Our Members
Welcome to Our Members page! LICWI is comprised of over 70 published and unpublished authors and illustrators. Please scroll down to learn about each of our members! Asterisk (*) denotes published members.
DIRECTOR AND OFFICER POSITIONS
Co-Chair: Janice Milusich, Co-Chair: Karenann Knotoff Treasurer: Cindy Sommer Secretary: Christine Rignola Parliamentarian: Debbie Vilardi Membership Coordinator: Deborah Cuneo New Member Liason: Tracy Speelman Website Coordinator: Deborah Cuneo Illustrator Coordinator: Deborah Cuneo Board Members : Brian Heinz and Sandy Lanton Honorary Board Member : Orel Protopopescue |
COMITTEE HEADS
Head of Hospitality: Ceil Than and JoAnn Krapp Author Illustrator Nights: Sandy Lanton and JoAnn Krapp |
Susan Abrahams*

Susan Abrahams taught gifted children for 22 years and had numerous articles and lessons published in trade magazines and national newspapers. She lives on Long Island three blocks from her grandsons who are her constant inspirations
for stories.
Book Titles
Hal the Hamptons Hound
hamptonhal@gmail.com
for stories.
Book Titles
Hal the Hamptons Hound
hamptonhal@gmail.com
Amal*

Amal is a freelance illustrator and drawing teacher living on the wacky Island of Long and currently working on a masters of illustration through the Academy of Art, SF. In her spare time (she's crackin' up), Amal runs a non profit organization called Artsac, providing art and school materials to an Afghan elementary school where they are working hard to figure out the speed of dark.
Book Titles
If I Were a Bird (Arabic)
My Magic World
Ali's Special Cure, 2010
Hetaliye, 2011
http://www.amalillustration.com/
Book Titles
If I Were a Bird (Arabic)
My Magic World
Ali's Special Cure, 2010
Hetaliye, 2011
http://www.amalillustration.com/
Jennifer Ball

Jennifer Ball is a freelance illustrator, graphic designer and painter working and living outside of New York City in Port Jefferson Long Island. She's a graduate of the Hartford Art School in Connecticut where she majored in Visual Communication Design and minored in both illustration and painting. Jen is a member of both LICWI and SCBWI. Her medium is a blend of oil paint and collage.
http://jenniferballfineartist.com/Illustration
http://jenniferballfineartist.com/Illustration
Raymond Bean*

Raymond Bean is a dad, a teacher, and the Amazon best-selling author of the Sweet Farts and School Is A Nightmare series. His books have ranked #1 in Children's Humor, Humorous Series, and Fantasy and Adventure. They often rank among Amazon's top 100 books for children.Translations of his books are available in Germany, Italy and Korea. Editions for Brazil and Turkey are on their way. He writes for kids who claim they don't like reading.
Book Titles
School is a Nightmare
The Sweet Fart Series
www.raymondbean.com
Book Titles
School is a Nightmare
The Sweet Fart Series
www.raymondbean.com
June Blair*

June H. Blair is an Illustrator and freelance Artist and Designer. She has been a member of LICWI since its earliest inception as East End Children's Writers & Illustrators and a long-time member of SCBWI. Her presentations demonstrating the evolution of the children's book from sketch-to-print have been well received by audiences that range from preschool to adult.
Book Titles
The Barnyard Cat
The Alley Cat
Still A Family
Book Titles
The Barnyard Cat
The Alley Cat
Still A Family
Susan Blake

Susan Blake began the writing journey many years ago in college. Being a retired
Montessori School Teacher, owner and creator of a children's creative movement
program and mother of two amazing children, she has no shortage of children's
topics to write about. Susan enjoys life adventures that are both fun and
inspiring.
www.susanblakestories.com
Montessori School Teacher, owner and creator of a children's creative movement
program and mother of two amazing children, she has no shortage of children's
topics to write about. Susan enjoys life adventures that are both fun and
inspiring.
www.susanblakestories.com
Caroline Bock*

Caroline Bock is a fiction writer, poet and screenwriter. LIE, a young adult novel, was published by St. Martin's Press in 2011 to much acclaim, including being called: "Unusual and important," in a starred Kirkus Review. She recently earned her MFA in Fiction from The City College of New York, and teaches there as an adjunct lecturer in the English department. She lives on Long Island with her family.
Book Titles
LIE
http://www.carolinebock.com/
Book Titles
LIE
http://www.carolinebock.com/
Karen Bonnet*

