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
Elizabeth Kann lives near Youngstown, Ohio, with her husband and son. She is a physician who has earned degrees from Vassar College, Columbia University, and Albany Medical College. She is a self-appointed chocolate connoisseur. pekann@pol.net.
Cindy Kauffman is a weekly humorist in Green, Ohio, where she lives with her husband and four children. She has written over 200 printed columns, and was previously published in Chocolate for a Woman's Dreams. CinKau75@aol.com
Lisa Kaufman is a native of Georgia. After following a handsome military man around the world for nearly twenty years she's finally settled in rural northern Alabama. Her busy life is shared with a husband, two sons, and a host of pets. She enjoys life to the fullest by staying close to God, her family, and her heart’s passion, writing. Her poetry has appeared in Portals Poetry Magazine and she reviews books for Poetic Voices an online poetry magazine. She is an adoptee and cares deeply about the issues surrounding the adoption and reunion process. Whenever possible she lends her time and efforts to this issue. At this time she is working on a collection of short stories and a novel, but never both in the same day! clk@iname.com
Shirley Kawa-Jump and her husband Jeff live in Indiana with their children Mandy and Derek. She spends her days writing and running after the kids, trying to contain messes and maintain her sanity. A fan of happy endings, she is the author of two non-fiction books and also writes for Silhouette Romance. shirley@shirleykawa-jump.com. www.WritingCorner.com
Kimberly Keenan, MSW, LCSW, has spent 15 years working with families as a social worker in the field of child welfare and mental health. She is currently working on her high school teaching certificate in hopes of educating teens in communications and life skills. When not doing laundry, she enjoys writing children’s books, short stories, and greeting cards. She recently completed her first novel, The Diary of Claire, about a child’s journey through family alcoholism. She lives in Peoria, Illinois along with her husband and two children. (309) 691-0525
April Kemp, MS, is an award winning motivational speaker and sales trainer. She is dynamic with a high energy delivery style dedicated to the education of audiences nationwide. Her company specializes in motivational keynote speaking and sales training for women. Along with her husband, April developed a motivational software product, Motivational Mind Bytes™. For more information call: (800) 307-8821.
Kathi J. Kemper, MD, MPH, is an internationally known pediatrician educator, author and researcher. She is the author of the widely acclaimed book, The Holistic Pediatrician, and president-elect of the Ambulatory Pediatric Association. Her greatest life adventure and joy is being Daniel's mom.
Nancy Kiernan, Ph.D., is an educator, a professional speaker, and a cancer survivor. She is committed to helping raise awareness for others with life-threatening problems by writing and speaking about the proven links between chronobiology and one's medical choices. Her current book in progress reveals many little known truths about "perfect timing" and helps a woman strategically plan for a healthy life. (602) 391-9132. AZKiernan@aol.com.
Sharon Kinder is the author of StrangeLuck, A Diary Of Spiritual Transformation, a collection of short stories and essays exploring 24 lessons from spiritual Masters to assist in conquering fear to achieve love, compassion and personal mastery. StrangeLuck is beautifully crafted of handmade paper from Thailand, bound with silk cord and decorated with exotic beads. Sharon is an amateur naturalist and lives on several wooded acres outside Scappoose, Oregon. She has been married thirty-one years and is the mother of two adult sons. She is currently working on her second book, Connecting With Death, Ghost Stories For The 21st Century. www.StrangeLuck.com or sharon@virgapress.com
Kathy Coudle King is married and the mother of four young children. She has a B.F.A. in playwriting from NYU, and an M.A. in English from UND. She's written over a dozen plays, and several screenplays, which she hopes to see made into movies. Her first novel, Wannabe (2002) revolves around the rites of passage of a group of friends in a Cuban-American town in New Jersey — first bras, first kisses, and the guts and glory of friendships are all explored in humor and detail. When not writing or chasing after her lil' darlin's, she teaches writing and women studies at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Please visit her at her web site where you are encouraged to share your own stories: www.AngelFire.com/nd/wannabe.
