, Angels on Earth, Happiness, and Decision. Daiseydood@aol.com

Jean Jeffrey Gietzen is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in McCall’s, Reader’s Digest, Catholic Digest, the Chicken Soup books and many small press magazines. She is the author of the best selling Christian gift book, If You’re Missing Baby Jesus, available from Multnomah Publishers. The grandmother of six, she is a former Midwesterner who now writes from her retirement nest in Tucson, Arizona. In addition to her writing, she is a writing coach and offers readings and workshops in creative writing. (520) 296-1550 (October through May), or (414) 352-2009 (June through September). octodon31469@cs.com

Aerial Gilbert is a graduate of Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc. and is now its Director of Volunteers at the San Rafael, California campus. She manages a vibrant volunteer staff of 450, comprising 40 different positions. She is the Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Earle Baum Center of the Blind in Santa Rosa California. She is a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. She and Deanne can be contacted at Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc., (800) 295-4050, or agilbert@guidedogs.com. 

Kay P. Giordano resides in Hamilton Top, New Jersey with her husband of thirty-five years. She lives in close proximity of her seven children and fourteen grandchildren. While attending school, she excelled both in English and Literature. She enjoys being a thrice published poet in the Poetic Voices of America, published annually by Sparrow grass Poetry Forum. (609) 581-2677.

Lola D. Gillebaard lives in Laguna Beach, CA. She is a recipient of the Readers Digest Writers Award, a professional speaker and a past president of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the National Speakers Association. Her one woman show, "Life's Funny That Way," has been acclaimed all around the country. Lola is a humorist, an associate college professor, author and corporate keynoter. She believes that laughter is the handshake of good communication and that humor in business is serious business. (714) 499-1968.

Sherry Gipson has put her personal experience to good use by coupling it with education and drawing from both venues to facilitate divorce support groups. Long active in community affairs, she currently serves as a Rape Crisis Counselor and Fundraising Chair for the Alcoholism and Drug Dependency Council in Westport, Connecticut. And, who knows, if you are an Oprah fan, you might have "met" Sherry on the Oprah Show. Sherry's letter about Oprah's Book Club Selection, "The Heart of a Woman", earned her an invitation to a pajama party at the home of poet/author, Dr. Maya Angelou, with Oprah and three other invitees. Sherry says that experience was a "once in a lifetime dream come true." and one that she will cherish forever. SherGip@aol.com

Elizabeth P. Glixman writes humorous essays, poetry, and short stories. Her recent work can be seen in the upcoming issues of Snow Monkey, In Posse, 3AM Magazine, Cup of Comfort For Woman, and Spinnings Magazine. Elizabeth has a Masters Degree in Education. She used to work with children in arts and educational programs, but found that writing was her true heart's desire. glixman@mindspring.com

Lynne Goldklang, MA, MFCC, is a Psychotherapist in private practice in Los Angeles. She gives seminars on humor and healing and is co-authoring a book titled, Count It As A Vegetable And Move On, all about stressing less and enjoying life more. (213) 874-5097.

Dawn Goldsmith is a multi-published writer of non-fiction, short stories and essays and also reviews books for Publishers Weekly and Crescent Blues E'Magazine. www.crescentblues.com

Heather Goldsmith lives in Western Australia with her husband and 2 children. She's a wife and mother who also enjoys reading, writing, and anything to do with the written word. Currently working on her first novel, She also writes non-fiction and short stories. Having some work published in Australian magazines and in various places online has encouraged her to pursue her dream of becoming a successful published author.  bwheather@hotmail.com

Anne Goodrich is the proud mother of 3 wonderfully unique individuals: Gordon, Kelly and Carman. She is employed as a graphic and Web designer in Kalamazoo, Michigan and greatly enjoys nibbling a bon-bon while trying her hand at short story writing. In addition, she devotes herself to working on OhAngel!com, her inspirational ecard Web site, at http://www.ohangel.com.