Karen Bonnet began her career as an editor/reporter in the early 1990s. Today, she works in public relations and marketing through her business, KLB Services. Karen is a co-host of a television show, The Writer’s Dream, which features local authors. She enjoys providing book discussions and workshops for schools, libraries, and book stores, based on
her riveting adventure story for elementary school-age children, as well as her life experiences.
Book Titles
Whale Island and the Mysterious Bones
www.whaleislandstories.wordpress.com
her riveting adventure story for elementary school-age children, as well as her life experiences.
Book Titles
Whale Island and the Mysterious Bones
www.whaleislandstories.wordpress.com
Yvonne Capitelli*

Yvonne Capitelli was born and raised on Long Island. Her inspirational line of children's books shares heartwarming stories of making good choices, self-empowerment, confidence, determination and being thankful. Yvonne hopes her uplifting messages encourage children to realize the amazing power they have within to create a life of happiness.
Book Titles
Daria Rose and The Day She Chose
I Get It! I Get It! How John Figures It Out
www.dariarosebooks.com
Book Titles
Daria Rose and The Day She Chose
I Get It! I Get It! How John Figures It Out
www.dariarosebooks.com
Selene Castrovilla*

Selene Castrovilla is an award-winning teen and children’s author. Selene holds an MFA in creative writing from New School University and a BA in English from New York University. She lives on Long Island with her two sons.
Book Titles
The Girl Next Door
Saved By The Music
By the Sword
Upon Secrecy
www.SeleneCastrovilla.com
Book Titles
The Girl Next Door
Saved By The Music
By the Sword
Upon Secrecy
www.SeleneCastrovilla.com
L.P. Chase*

L.P. Chase broke into the writing industry with her young middle grade mystery series, Elliot Stone, but has gone on to publish
other works on fiction. In between writing, Chase enjoys speaking to children about being an author and presents programs to grades K though 6. In addition to writing, Chase is pursuing a degree in Social Work. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her three children, exercising, baking, and reading. Chase resides with her family in Smithtown, New York.
Book Titles
Elliot Stone Mystery Series
Elliot Stone and the Mystery of the Sea Monster
Silly Spoon
www.lpchasebooks.com
other works on fiction. In between writing, Chase enjoys speaking to children about being an author and presents programs to grades K though 6. In addition to writing, Chase is pursuing a degree in Social Work. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her three children, exercising, baking, and reading. Chase resides with her family in Smithtown, New York.
Book Titles
Elliot Stone Mystery Series
Elliot Stone and the Mystery of the Sea Monster
Silly Spoon
www.lpchasebooks.com
Deborah Cuneo

Deborah Cuneo is a freelance illustrator, an art teacher and a current member of SCBWI, CBIG and LICWI. Her finished work is mostly acrylic and colored pencils, although she's always exploring new combinations of mediums with which she can create art. When Deborah is not illustrating, experimenting or teaching, she enjoys creating quilts, fiber art, photography, collecting art supplies and spending time with her family.
www.deborahcuneoillustration.com
http://www.deborahcuneo.blogspot.com
www.deborahcuneoillustration.com
http://www.deborahcuneo.blogspot.com
Diane Daversa

Diane Daversa is a Long Island illustrator, designer and fine artist. She works primarily in gouache, pastels,
acrylic and mixed media. Diane has been compelled to create art from an early age and earned a B.F.A.
in Design from C.W. Post College, L.I.U. After being a designer and fine artist for many years,
Diane is now concentrating on children’s book illustration.
ddaversa@verizon.net
acrylic and mixed media. Diane has been compelled to create art from an early age and earned a B.F.A.
in Design from C.W. Post College, L.I.U. After being a designer and fine artist for many years,
Diane is now concentrating on children’s book illustration.
ddaversa@verizon.net
Diana Ting Delosh*

Diana Ting Delosh is an illustrator/writer. Her illustration credits include: Farfaria, Harcourt Achieve, Scott Foresman, Ladybug Magazine. She has written for Highlights/High Five and Ladybug magazines. Diana received the Highlights/High Five Pewter Plate Award for Puzzle Poem of 2008 and the 2002 SCBWI Magazine Merit Honor Award for Illustration. She is a member of the SCBWI, CBIG and LICWI.
Book titles
An armful of Acorns
The Greedy Anteater
Once Upon a Midnight
http://dianadelosh.com
Book titles
An armful of Acorns
The Greedy Anteater
Once Upon a Midnight
http://dianadelosh.com
Linda Maria Frank*