Marlene L. King, MA, resides with her husband on their secluded "Mystic Ridge" acreage in a Pacific NW forest encircled by Nature's most exquisite flora and fauna. Companioned by her umbrella cockatoo, Kramer, she writes and practices dreamwork that is Jungian based and intuitively inspired by her natural surroundings and knowledge of the therapeautic expressive arts. Her column, "Dream Times," appears quarterly in Dream network magazine. (541) 471-9337. marlene@chatlink.com
Peggy Kline is the proud mother of Melissa, Angela and Trevor who have provided her with much joy (and material)! She is a nationally known speaker and humorist who specializes in nurturing the needs of women with humor and hope. Her award-winning program "Who's Mothering Mom?" has been sponsored by Gerber Products company for over five years and has delighted moms across this nation. Her ability to reach and inspire women everywhere has found her on national talk shows, radio and in newspapers across the country. She can touch and tickle the hearts of women at your next women's conference or event. (616) 891-1153.
Tammy Kling is a freelance writer, speaker, and the author of Searching for a Piece of My Soul - How to Find a Missing Family Member or Loved One. She specializes in talks on adoption, family searches and reunions, and crisis management. She spent years serving on an emergency response team for a global airline and is currently working on her first novel, Impact. (972) 248-1429. Tammy_Kling@notes.sabre.com; www.TKling.com
Dorothy Hutchins Klingbeil has been a registered nurse, a caseworker for Social Services and a special education teacher. Her education is in nursing with a Masters in Education and Arts. Her hobbies are writing and arts and crafts. She has won a writing contest and had articles published in Colorado where she lived before moving to "sleepy" Hinesville, Georgia.
Linda L.S. Knouse lives with her husband in the suburbs of Philadelphia and has been the chronicler of her family since early childhood. She gets her writing ability from her mother, whose vivid pictures of family history were often repeated in the form of storytelling. Linda is a freelance writer for Montgomery Publishing. LLKnouse@usa.net
Kristin Dreyer Kramer started writing when she was ten — when she, her cousin, and their two Cabbage Patch Dolls formed the Poo Authors’ Club. After wading through three years in an advertising agency, she escaped, became a freelance writer, and married a great guy named Paul. She is the editor-in-chief of NightsAndWeekends.com and the author of a number of humorous articles, which she swears she’s going to publish in her very own book someday. And somewhere, in the back of a closet, she still has her prom dress. krdrkr@hotmail.com
Dawn Kreiselman is a poet and short story writer. She lives in Florida with her husband Ben and her children Eve and Teelah. Her hobbies include playing guitar, working out, and just having fun with her kids.
Polly Camp Kreitz is published in the anthology, Fountain of Words. She has completed her first novel, Magnolia Meadows, and has a second novel in progress, Hollyhock Ridge. Both novels are set in the Cheaha Mountain area of her native state of Alabama. Gold Band of Undying Love is from her collection of short stories in progress. Her greatest inspirations are her five sons, Gary, Ron, Gerald, Tracy and Don. She resides in San Antonio, Texas. pckreitz@earthlink.net
Elizabeth Krenik is a mother of three daughters and a first grade teacher. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends; and keeps busy with gardening, reading, traveling and performing a reader's theater presentation that she wrote about her brother's fight against AIDS. etrax@frontiernet.net
Christi Kromminga is a freelance writer residing in Monticello, Iowa where she is an avid journalist for her family of five, including three children. She especially enjoys recounting the emotions and blessings in the day-today celebration of Motherhood! (319) 465-5347.
Patricia Kulzer is a mother of three and marketing/sales manager for an engineering software development firm in the San Francisco area. She is currently channeling her artistic energies into administrating a family-based business creating heirloom memory quilts. (925) 513-9352.
Bonita (Bonnie) Laettner was an elementary teacher for 28 years. She has a master’s degree in education. She is on the Newsletter Committee of the Mothers of Professional Basketball Players. She has written two books about her family, which she hopes to have published.