Jill Goodwin considers herself to be a student of spirituality on a guided journey by her Higher Power. She is a published reporter and interviewer, and has hosted a television series. She has a BS in communications and works as a public relations practitioner in media relations. (703) 212-0486. jgoodwin@nahb.com

Maureen Gorsuch is a Licensed Massage Therapist who is presently living and working in Kansas City, Missouri. She grew up in New York, then moved to Kailua Kona, Hawaii where she continued her education and enjoyed great friends and sunsets. She loves skydiving, exercise and meditation and can sometimes be found writing in her journal while sipping wine in an ethnic restaurant. (816) 765-6297.

Tag Goulet, MA, is a dynamic speaker who has helped more than 200,000 people commit to and achieve their dreams. A university instructor and newspaper columnist, she is author of several books and Recipe for Success, an inspirational CD-ROM distributed in 65 countries. A specialist on "the power of commitment," Tag has been interviewed hundreds of times by media throughout the United States and Canada. She is currently writing Courage to Commit, a book about simple ways to create the life you want through commitment to yourself and your dreams. Call 1-888-HEART-24. tag@heartpath.com; www.heartpath.com

Ann V. Graber (AKA. Westermann) is a gifted counselor. She holds a Master of Divinity in Interfaith Ministerial Counseling and earned her Diplomate in Logotherapy from the Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy. As a consultant/educator, Ann works with individuals and groups using meaning-centered therapeutic approaches. Her inspiring audio tapes Images of Transformation, are available by calling (314) 947-6175.

Marnette K. Graff, RN, lives and writes in rural northeastern North Carolina, where she manages her husband's surgical practice. She teaches creative writing, writes a column for her local paper, and has worked as a script and medical consultant for television and movies. Holding a BS from St. Joseph's College on Long Island, NY, she has studied at Radcliffe, New York University and University of Iowa. The author of screenplays, poetry, and short stories, Marnette is currently researching a murder mystery set in England's Lake District. (252) 943-9100.

Brenda Grant lives in Kansas City, Missouri with her 3 children, Duggan James, Jordanna Marie & Kiarra Delanie. She has worked in the "corporate jungle" in the healthcare computing solutions industry for 20 years. She also has a side interest as a massage therapist, with dreams of moving in a more holistic direction as part of her next life chapter. She is delighted to be published in "Chocolate," knowing it will open up another new and exciting path. Amid the chaos of her normal life, she is passionate about seizing life’s many moments and remembering to laugh often, love deeply and live every day to the fullest. (816) 452-2984

Jennifer Gordon Gray has worked as a writer, editor and photographer in the newspaper industry since 1983, and as a correspondent for several publications serving members and friends of Soka Gakkai International. She loves hiking, snowshoeing and hugging her cat, Bear. Tartanpony@yahoo.com; http://TartanPony.Homestead.com

Melissa Gray is a freelance writer living in Springfield, Missouri. With over 300 bylines to her credit in regional, national and international publications, her column on raising a child with learning differences, “Greater Expectations,” recently won the LDA of Missouri Journalist of the Year Award. Admittedly her life is a comedy of errors so she recently began writing some of her mishaps and humor and is honored to be a contributor to the Chocolate series. She leads a busy life shuttling her two children around, sharing the parent duty with her loving husband, and her desk with a neurotic cat. mdjgray@mchsi.com

Melissa Greene lives in Iowa on her beautiful acreage farm. Her hobbies include being outside, writing, music, and horseback riding. She raises show rabbits, horses, and cattle. m3lissa_lynn@hotmail.com

Jody Greenlee, a pediatric nurse, is the Patient Care Coordinator for Children of the Americas, a nonprofit organization that arranges stateside medical care for children of Guatemala. Her volunteer work with this organization recently led to a medical mission trip to Guatemala. She and her family hosted Edson, a medically fragile foster child with C.O.T.A. As a firm believer in the power of the human connection, she believes in sharing her God-given talents and fortune with others. Her passions include her husband Tom, and their 3 children. Freelance writing allows her to provide a written voice for those not able to tell their own story. Green71957@aol.com 

Pam Gross is the founder and vice-president of CareerMakers, a life planning and career management firm in Portland, Oregon. She is the author of Want A New, Better, Fantastic Job? (The how-to manual for the serious job seeker). Pam rollerblades, swims, reads theology and fiction, and enjoys hiking in old growth forests. (503) 244-1055.