Linda Maria Frank created the Annie Tillery Mystery series from her experiences teaching forensic science and her love of Nancy Drew. She likes to think of the series as Nancy Drew meets CSI. She is working on a third book and producing her local access TV show, The Writer's Dream.
Book Titles:
The Madonna Ghost
Girl With Pencil, Drawing
www.annietillery.com
Book Titles:
The Madonna Ghost
Girl With Pencil, Drawing
www.annietillery.com
Tom Gahan*

Author Tom Gahan weaves Long Island history and maritime culture throughout his novel, Harmony Bay. The well-received book earned him a place on an international list of authors at GoodReads.com, "Writers You Should Get to Know." Harmony Bay is a required read at several Long Island high schools. He is the Marketing Director at First Edition Design Publishing, the world’s largest eBook distributor.
Book Titles
Harmony Bay
www.tomgahan.com
Book Titles
Harmony Bay
www.tomgahan.com
Paula Groothuis*

Paula Groothuis is a speech therapist who lives and works on Long Island. She is the mother of two grown children,
who are successful and very "OK". Paula previously published a compilation of personal poems entitled, "A Clearer Reflection" and has a business in which she writes personalized poems for any special occasion including birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and retirements.
Book Titles
I'm OK
http://personalizedpoemsbypaula.com
who are successful and very "OK". Paula previously published a compilation of personal poems entitled, "A Clearer Reflection" and has a business in which she writes personalized poems for any special occasion including birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and retirements.
Book Titles
I'm OK
http://personalizedpoemsbypaula.com
Bonnie Grubman

Bonnie Grubman is grateful to have fallen in love with picture books, to have worked in early childhood education and to have had the dream of getting published come true. (And Moonstruck ever since.) When she is not writing, she is creating pretty things with artful "junque" like wood, nuts, bolts, lots of paint and vintage mismatched china.
Book Titles
How Do You Get A Mouse to Smile?
http://bonniegrubman.com/
_
Book Titles
How Do You Get A Mouse to Smile?
http://bonniegrubman.com/
_
Joe Guida*

Joe Guida is well known on Long Island, NY as "The Singing School Bus Driver." He performs his original music and stories at many schools and libraries. One of his hobbies is gardening and he grows a variety of vegetables and flowers. His moonflower plants inspired him to write his first book entitled The Legend of the Moonflower. Joe currently has three children CD's and a Scool Bus Safety DVD.
Book Titles
The Legend of the Moonflower
www.singingschoolbusdriver.com
Book Titles
The Legend of the Moonflower
www.singingschoolbusdriver.com
Kathryn Hegeman*

Kathryn T. Hegeman earned her doctorate from Teacher's College, Columbia University. For more than twenty-five years she has worked with children of all ability levels in the elementary grades and has designed and implemented programs for gifted and talented students. She is the author of more than two dozen publications in the field of education.
Book Titles
My First Book of Mind Your Manners: A Social Skills Guide for Children Mind Your Manners: A Social Skills
Guide for Children
Book Titles
My First Book of Mind Your Manners: A Social Skills Guide for Children Mind Your Manners: A Social Skills
Guide for Children
Brian Heinz*

Brian Heinz is a critically acclaimed author of children's books and an award-winning educator. He is also the founder of the Author/Illustrator events, an event that brings Long Island's finest authors and illustrators to their youngest fans. He also offers writing programs to school children and teachers. When Brian has a few relaxing moments, he builds historial model boats, and enjoys vacationing with his wife Judy.
Book Titles
Nathan Of Yester Year and Michael Of Today
Cheyenne Medicine Hat
Red Fox At McCloskey's Farm
http://www.brianheinz.com
Book Titles
Nathan Of Yester Year and Michael Of Today
Cheyenne Medicine Hat
Red Fox At McCloskey's Farm
http://www.brianheinz.com
Tim Hoppey*

For 27 years Tim Hoppey worked as a New York City firefighter
stationed in Spanish Harlem. Firefighters and the inner city have been the
inspiration for many of his stories. Tim is the author of several children's
books.
Book Titles
Tito, the Firefighter
Pedro, the Pirate
The Good Fire Helmet
stationed in Spanish Harlem. Firefighters and the inner city have been the
inspiration for many of his stories. Tim is the author of several children's
books.
Book Titles
Tito, the Firefighter
Pedro, the Pirate
The Good Fire Helmet
Lois Kipnis*