Lon My Lam is a teacher in Honolulu, Hawaii. She was born in Vietnam, but raised in Oregon and California before settling in Hawaii. Her greatest ambition is to live each day fully with integrity, patience, and love. (808) 623-7897. jaloguci@cchono.com
Susan LaMaire is a graduate of Bucknell University where she enjoys visiting on vacations. She is a former high school English teacher who prefers making a living as a full-time waitress and part-time bookseller. While her life thus far has not been easy, she prides herself in turning the traumatic into the dramatic by retelling the story on her terms. She had previously been published in Chocolate for a Woman’s Heart and Chocolate for a Lover’s Heart and is currently working on her first novel. She resides in an overly pink apartment in Brick, NJ and enjoys eating Samoa Girl Scout cookies, using her free cell phone minutes and anything Disney. (732) 477-0407
Kathy Lamancusa, CPD, CCD, MSF, writes and presents Family Lifestyle, Creativity and Creative Skills programs designed for parents, teachers and students. Over 1 million copies of her books and videos have been sold, her column appears in magazines nationally and internationally, and she can be seen on television on The Discovery Channel, The Learning Channel, PBS and Home & Garden Network. Her own show, "At Home With Flowers," is a "how to" lifestyle program appearing on PBS around the country. For information on seminars, presentations, books and videos, call (330) 494-7224. www.Lamancusa.com
Catherine Lanigan has been writing for twenty years and is the author of twenty-one novels, including the novelizations of Romancing the Stone and The Jewel of the Nile. She has introduced a new breed of heroine into the literary fold, "The Evolving Woman," a character who builds an arsenal of wisdom, dignity and courage that will fortify her capacity to love and be loved despite very real tragedies and crises. Her self-empowerment stems from an abiding spiritual faith which guides her and continually renews hope. Look for her recent release, In Love's Shadow, and her upcoming release The Legend Makers, 7/99 with MIRA Books. clanigan@worldnet.att.net; www.CLanigan.com
Edna Miner Larson (Edina) is a published writer of poems and short stories. She has worked as a salesperson, stenographer, bookkeeper and supervisor of a hospital admissions office. At the time of her early retirement, she was the Administrative Director of a large, physicians’ exchange. Her college education was wedged in along the way. Since becoming a widow at the age of 52, she has been a Hospice volunteer, taught a literacy program through a local college and has enjoyed creating and teaching the art of Eggery. She thinks writing is something you do akin to decorating a Christmas tree, you take a plain piece of paper and bring it beauty by the adornment of your words. And publication is putting the star at the top of the tree.
Penne J. Laubenthal, Ph.D., is Coordinator of the Humanities Unit at Athens State University (Alabama) where she teaches courses such as Literature: The Healing Art and Myth: Ritual and Culture. She is a former executive board member of the National Association of Poetry Therapy, and she serves on the advisory board of Mythosphere. She is certified in Reiki and in Integrative Yoga Therapy. Her article, A Humanist Looks at the Mind-Body Connection, appeared in the Journal of the Medical Association of Georgia. She offers workshops and seminars in bibliotherapy and mind-body healing. (256) 729-6500. penneelk@aol.com
Stephanie Lauridsen has been a News Producer for Westcott Communications in Carrollton, Texas, since November 1992. She produces, reports, writes, shoots and edits for the Automotive Satellite Television Network. As Co-coordinator for the Westcott Communications Internship program, she frequently speaks at Texas universities to recruit new interns. As an automotive journalist, she also serves as the first female President of the Texas Automotive Writers Association. She is active in her Christian life as a Senior High Youth Group Counselor and accompanies the group twice a year to continue the youth mission in Acuna, Mexico. (972) 417-4340. stephl@wctv.com
Gladys Lawler is a 93 year old poet living in Kansas City, Missouri.
Kathryn Lay lives in Texas with her daughter and husband. She homeschools and writes full time. Her writing has appeared in Guideposts, Woman's Day, Chocolate for a Woman’s Blessings, and many others. rlay15@aol.com
Mary Dixon Lebeau is a freelance writer and employment counselor. Her work has appeared in such publications as ePregnancy Magazine, the Christian Science Monitor and Baby Years. She also writes a weekly column for The Gloucester County Times. Mary and her husband Scott share a home — and a drawerful of socks — in West Deptford, NJ. mlebeau@snip.net
Ruth Lee is a feature writer for her hometown newspaper The Drexel Star. From 1987 to 1996 her column, A Little Bit of Life, was anticipated and enjoyed by her readers. She is a seven times first place award winning member of the Missouri Writers' Guild and a member of the Ozarks Writers' League. Her poetry, inspirational fiction, and personal essays have appeared in a wide array of publications including Stories for a Kindred Heart and Chocolate for a Woman's Spirit. ruthlee2@casstel.net
Wendy (Reid Crisp) Lestina is a public speaker and the author of 2 books, 100 Things I'm Not Going To Do Now That I'm Over 50; and Do As I Say, Not As I Did: Perfect Advice From An Imperfect Mother, both from Penguin/Putnam/Perigee. She was formerly a magazine editor (Savvy) and the national director of the National Association for Female Executives. She has an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont. She lives on a farm in northern California with her husband, John. annabel144@yahoo.com
Irene B. Levitt, MGA, has been an instructor and professional lecturer in handwriting analysis at the college level since 1985, is President elect of the National Speakers Association, Arizona chapter. She provides document examination, vocational analysis, criminal investigation, jury screening and personality assessments. She is an expert on Graphotherapy and is working with inner-city teenagers to help improve their self-esteem. She is a member of the Governors' Commission on Prevention of Violence Against Women. To order her book, Brainwriting, or the Publication/Audiotape/booklet: A Key to Your Personality - Using Handwriting Analysis, call (602) 661-9199. irlevitt@aol.com
Alexandra Lewis is freshman at Lincoln High School in Portland, Oregon. She enjoys writing stories and poems. She has publicly read several of her poems through Poet Speak, a northwest organization who focuses on spreading the beauty of poetry. She loves spending time with her friends and family. This is her first published story. lewisr@pdx.edu
Jeanne Evans Lodwick a former gymnastics and ski instructor, now teaches 4th grade. She and her husband and four sons recently moved into their family-built 4000 square foot log home in the woods. She lives in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. (970) 879-2288.