Judy Gruen is the author of Carpool Tunnel Syndrome: Motherhood as Shuttle Diplomacy, and Till We Eat Again: Confessions of a Diet Dropout (Champion Press). To receive her free semi-monthly humor column, sign up at www.championpress.com/offmynoodle/htm. judy@championpress.com.

Jennifer Esperante Gunter is an international speaker who has been speaking since 1989. She has spoken in Guam, Canada and across the USA. She has produced pre-game and half-time shows for the San Francisco Forty Niners and the Jeep Eagle Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii. In 1993, she became Miss San Francisco, where she received her nickname the Cha Cha Queen. She holds a degree in Psychology and offers keynotes and workshops for teens and adults, and is a popular mistress of ceremonies. She has appeared on TV and is the author of Winning with The Right Attitude, and co-author of Teen Power, and PreTeen Power. (800) 357-6112.

Mary Carroll-Hackett is a writer, student, but first and foremost, a mom who lives with her family in eastern North Carolina. When she's not chasing the three Irish fairy children who inhabit her home, she is currently at work on her first novel.

Wendy Stofan Halley has had a dream to inspire others to awaken to their true and powerful selves through her work as a counselor, lecturer and writer. She and her husband John combined their skills to create Lucid Path Healing Arts as a way to realize this dream. She also wrote Inside Out -- a children’s story whose message inspires readers of all ages to remember who they really are -- that will be published by Illumination Arts in Spring 2003. www.lucidpath.com

Joan Halperin has been published in Rosebud Magazine, Cimarron Review, Blue Unicorn Confrontation, and in several recent anthologies including LeapYears, Voices from the Couch, Midnight Mind, and The Breast Cancer Book of Strength and Courage. She recently won the annual Byline Annual Fiction Award for 2002. And this year was nominated by Midnight Mind for a Pushcart Prize. She lives with her husband in Hastings-on-Hudson where she works and teaches creative writing. She has two grown children and three grandchildren and spends her time writing, reading, savoring the cultural riches of Manhattan and visiting the three lively wonders who live in the Boston area.

Cindy Hanson is an air personality at Kink-FM in Portland, Oregon. She is a seeker of cosmic truth, a believer in the healing powers of nature, the great outdoors, art and music. She has an unbridled passion for the Oregon coast and other unspoiled wide open spaces. She is an artist in the mediums of stained glass and water colors, an aspiring poet and essayist, singer of silly songs, avid cyclist and runner, and occasional Hospice volunteer. (503) 226-5100 x6224.

Alicia Wilde Harding lives with her husband and three children in Massachusetts. She is delighted to be a member of the Chocolate sisterhood. She has been published previously in Pandemonium or Life With Kids and I killed June Cleaver. She is currently working on a romance/mystery novel. mah608hmh@aol.com 

Georgia C. Harker is a writer with lifelong interests in the arts and health. She recognizes the profound effect of enviornment on our mental and physical health. Her writing often focuses on such subjects as design for healthcare, art therapy, and others in which the arts and health intersect. A jewelry designer for more than 20 years, she is a a greatly appreciates handmade objects and artisanry, the embellishment of self and surroundings, and is a strong believer in the transformational power of making and incorporating art, pattern and color into every aspect of our lives. She resides with her entrepreneur/scientist husband and two children. georgia@cayuse.com