Lois Kipnis has over 40 years experience as a drama teacher and
arts administrator. Her educational books are the outgrowth of her experiences
as an artist in residence and hands on workshops that enable teachers to
integrate the arts into curriculum.
Book Titles
Things Can Always Be Worse! (a one act play)
Together We Can Improvise, Volume 1 (Grades K-3) and Volume 2 (Grades 4-6)
Have You Ever…Bringing Literature to Life Through Creative Dramatics (K-6)
arts administrator. Her educational books are the outgrowth of her experiences
as an artist in residence and hands on workshops that enable teachers to
integrate the arts into curriculum.
Book Titles
Things Can Always Be Worse! (a one act play)
Together We Can Improvise, Volume 1 (Grades K-3) and Volume 2 (Grades 4-6)
Have You Ever…Bringing Literature to Life Through Creative Dramatics (K-6)
Karenann E. Knotoff*

Karenann E. Knotoff began writing at the age of eight. By the time she was fifteen she had won several writing and poetry contests along with the honor of writing a play for her high school drama club. The play performed to two sold out nights. In 2007, her first children's book was published. Karenann is married with two children. She is an accomplished flutest, loves to read, swim, ride her bike, crochet, needlepoint and spend time with her family.
Book Titles
The Island of Rouge
Stylus
http://www.karenanneknotoff.com
Book Titles
The Island of Rouge
Stylus
http://www.karenanneknotoff.com
JoAnn Krapp*

JoAnn Vergona Krapp is a School Library Media Specialist. Her articles on children’s literature have appeared in numerous periodicals, including School Library Journal and School Library Media Activities Monthly. In addition to writing, Ms. Krapp is a watercolor artist. She resides in Farmingdale, New York, where she teaches writing and painting workshops for children. She is a member of the national Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Amity Artists Circle.
Book Titles
Have a Happy and Holiday Time
My Dinosaur Loves Circuses
Missing Treasure Means Trouble
www.jvkarts.com
Book Titles
Have a Happy and Holiday Time
My Dinosaur Loves Circuses
Missing Treasure Means Trouble
www.jvkarts.com
Melissa Kuch*

Melissa Kuch first realized her passion for writing after her first story was read before her third grade class. Today, Melissa’s stories and plays continue to inspire and entertain readers from all walks of life. In addition to writing, Melissa enjoys singing karaoke, playing tennis and watching The Marx Brothers movies. She currently resides in Massapequa Park with her husband Michael and approximately 20 fish (at last count).
Book Titles
The Hypothesis of Giants (Book One: The Assumption)
www.Melissakuch.com
Twitter: @kuchmelissa
Book Titles
The Hypothesis of Giants (Book One: The Assumption)
www.Melissakuch.com
Twitter: @kuchmelissa
Sandy Lanton*

Sandy Lanton, a former teacher, earned a BA in Psychology and an MS in Early Childhood Education from Queens College. When she isn't writing or visiting schools, she likes to crochet, play bridge, and read, read, read.
Book Titles
Daddy's Chair
Lots of Latkes
Still A Family, A Young Child's Book About Divorce 2011
http://www.sandylanton.com
Book Titles
Daddy's Chair
Lots of Latkes
Still A Family, A Young Child's Book About Divorce 2011
http://www.sandylanton.com
Erin Ley*

Erin Ley is an award winning author and presenter. As the Host of the talk radio show titled, Onward And Upward, Erin is doing her best to raise the proverbial bar within the family structure. Erin holds a B.A. degree specializing in speech language pathology with a minor in psychology from Hofstra University and is a member of the Board for "Strength for Life", as well as a member of SCBWI. Erin, a cancer survivor, is a wife and mother of three young children. Her greatest goal is to bring light, hope and inspiration through her work and daily living to those young and old.
Book Titles
Maggie the Magnificent Series
The Will to Live: The Perks of Cancer Through the Eyes of a Survivor
http://www.erinley.com
http://www.maggiethemagnificent.com/
Book Titles
Maggie the Magnificent Series
The Will to Live: The Perks of Cancer Through the Eyes of a Survivor
http://www.erinley.com
http://www.maggiethemagnificent.com/
Margie Malone*

Margret Gay Malone is an author with an extensive background in public relations. She has published nine children's books and her lastest has been released in both English and English/Spanish editions.
Book Titles
A Sweater for Duncan
Discovering Cultures: Italy
Jazz Is the Word: the Biography of Wynton Marsalis
www.MargaretGayMalone.com
Book Titles
A Sweater for Duncan
Discovering Cultures: Italy
Jazz Is the Word: the Biography of Wynton Marsalis
www.MargaretGayMalone.com
Susie Matias*