Heather V. Long is a freelance writer who resides in Virginia. When she is not working hard on writing assignments, she is working on quilts and spending time with her husband Scott and daughter Cassidy. Currently working on her first novel, she also raises horses, manages four dogs, three cats and a tank full of fish. heatherlong@aol.com. www.HeatherLong.com
Bridget Lopez is delighted to be part of the Chocolate series. After over a decade in the NYC hotel business, she left to go back to college — with the support and encouragement of her husband, Dave. She graduated from Marymount Manhattan College this year with honors and a BA in English, after serving as editor of the school's Literary Review her senior year. She is currently working as a freelance editor as she continues to write her short stories, essays, and plays.
Mary LoVerde, MS, ANP, is a professional speaker and founder of Life Balance, Inc. Her passion is researching new ways to balance career success with a happy and healthy family. She is the author of Stop Screaming at the Microwave: How to Connect Your Disconnected Life published by Fireside/Simon & Schuster, and has produced an audiotape series entitled, June Cleaver Never Fried Bacon in a Bill Blass Dress. For information about her customized Memory Jar and Memory Cards, please call: (303) 755-5806. Connect597@aol.com
Beverly C. Lucey has published fiction in Portland Maine Magazine, Flint River Review, Moxie, and Four stories appear in We Teach Them All (Stenhouse Press). She edits two ezines: www.LanguageWrangler.com for educators and word lovers and www.WomanOfACertainAge.com. She can also be seen in ezines: TW3 ezine, Zoetrope All-Story Extra — Gift Wrap, and in Vestal Review — Waiting for the Flight. She is an instructor of education at Agnes Scott College.
Nettie R. Lucio has lived in San Antonio since birth. She married Jose S. Lucio after graduation from high school; and they have three children. She started working at St. Mary’s University Academic Library in October, 1977. As an evening studies student, she recently received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. nettie@stmarytx.edu
Jill Lynne, a photographer and writer, is known internationally for her special portraits of VIPs, documentation of popular culture, environmental nature studies, use of cutting-edge technology and alternative photographic techniques. With 21 solo exhibitions, her photography is represented in prestigious collections, and her photography and writing have appeared in Newsweek, Vogue Italia, Ms. and The Miami Hearld. Based in New York City and Miami, she also produces special promotional and fundraising events for such organizations as the United Nations, the Nature Conservancy, and the American Foundation for AIDS Research. (212) 741-2409 or (305) 532-8096.
Phyllis Mabry has published poetry and articles during her twenty years teaching in secondary education. She serves as a writing judge for the National English Council, and is currently working on her first novel. (217) 428-1166.
Catherine Madera is a freelance writer and mother of two. She enjoys writing essays and short stories. In addition to the Chocolate series, her work has been published by Victoria magazine. She lives in northwest Washington and besides writing, enjoys gardening, reading, and horseback riding. She still believes what she learned as a teen: "There is nothing better for the inside of a man (or woman!) than the outside of a horse." res07883@gte.net
Nancy Maffeo is a former school teacher who lives with her husband of 26 years in San Diego, California She has written a column on parenting for a webzine and has contributed articles to books, regional papers and Christian magazines.