Kathie Harrington holds a master's degree in speech pathology from Truman State University. She is engaged in a private practice in Las Vegas, Nevada and is an international speaker. She has authored four books in the field of speech pathology, and numerous short stories and poems. As a 30 year-old young adult, Doug is employed full time in the housekeeping department at one of the premiere resorts in the world, the Venetian, on the Las Vegas Strip. He attended the University of Nevada Las Vegas for two years in their special programs. Doug drives his new car, works on the World Wide Web and lives at home. (702) 435-8748. Fax: (702) 436-9161. TappyH@aol.com 

Katie Harrington holds a bachelor’s degree in business from The University of Nevada Las Vegas. She is an assistant manager in the retail division of Disneyland, Anaheim, California. She has authored a chapter in For Parents and Professionals: Autism published by LinguiSystems, E. Moline, Illinois. www.linguisystems.com. This is a first-hand account of being raised and dealing with a sibling with a disability. Email: KateJWABF@aol.com.

Dawne J. Harris is the founder of SPEAKSTRENGTH Motivational Seminars for women and enjoys sharing the Good News. She is a faith community representative and committee member of the Annual African American Health Conference. Appointed by the Church of God in Christ, Inc., she is Jurisdictional President of the Young Women’s Christian Council in Michigan. She hosts conferences for Christian singles and president of the singles ministry at Rewarding Faith Church where her father is pastor. She is working on her first book Every Woman Needs a Well. (313) 933-3000, fax (313) 933-3300. djharris8@msn.com

Nancy Smith Harris is a native Pennsylvanian whose work has appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, The Sun, and many regional publications in northern California. She lives in San Rafael with her husband Peter, daughter Sylvia, and son Bob.

Betsy O'Brien Harrison is a freelance writer from the northern suburbs of beautiful Pittsburgh, PA. She has been writing for several years, but only recently in a professional arena. She has written for several e-zines and websites, as well as magazines such as Whispers From Heaven. Her greatest source for inspiration comes from her husband, children and parents. bobrienharrison@hotmail.com

Donna Hartley is an international speaker, member of the National Speakers Association, change specialist and survivor of a DC-10 plane crash. Owner and founder of Hartley International, she has been featured on NBC, ABC, PBS, The Learning Channel and in the New York Times. Her popular books, video and audio training series is called "Get What You Want." She is the author of Fire Up Your Life - With a Wise Man, a Mentor and an Angel. (800) 438-9428.

Melissa S. Hartman is a designer and writer residing in Minnesota. She became motivated after her own life-threatening illness. Another contributing author, Candis Fancher, also provided Melissa with inspiration through her time of crisis. (612) 492-6172

Julie Hartmans has an English degree and has taught English as a Second Language. At present, she is building a massage therapy clientele. She considers herself a bit of a nomad having lived in numerous states. She is a single mom of an 11 year old son and currently lives in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. Reading and writing have been focal points in her life, plus a keen interest in all things metaphysical. She has articles posted on several Internet sites, including FitnessHeaven.com. A member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, she is working on a middle grade novel. juliehartmans@attbi.com

Christine Harvey is a TV and radio personality and the author of 5 books in 20 languages, including Secrets of the World's Top Sales Performers which has sold 150,000 copies. She is a keynote conference speaker addressing audiences small and large including Sony, IBM, Toyota, Lloyds Bank, Mortgage Brokers Associations, Century 21 and writers conferences. She's an active Director of the Board of an investment bank, and a venture capitol company, and is a Council Member of the International Center of the National Speakers Association. She divides her time between her office in London, home in Brussels and work in the U.S., including television programs in Los Angeles. (800) 813-7197. ChristineHarvey@compuserve.com