Susie is a Special Education Paraprofessional as well as a Pre-K assistant teacher. She also works with a diabetic child that inspired her to write her first book. She is married and has four children. In her spare time, Susie enjoys reading, socializing, and of course, writing poetry and children stories.
Book Titles
Harold - the Diabetic Horse of Course
Book Titles
Harold - the Diabetic Horse of Course
Donna McNaughton*

Donna McNaughton is a former legal secretary living on Long Island, New York, with her husband and two daughters. For many years, she has volunteered at church and school and currently works with preschoolers as part of a music and movement program called “Play Hooray" (formerly Musical Moppets) offered at public libraries throughout Long Island. Learn Along With Lily is her first picture book.
Book Titles
Learn Along with Lily
http://www.raindropbooks.com
Book Titles
Learn Along with Lily
http://www.raindropbooks.com
Janice Milusich*

Jan Milusich is a teacher for the blind and visually impaired and an author of picture books and middle grade e-books. She is currently looking forward to the release of her newest middle grade e-book entitled Bryn’s Quest: The Search for Clun’s Treasure. She is a member of SCBWI.
Book Titles
Off Go Their Engine, Off Go Their Lights June 2008
Marylou Q’s Dragon Dilemma June2012
Bryn’s Quest: The Search for Clun’s Treasure- November 2012
www.janmilusich.com
www.jansdoodlings@blogspot.com
Book Titles
Off Go Their Engine, Off Go Their Lights June 2008
Marylou Q’s Dragon Dilemma June2012
Bryn’s Quest: The Search for Clun’s Treasure- November 2012
www.janmilusich.com
www.jansdoodlings@blogspot.com
Tuere Morton*

Tuere Morton writes young adult fiction by night and is a health professional by day, earning an MS from the University of Stony Brook. When she isn’t voraciously reading, the Long Island native’s fearless children and lovable German Shepherd serve as inspirations for her stories. She hopes you’ll enjoy the first book in her series, ICON.
Book Titles
Icon: An Elite series
http://www.tueremorton.com/
http://tueremorton.wordpress.com/
http://twitter.com/tueremorton
Book Titles
Icon: An Elite series
http://www.tueremorton.com/
http://tueremorton.wordpress.com/
http://twitter.com/tueremorton
Jim Peluso*

A product of The School of Visual Arts, Manhattan, and Parsons Art School on Long Island, Jim is a creative artist/ writer best known for his “Cheese & Packers” cartoon strip which appeared in the Green Bay Packers weekly fan magazine, “The Packer Report”. His whimsical, rhyming children’s books are reminiscent of Dr. Seuss, with an eye toward teaching valuable lessons.
Book Titles
The Purple Porpoise Preserves the Planet with a ‘P’
Book Titles
The Purple Porpoise Preserves the Planet with a ‘P’
Valerie Pfundstein*

Valerie is a Kindergarten Support Specialist teaching reading, writing, music, art, and library skills. She loves teaching
through storytelling and incorporates her love of storytelling with her love for country and community.
Valerie lives with her husband and three children in Deer Park, New York, where she proudly serves as a Girl Scout leader and Boy Scout Venturing Crew advisor. She has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Elementary Education.
Book Titles
Veterans...Heroes in our Neighborhood
ValeriePfundstein@gmail.com
through storytelling and incorporates her love of storytelling with her love for country and community.
Valerie lives with her husband and three children in Deer Park, New York, where she proudly serves as a Girl Scout leader and Boy Scout Venturing Crew advisor. She has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Elementary Education.
Book Titles
Veterans...Heroes in our Neighborhood
ValeriePfundstein@gmail.com
Orel Protopopescu*

Orel Protopopescu is an award-winning children's author and poet whose book of translations, A Thousand Peaks, Poems from China (with Siyu Liu), was honored by the New York Public Library. Since 1990, she has conducted fiction writing and poetry workshops in schools and libraries all over Long Island and (in 2009) in Paris, France. Orel lives in Miller Place, New York, with her husband, Serban. They have two grown daughters.
Book Titles
Thelonioius Mouse
Two Sticks
A Thousand Peaks, Poems from China
Book Titles
Thelonioius Mouse
Two Sticks
A Thousand Peaks, Poems from China
Francine Poppo Rich*