Brianna Mahin-Ayers is eighteen years old and is currently an English major at the University of California at Davis. Some of her favorite nonacademic activities include backpacking, swimming, attending church, and of course writing. She is a member of the South Bay Branch of the California Writer's Club, a columnist for a local newsletter, and a frequent contributor to the school newspaper. To college she has taken a great many pieces of paper for she plans to write her way through the next four years just as she has done every day of her life. briannafmahinayers@ucdavis.edu
Mary Jane Mapes, Certified Speaking Professional, professional keynote speaker and seminar leader, specializes in interpersonal communication and managing personal change. She is known for thought-provoking, cutting-edge programs that appeal to the head and touch the heart. She is from Kalamazoo, Michigan and can be contacted by calling (616) 324-1847.
Christine Marek is a 33 yr. old mother and wife, who presently works as an industrial electrician. Christine began writing for therapeutic reasons while in counseling to end a violent marriage and to heal from her own childhood sexual abuse. Much to her surprise as Christine began to heal, she began to connect with a gift that had remained under wraps until now. (815) 258-7788.
Danielle Marie is a published author, successful business woman, entrepreneur and consultant. She has started and helped build dozens of companies. Her focus in life is helping people find a sense of home and family both in their work and in their personal lives She helps people identify the values that give meaning to their lives and coaches them to live those values. She resides in Scottsdale, Arizona and is working on her newest book on creating a sense of family through tradition. (602) 607-9007.
Shelly Marks, MS, is co-author of Miscarriage: Women Sharing From the Heart. Allen & Marks, publication by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1993. (619) 469-6267.
Lauren Maser lives in New Zealand and is the director of a marketing and communications consultancy that develops strategies for bringing businesses and their customers closer together. she also presents keynote speeches, siminars and workshops on motivating teams and individuals in achievement, self-esteem, assertiveness and developing effective communications skills. Phone and fax: (649) 521-1344. lmaser@xtra.co.nz
Dana Massie is an adventurous individual who dedicates her life to exploring. She spent one year living in a remote mountainous village of 60 people. She was also an exchange student in Japan and during that time developed a great love for the Japanese culture. In addition to Japan she has traveled in the Pacific Rim and Europe learning about new cultures. When not exploring, she is working on her own business hand cutting dog silhouettes out of wood. (360) 236-7293
Lynne Massie is a business consultant, speaker and coach who mobilizes people by training them in both personal and professional development. She is also a cancer survivor who has written a book about her intense and inspiring journey through cancer called, The Buttercup Has My Smile. (503) 675-0058. cymitar@gte.net
Carolyn Masters, MS, Ed.Sp, is the president of Masters Resource Group. She consults, writes and speaks on the human side of change. She is the author of When Change Is Your Company's Middle Name, a handbook for executives and business owners experiencing company transition. She holds a masters degree in guidance and counseling and an education specialist degree in administration. She is a member of the National Speakers Association and the Arizona Speakers Association. She, her husband, and their miniature Dachshund enjoy their southwest living in Tucson. (520) 297-6674. Ckmasters@aol.com
JaNell Davis Mathews is a writer, an editor, and a newspaper opinion columnist. She holds a B.A. degree in English from Utah State University. She feels truly blessed to be Connor's mom, Trent's wife, and is grateful to live in a place where she is surrounded by her extended family as well. tmathews@favorites.com
Joanne McCall, a veteran radio broadcaster for 18 years, is co-host of a weekly radio talk show in Portland, Oregon. As president of McCall Public Relations, one of Joanne's greatest passions is helping authors and speakers promote their work. She considers working on the "Chocolate" series with Kay Allenbaugh and the contributing authors to be an honor. Joanne leads a joyful life with her husband, Gary, their dog, Houston, and cats, Thelma & Louise! (503) 245-3107.
Cher Laughlin McClintock enjoys a dedicated family life with her son, married daughter and husband, Nevin. Cher is a middle school teacher of writing, English and U.S. History. She holds two masters degrees, guides trips of 8th graders to the East Coast to soak up history, lavishes time on her garden, her husband, her amusing 18 year old son, and cherished friends while cranking out the miles power walking the Portland landscape. (503) 244-9471.
Dena McClung lives in Aurora, Colorado and works for the Federal Aviation Administration as an air traffic controller at a major airport. She enjoys flying, playing piano, writing, and exploring the great outdoors. denamccl@pcez.com
Judith McClure is the director and resident minister of the Center For Expanding Consciousness in Phoenix, Arizona. She, along with her dog Bear and cat, Angel, is the official welcoming committee for Sunday services and the many classes held at the center. She teaches "Speaking and Creating with Your Angels" and "Making Unique Water Fountains for Your Spiritual Garden." (602) 279-3998. j_mcclure@earthlink.net
Barbara Arnstein McCormack is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in national magazines.