Emily Sue Harvey, author and speaker, planned to be an English teacher, but the tragic death of her 11 year old daughter, Angie, changed all that. Writing, begun as therapy, soon became a passion. Years of pouring mind and soul onto paper focused her on what life is and is not about—and that relationships are the greatest thing going. She’s convinced that with love, compassion makes the world go round. Her insights have converged into fiction and nonfiction upbeat stories and novels, whose themes ring of triumph in the face of adversity. She is working on God Only Knows, a fictional mainstream novel about the struggles of a clergyman and wife, and a book featuring warm family anecdotes entitled, Flavors. EmilySue1@aol.com 

Lana Robertson Hayes, M.A. in Education, has authored many humorous essays and articles, as well as the Sonoran Sampler column in Arizona Garden Magazine. In a world divided by those who see the glass half empty or half full, she alone is left wondering why she received the glass with the lipstick on the rim, and who left it there. Britishtea@aol.com

Marie Hegeman, CSW, holds a BS in psychology from the State University of New York at Oneonta and a master's degree in social work from SUNY-Albany. She is a clinical social worker (psychotherapist) who practices in Oneonta, New York. She is writing a book about her mother's extraordinary battle against cancer. (607) 432-7285. apceap@wpe.com

Marcie Henderson is an aspiring writer who was born and raised in Northeastern Pennsylvania.  She lives there today with the love of her life, husband Jay, and their green iguana named Stanley. She has worked eleven plus years in the manufacturing industry.  She has had many assignments ranging from operating a diaper production line to administrative and technical support in computer systems.  She enjoys writing poetry and personalized cards for all occasions.  She hopes to someday publish a romance novel and currently has 3 in the works.  Her hobbies include sewing, ceramics, bowling and occasionally singing Karyoke.  mah_ink@hotmail.com

Kathlyn Hendricks, Ph.D., ADTR, has had a lifelong passion for transformation and the power of consciousness. She directs The Hendricks Institute, which conducts trainings and workshops in relationship and body-centered transformation throughout the United States and in Europe. She is the co-author of nine books, including Conscious Loving and At the Speed of Life, and has appeared regularly on national television with her husband and partner, Gay Hendricks. (805) 565-1870.

Tracey Henry is a newly published author. Her various works include moving personal essays, children’s and short stories. Currently, she is working on her first novel. This particular story is dedicated to the memory of her mother, Ellen, her sister, Wendy, and her new niece or nephew. Tracey currently resides in the Tampa Bay area with her husband, Sean, and 2 young sons, Steven and Matthew. TraceyHenry70@aol.com

Lisl Hershberger, age 14, lives with her parents and older sister in Portland, Oregon. She keeps busy with competitive swimming, playing the piano, participating in her church youth group, and spending time with friends. She also enjoys baking, backpacking, and traveling and hopes someday to travel around the world.

Jan Hibbard has a background in social services and real estate and is presently marketing wellness products for Nikken International. She lives in Portland, OR with her husband and 2 children. (503) 244-5752.

Liz Curtis Higgs, is a Certified Speaking Professional and has earned the Council of Peers Award for Excellence with the National Speakers Association. She writes a bi-monthly column for Today's Christian Woman called "Life with Liz," and is a member of the American Association for Therapeutic Humor, Fellowship of Merry Christians, and the National Association for Professionals in Women's Health. She is the author of four humorous books for women: One Size Fits All and Other Fables; Only Angels Can Wing It, the Rest of Us Have to Practice; Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Have I Got News for You!; Forty Reasons Why Life Is More Fun After the Big 4-0. Her 4 children's books include: The Pumpkin Patch Parable; The Parable of the Lily; The Sunflower Parable; and The Pine Tree Parable. (800) 762-6565.

Constance Hill is founder and President of The Fulfillment Center, Inc., a service company that provides organizations with warehousing services to distribute and fulfill requests for product and literature. Hill started The Fulfillment Center in 1988 with $100 and one client. Today she operates a 15,000 sq. ft facility and has 25 clients. Hill lives with her husband and 2teenage boys in San Rafael, CA. (707) 224-6161.

Ellen Urbani Hiltebrand, MA, is an author and art therapist who specializes in developing art therapy programs to meet the psychosocial needs of physically-ill patients and their families. Her company, Healing Arts, provides national contracting and consulting services to healthcare organizations. She speaks at medical conferences throughout the country. She served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guatemala. The therapeutic school art program she developed while there is now used worldwide by Peace Corps Volunteers. A book about her experiences in Guatemala should be completed within the next year. (503) 413-8404. hiltebrand@juno.com.

Jo Hinds is a consultant and trainer specializing in communications and interpersonal relationships. She is a creative writer with Bachelor's degrees in Drawing/Art History and English. She has many years of experience in public speaking and small group facilitation. Her style is perceptive and probing to draw out the creative abilities of people who want to find solutions for personal problems and eliminate roadblocks to success. She has traveled and done seminars internationally. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and son. (503) 408-4977.

LaVonne Holland owns her own salon in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

Sarah Horst is 20 years old and attending Harrisburg Community College in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. She plans on graduating sometime in 2002. She lives at home with her parents and younger brother. In her spare time she enjoys reading, writing poetry, watching movies and listening to music. aplaceinthefrog@chickmail.com

Jean Houston, Ph.D., is an internationally-known psychologist, scholar, philosopher and teacher who has developed revolutionary new ways of unlocking the latent human capacities existent in each human being. Author or co-author of over 15 books, including Public Like A Frog; Life Force; The Possible Human; Godseed; The Search For the Beloved; and The Hero and The Goddess. She has also worked in human and cultural development in over forty countries. Her school of spiritual studies modeled on the ancient mystery schools, is now in its twelfth year. (914) 354-4965 * 354-3288.

Jennifer Howard lives in White Salmon, Washington with her husband and their four sons. She enjoys gardening, horseback riding, and spending time with her family and friends. Writing is a hobby that she uses to capture the milestones in her children's lives. (509) 493-4701.

Karen Howells is a speaker, trainer and consultant. She has worked for over ten years with major corporations such as Intel, Hewlett Packard, NIKE, and Textronix in the areas of leadership, team development and communication. Also a professional musician, she has sung with both the Oregon and Seattle Symphonies and frequently combines her business and performing arts experience to present information in innovative and inspiring ways for conferences and corporate events. Karen has also recorded two solo albums and is currently working on a third album, "Second Wind." (503) 246-2929.  Email:  karen@thehowellsgroup.com.

Barbara Marx Hubbard is an author, world renowned futurist, social innovator, speaker, citizen diplomat, social architect and prophetic politician. She has led a life of perseverance and commitment to a single purpose: To understand, communicate and encourage the evolutionary potential of humanity. Barbara has written The Hunger of Eve; The Evolutionary Journey; and The Book of Co-Creation: The Revelation: A Message of Hope for the New Millennium. With her partner, Sidney Lanier, she has co-founded the Foundation for Conscious Evolution. For information, please call: (415) 454-8191.

Sheila S. Hudson is a freelance writer/speaker, and a wife, mother, and grandmother.  Her company is called Bright Ideas, and her credits include Chocolate for a Woman’s Dreams, The Expressive Heart, Chocolate for a Teen’s Heart, Chocolate for a Teen’s Soul, Chocolate for a Woman’s Blessing, Chocolate for a Woman’s Heart, God’s Vitamin C for the Spirit of Men, Taking Education Higher, Casas por Cristo: Stories from the Border, and Life’s Little Rule Book. (706) 546-5085. Fax: (706) 546-7419.  sheila@naccm.org

Betsy Humphreys is a freelancer who writes creative nonfiction and poetry based on her North Carolina foothills home and suitcase experiences.

Victoria Marissa Hurtado is a junior at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. "The Long Ride Home" was originally an essay for an English course her sophomore year in college, which is now being recognized outside the classroom. She hopes to continue to write short stories in her spare time while developing a career in public relations.