Claudia McCormick is a freelance writer and member of the Dublin, CA city council. She and her husband, Tom have a combined family of six children, eleven grandchildren and four stray cats. Chindidub@aol.com
Ann McCoy is a secretary who lives in Vancouver, Washington with Ed, her husband of 30 years. They have two grown sons and a grandson. She is a beginning writer, who receives encouragement in her efforts from her family and her friend, MJ Evans. mccoy1969@aol.com
Marilyn McFarlane is a freelance writer and the author of numerous travel books, including Best Places to Stay in the Pacific Northwest (5 editions); Best Places to Stay in California (3 editions); Quick Escapes in the Pacific Northwest; and Northwest Discoveries. Her most recent book is Sacred Myths: Stories of World Religions, a vividly illustrated, award-winning book of beloved stories from seven spiritual traditions. She co-leads a women's spirituality group and has made pilgrimages to sacred sites around the world. She lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband John and visits her eleven grandchildren as often as possible. mmcf@easystreet.com
Ann McGee-Cooper, Ed.D., is an author, lecturer, business consultant, creativity expert, and widely-recognized leader in the emerging field of brain engineering. Her work has been featured in major publications such as the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, and International Management. She has authored three books, Building Brain Power; You Don't Have To Go Home From Work Exhausted! and Time Management for Unmanageable People. Her Creative Time Planner is now available through Day-Timers. She can be reached at (214) 357-8550.
Alleyne McGill is originally from New York. She is a parent and a former airlines executive. Her published articles, essays, short stories, travel pieces, creative non-fiction, poetry and a play have been, or will soon be, seen in The New York Times, The Writer Magazine, Newsday Magazine and newspaper, Unity, MD, Intro, NY Air, and Mexico City News. She has numerous On-line credits as well. She was a semi-finalist in a Phyllis A. Whitney “Writing To Win” contest. She moved to Mexico 15 years ago where she writes and takes part in English language theater. aljons@usa.com
Elizabeth McGinley is a homemaker and free lance writer/editor, specializing in family and medical issues. Her favorite topic is life with her husband and her two daughters in a big old house in Philadelphia.
Sheri McGregor is an internationally published writer whose women’s, parenting, self-help and psychology articles appear in publications including The Washington Post, Sunset publications, Australia’s InfoWeek, USA Weekend and Reader’s Digest publications. Her novels have been translated internationally. A mother of five, she uses the lessons she’s learned to inspire other mothers who have dreams to pursue. She is currently finishing her psychology degree. She speaks to women’s groups on overcoming physical and mental obstacles. Her website includes her writing and profiles successful mothers who share their joys and sorrows, and practical advice. (760) 746-2949. smcg@sbcglobal.net. www.MothersWhoDream.com
Eleanor McLaughlin lives in British Columbia, Canada and is a Sign Language Interpreter for the deaf. She and her husband Joe of 20 years have three teenage sons. A Catholic, her passions include meditation and writing. EleanorMcL@aol.com
Terri McLean lives in Northern Minnesota with her husband and four sons. She has been an Elementary School teacher in Minnesota and Mexico. She currently enjoys working with students and others in various community activities and is working on stories for children and young adults. Rlmclean@aol.com
Rene B. Melton is a working mom, wife and chocolate lover. This is her first contribution, and she is thrilled to share her story with readers. Her time is split between her seventeen-year career, her husband of eighteen years, two boys, one cat, one dog, PTA and little league.
Robin Michelle Mendoza, MS, CCC, is a speech language pathologist and special education teacher in the public schools. She has had her poetry appear in Womankind, In Friendship’s Garden, and This Is My Beloved. She lives with her best friend and husband, Alfredo, two wonderful children, Christian and Brandon, and loyal cat, Rio, in San Carlos, California. She feels so blessed to have the love and support of her families and friends. mllelapin@pacbell.net
Alex Merrin is an intuitive personal growth coach whose passion is supporting people in conscious evolution. She is a senior associate of the Hendricks Institute, Director of the Institute's Personal Supervision Program working with individuals, couples and corporations. (503) 228-7784.