Sharon Hyll, D.C., is a Chiropractic Physician in private practice in St. Louis, Missouri. She focuses on chronic disease management, integrating body, mind and spirit into her practice. Acupuncture and nutrition are also extensively used. She lives with her husband, 2 step children, 2 cats, one dog, and 2 Volvo wagons. (314) 227-4151.

Antionette Vigliaturo Ishmael is the 6th grade teacher at Visitation Catholic School in Kansas City, Missouri. She was a 1997 recipient of the "Excellence in Teaching Award" in Missouri. She is also a writer, coach, the wife of Phil, and most of all...the proud mother of Patrick, Anthony, and Dominic.

Beth Boswell Jacks has work that has been accepted for publication in a number of magazines, including Ladybug, Hopscotch, Shining Star, Kids’ Highway, Boys’ Quest, Lighthouse Story Collections, Working Writer, The Balanced Woman, Lonzie’s Fried Chicken, Devo'zine, Chocolate for a Woman’s Dreams, Story Mates, Story Friends and U.S.Kids. A weekly personal essay columnist for the Cleveland (Miss.) Bolivar Commercial, she has also published one book of creative non-fiction — GRIT, GUTS, AND BASEBALL — a story of sports and race relations in the Mississippi Delta. A full member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, she lives with her husband and basset hound in Cleveland, Mississippi.  jaxgbt@tecinfo.com

Kimberly Jacobsen is Planning Director for Wasco County, Oregon, and a mother. (503) 658-5003.

Roberta Beach Jacobson a freelance writer who lives in Greece. kafeniocom@rho.forthnet.gr; www.freeyellow.com/members/meierandjacobson.

Beth Schorr Jaffe is the author of the novel Fade to Blue (not yet published). She's completed a second novel and a collection of short stories and has signed with a literary agent in New York City. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, she graduated from Brooklyn College with a BA in English Literature/Creative Writing. She now lives in New Jersey with her husband and two sons. Writr2b838@aol.com 

Denise Allen Jakob, is a native New Yorker, born and raised in Brooklyn. After spending ten years in Dallas, Texas, the need for change and inspiration brought her, Bruno and Counselor to Portland, Oregon where she loves the landscape of the beautiful Northwest region. Her favorite pastime is traveling, reading, and walking with the dog. Passionate about Arts and Humanities, she is a creative spirit who believes in the art of living life to the fullest.

Debralee James balances a successful career in a large corporation with a heartfelt ministry at the Center for Expanding Consciousness in Phoenix, Arizona. She is the proud, single mother of two wonderful sons, Eric, a talented musician and Adam, a gifted artist. Since experiencing her first angelic visitor at age five, Debralee has sought to understand and use her spiritual gifts through service to others. Her sensitivity brings comfort to the terminally ill and allows her to lovingly assist families during the death experience. She uses Reiki healing and guided meditation to counsel abuse survivors. She enjoys writing and performing unique and beautiful wedding ceremonies, memorial services and birth blessings.  revdeb@cyberhighway.net

Jennifer James, Ph.D., holds a doctorate in cultural anthropology and master's degrees in both history and psychology. She is a columnist for the Seattle Times and one of Seattle's most popular commentators. She is one of the top lecturers in the world and the author of five books including, Success Is The Quality Of Your Journey, which has sold over 100,000 copies. (206) 243-5242.

Phyllis Jamison worked as a secretary for years while raising her 2 daughters. She entered college at forty and studied journalism. Fiction writing and a study of human nature are her primary loves, and now that she is retired, she enjoys spending her time in those pursuits. She's had 3 poems published recently and is currently writing a novel concerning a mid-life crisis in the marriage of a middle-aged couple. She also works as a mental health volunteer counseling older women suffering from depression. She lives in Beaverton, Oregon. (503) 644-8691.