Connie Merritt is a writer and humorous and engaging professional speaker who speaks in 50 cities a year on dealing with difficult people, change and building your business. She is currently working on three books, Finding Love Again: The Over-Forty Dating Survival Manual; TheTen Smart Conversations to Have Before Getting Naked: Dating Guideline for the New Millennium; and Tame the Lions in Your Life — Dealing with Difficult People and Tough Times. (949) 494-0091 or (888) 882-4246. coach@conniemerritt.com
Kyla Merwin lives and writes in Bend, Oregon. kyla@empnet.com
Molly Meyers is a retired correction officer and a writer. She has a BA (cum laude) in English and a minor in journalism and is pursuing a MFA in writing studies. She enjoys riding/jumping horses, fencing and sentimental movies. She is currently working on her memoirs and believes her inspiration comes from the silent stirring that resides in us all. (973) 427-8675
Hope Mihalap is an author, actress, radio personality and the voice behind hundreds of national commercials. As a professional speaker, she has received the prestigious international Mark Twain Award for Humor, won also by Bob Hope and others. She is one of only twenty women in the world to be awarded the National Speakers Association's Council of Peers Award of Excellence. She has an ear for accents and an eye for hilarious situations. (804) 623-0429.
Chris Mikalson lives with her husband in Alberta, Canada, and has two daughters and three grandchildren, two girls and a boy. She works full-time as a bookkeeper for a car dealership. On weekends and evenings, when not spending time with the grandkids, she pursues her love of writing. She has had articles published in Grandparents Today, and Woman’s World, and writes for the “Soapbox” of her local newspaper. Her biggest project, a romance novel, is waiting for its second draft. i-mik@telusplanet.net
Susan Miles is a writer and photographer. Her current series, The Heart of the Flower, depicts the inner beauty of nature through macro photography. Her images are available as prints and on greeting cards. (503) 525-0055.
Phyllis Miletich has been a Sunday feature writer for the Penninsula Daily News in Port Angeles, Washington for twenty-three years. She is the author of three books, As Seen Through the Ayes of Phyllis Miletich; Understanding it Backwards; and Footsteps: One at a Time. She is a speaker and workshop leader and has written articles for a variety of publications, conducted college writing classes, worked as a script-writer for a Hollywood film production company. She received the top award for non-fiction given by the Washington Press Association's Awards for Excellence, and the prestigious Pacific Northwest Writer's conference, which represents work from five Western states.
Carol Sjostrom Miller lives in New Jersey with her husband, Jack, and daughters, Stephanie and Lauren. Looking for something quiet to do during her daughter's naps, she started writing and hasn't looked back. Now a nationally published freelance writer, her articles, essays, and humor pieces have appeared in Pregnancy, Baby Years, Women's Health & Fitness, ByLine, WritersDigest.com, Skirt! The Christian Science Monitor, and many other publications. When she can find the time, she takes classes toward her master's degree in English and Publishing at Rosemont College, and hopes to finish graduate school before her kids do. miller_carol@usa.net
Caroline Milleson is a freshman at Lincoln High School in Portland, Oregon. She loves to coach soccer on those crisp and clear mornings, and to play year round with her school and private clubs. She lives with her with her parents, sister, brother and dog, Lucky. She enjoys being with her friends, dancing, reading, writing, and of course, playing soccer. She would like to thank Cher McClintock for being an inspirational teacher and friend, who created the opportunity for her first story to be published. carolinemilleson@hotmail.com
Marla Hardee Milling is Director of Communications at Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, NC. Her articles and essays have been published in The Christian Science Monitor, ePregnancy Magazine, Pregnancy Magazine, Healthgate, Smart Computing's PC Today, Armchair Millionaire, Smoky Mountain Living, Blue Ridge Country, Debt Counselors of America, the Myria Media network of Web sites, Babycenter.com, and others. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two children. marla@reporters.net
Deborah Mills-Elder is a freelance photographer in her spare time, a catcher for the "All-Ontario" provincial soft-ball team and she works full-time at Queen's University as a Compensation Administrator in Battersea, Ontario Canada. She sees rearing her children as her biggest accomplishment in life, and her grandparents were the most influential in her childhood. millsd@post.queensu.ca
Anita Cheek Milner is a lawyer, a humorist, and a stand up comic. She enrolled in law school in her 40's, passed the California Bar Exam at age 50, and is now known as "The Change of Life Attorney." Anita keynotes to groups all over the United States presenting, "Laugh and Stay Healthy." Anita celebrated her 60th birthday by performing stand up comedy in Debbie Reynolds' Lounge Show in Las Vegas. (619) 480-9130.