Debb Janes is a morning radio personality and newswoman in Portland, Oregon. She's also a part time teacher at Mt. Hood Community College and is working on several books. She's an environmentalist and a lover of the great outdoors. In her spare time, she hikes, climbs and flyfishes in the great Northwest. She's also an avid gardener and a believer in self development through awareness and spirituality. She lives with her 13 year old daughter Kelsea. (503) 226-9791.

Marlene Rose Jannusch, Ph.D., is retired after 30 plus years of college teaching and administrating. This wife, mother, grandmother, educator, business woman and radio personality finally feels she has something to say. Over the past ten years, more than 300 short stories about life and love have surfaced. As writer and storyteller, the power of her gentle words touch the hearts and souls of her readers and listeners. (715) 532-7292.  jannusch@mscfs.edu

Joelle Yanick Jean is 21 years old and a junior at Boston College. She is an English major and plans on going into the fields of advertisement and/or journalism. She loves singing and staying up late. One day she hopes to writea book about her life and her family. She also wants to start her own magazine. jeanjo@bc.edu

Alana Jenkins is a 10th grader at Wilson High School near Henryetta, Oklahoma. She has been involved in FFA and 4-H for seven years, showing pigs, sheep, rabbits and chickens. She has participated in Tae Kwon Do for five years, holding the rank of brown belt. She is a member of the Church of Christ, and her hobbies include sewing and reading.

Cheryl Jenkins is a 17 year old high school senior and attends Wilson High School near Henryetta, Oklahoma. She has served as reporter and vice-president of her FFA Chapter, and has shown pigs and sheep for eight years. She has studied martial arts for 5 years and recently earned her black belt in Tae Kwon Do. She works part-time in her father's veterinary clinic, and is a member of the Church of Christ. jjinxdvm@aol.com

Nikki Jenkins’ story was written for her by her friend Michele Wallace Campanelli.

Pamela Jenkins lives near Henryetta, Oklahoma with Stanley, her husband of 21 years and their 4 children. She is office manager for her husband’s veterinary practice and receives inspiration for her writing from her family and through witnessing daily the bond between people and pets. She is a contributing author in Chocolate for a Woman’s Dreams, Written in Stone, and Chicken Soup for the Grandparent’s Soul, as well as being widely published on the Internet. She is a member of the church of Christ. ramblinrabbit@juno.com

Amy Lynne Johnson is a past contributor to the Chocolate series. She's a writer living in Sarasota, Florida, where she is currently working on books for children as well as several volunteer projects. AmyJ97209@aol.com 

Berniece Johnson, a former police officer, aspires to be the first black female country singer. (503) 240-4917.

Judith Bader Jones grew up in a Mississippi River town. She began writing at an early age to make sense of her world. One of her poems was chosen by the "Painters and Poets Project" in Kansas City, "Spotlight Gallery", October 2000. The Season of Light, a holiday anthology published one of her short stories, and she has a poem in Explorations 2000. She lives and writes in the Kansas City area. (913) 831-2074. jbjones8@swbell.net

Sarah Jordan is a mother, wife, writer and advocate for home education. As co-owner of Mindfull, she organizes ReThinking Education conferences; and mothers' retreats and lectures on all types of family matters. She lives in the small town of Double Oak, Texas just north of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, with her 3 homeschooled children and longtime friend, editor and husband, Gary. (817) 430-4835.

Taylor Joseph lives in Florida with her husband of 25 years. They marked their recent anniversary with a ceremonial renewal of their wedding vows. Sharing their story with Chocolate readers is her way of expressing the gratitude she holds in her heart for the gift of a good man. She is a co-owner of Grandfeather Productions, group of writers whose mission is to connect with the isolated, to comfort the injured, and to caution the innocent. Grandfeather@cs.com 

Lisa Juscik is the assistant director of athletic media services at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. (847) 733-8074.

Paola Juvenal is a writer and fiction consultant presently earning her MFA in creative writing and translation at a university in the Midwest. She still takes ballet class every once in a while.