Jann Mitchell is a feature writer for The Oregonian in Portland, Oregon. She has received national awards for her coverage of social issues, features, humor and mental health. Her popular Sunday column, "Relating," provides insights into our relationships with others and ourselves. She is the author of four books, Codependent for Sure; Organized Serenity; Home Sweeter Home; and Love Sweeter Love. She lectures widely on personal growth and simplifying your life and can be reached at (503) 221-8516. (503) 221-8516 jannmitchell@news.oregonian.com
Paula Conrad Mlekush began writing after going back to college when her only child left the nest. She thanks her college professors for encouraging her to submit her work for publication. A proud member of Phi Beta Kappa, she continues to write stories and essays. She divides her time between homes in Greensboro, North Carolina and a Blue Ridge Mountain retreat. When not writing, she loves reading, working in her flower garden, spending time with friends, family, and her beloved cocker spaniel, and sipping that perfect glass of chardonnay with her chocolate. pmlekush@triad.rr.com
Eileen Modracek was first published in her local newspaper at the age of ten with a poem about her cat. She has since been published in Guideposts magazine. Prior to her retirement, her career was spent in working with special needs children. Her two sons are now grown. Recently widowed, she shares her home with her dog Katie. After hearing Divine inspiration, she has returned to writing and looks forward to the journey ahead. modracek@olypen.com
Gayle Montanez is the author of Kara and the Swing (online) and the story will soon be a listener essay on NPR's Living On Earth. gmmontanez@cs.com
Carole Moore is a writer and newspaper columnist based in North Carolina. A former police officer, she has also worked in television news and as a radio talk show host. Married and the mother of two, she is also the author of The Perils of Eileen serialized fiction, which is carried on her Web site: www.TheHumorWriter.com. carolemoore@writershood.com
Cheree Moore is a Christian counselor who developed a passion for writing at the age of nine. She is a former high school teacher who enjoys working with teens, reading, and scrapbooking. For the past six years, Cheree has enjoyed competing in scholarship pageants and now directs a local Junior Miss program. She holds a master's degree in marriage and family therapy and resides with her husband in Florida. chereemoore@hotmail.com
Emily Moorehead is a published humorist and essayist. She is often referred to as "a piece of work." Humor Editor for eThis! Magazine, she is a full-time online writer and lives in the wilds of Greater Hermitville, located in rural Tennessee. A frequent contributor to numerous online ezines including Themestream, her work has been featured in Headlight Journal, Ennui Magazine, and Harry Saratoga. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of the Streets, majoring in Urbanity and Wackiness. emlin@multipro.com
Mary Manin Morrissey hold's a Master's Degree in Psychology. Her growing global audience is a tribute to her inspirational speaking and teaching ministry. She counsels and leads seminars reaching thousands each year as the founder and spiritual leader of the Living Enrichment Center, often referred to as a model of the 21st Century Church. She is the author of Building Your Field Of Dreams, Bantam Books. (503) 682-5683.
Kathleen M. Muldoon has been writing for the past twenty years. She is the author of a picture book, Princess Pooh, and is a frequent contributor to juvenile and adult periodicals. When not writing, she is active in church and community groups. An amputee, she also advocates for persons with disabilities through writing and public speaking. She loves cats, and treasures the antics and wet-nose kisses of her kitty, Prissy.mink@texas.net
Amy Munnell has been a freelance writer/editor since 1987. Her work has been featured in such magazines as Byline, Careers and the disABLED, Georgia Journal and Athens Magazine. She is on the Board of Directors for the Southeastern Writers Association. She lives in Athens, Georgia. (706) 354-0361. nega_writer@yahoo.com
Marguerite Murer is a professional speaker, an educator and the Executive Assistant to the President of the Texas Rangers Baseball Club. Combining her educational background with her unique baseball experiences, Marguerite inspires and energizes her audiences to step up to the plate and hit a home run. (817) 273-5234.
Kate Murphy lives on Skaneateles Lake in upstate New York. Writing is a second career for her after many years working with women and their children. Much of her work focuses on living with illness and disability, and as a former Judson Jerome Scholarship winner, she has published poetry and personal essays exploring these themes. She is a survivor of breast, ovarian, and colon cancers and is currently working on a book about emotional support and cancer recovery. katemm@mindspring.com