I write children's picture books. I also publish books for children and conduct workshops on how to write for children. One of my books, Larry Bird: The Boy From French Lick was named to the 2010 Delaware Diamond State Book Award List. Librarians and reading specialists from across the state recognized this book as one of the top 20 books published in
2010 for students in grades 3-5. I have a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in creative writing. Raising my three children has been my biggest accomplishment, though. And I'm not even done with that project yet!
Book Titles
Why Can't I Spray Today?;
PeeWee Pipes and the Wing Thing
Larry Bird: The Boy From French Lick
www.francinerich.com
www.bluemarlinpubs.com
2010 for students in grades 3-5. I have a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in creative writing. Raising my three children has been my biggest accomplishment, though. And I'm not even done with that project yet!
Book Titles
Why Can't I Spray Today?;
PeeWee Pipes and the Wing Thing
Larry Bird: The Boy From French Lick
www.francinerich.com
www.bluemarlinpubs.com
Paul Rodrigeuz*

Paul Rodriguez is the author/illustrator, dancer/choreographer, rapper, environmentalist, teaching artist type. From New York to Louisiana, Paul has brought his books, music and programs to tens of thousands of children. With themes ranging from anti-bullying to understanding children with autism to environmental awareness, his books help children build positive self-esteem while teaching them to think and be thoughtful of others.
Book Titles
Star Spangle Sprinkes, Please!
The Friendly Factory Frenzy
Don't Do Drugs! Do Dance!
http://www.rodro.com
Book Titles
Star Spangle Sprinkes, Please!
The Friendly Factory Frenzy
Don't Do Drugs! Do Dance!
http://www.rodro.com
Doris Rueger*

Born and raised in Germany, Doris Rueger attended college in the US and graduated with an MA in literature and journalism. She retired from the scientific community after 30 years and now pursues her love for literature by writing and illustrating children’s books.
Book Titles
Adventures of the Little Red Fox
Morris The Village Voice
Ella the Pink Elephant: Her Life, Love and Fame
Book Titles
Adventures of the Little Red Fox
Morris The Village Voice
Ella the Pink Elephant: Her Life, Love and Fame
Addie Meyers Sanders*

Addie holds a BA in Elementary Education and a Masters with Distinction in Secondary Education English. She has been visiting schools and conducting classroom-writing workshops for over 25 years seeing over 10,000 children annually. She loves family, friends and traveling.
Book Titles
Alligators, Monsters & Cool School Poems
Top Fin; Dolphin Dives
Don’t Want To Go
Book Titles
Alligators, Monsters & Cool School Poems
Top Fin; Dolphin Dives
Don’t Want To Go
Darren Sardelli

Award winning poet and children's book author, Darren Sardelli, makes poetry fun and exciting for everyone. Darren has visited hundreds of schools and libraries, showing students that poetry can be adventurous, entertaining, and inspirational. During a visit, Darren performs his humorous poetry, shows students how to spice up their writing with humor, creativity and imagination, talks about the wonderful things that can be done with ideas, inspires students to think outside the box, and helps them realize that anything is possible.
Book Titles
Galaxy Pizza and Meteor Pie
http://www.laughalotpoetry.com
Book Titles
Galaxy Pizza and Meteor Pie
http://www.laughalotpoetry.com
Joseph E. Scalia*

Joseph E. Scalia was born in Brooklyn, New York and has taught English and Creative Writing on Long Island to reluctant junior/high school students for 33 years. He has written and published numerous poems, two novels, FREAKs and Pearl, and two books of short stories, No Strings Attached and Brooklyn Family Scenes.
Book Titles
FREAKS
Pearl
No Strings Attached
Brooklyn Family Scenes
jemscalia@aol.com
Book Titles
FREAKS
Pearl
No Strings Attached
Brooklyn Family Scenes
jemscalia@aol.com
Stephanie J. Shulman*

Stephanie J. Shulman has a B.A. in Fine Arts and a M.S. in Elementary Education. Stephanie is a school teacher who has been writing children’s stories and poetry as a creative outlet for many years. Her poetry was first published in "A Cascade of Memories- The National Library of Poetry". She looks forward to sharing her stories and inspiring her readers and listeners to laugh, smile, and connect through literature. Stephanie lives on Long Island with her husband and two children.
Book Titles
Monster Bash
The Nose Pickers
http://www.lillianblanchebooks.com
Book Titles
Monster Bash
The Nose Pickers
http://www.lillianblanchebooks.com
Tracy Speelman

Tracy Speelman is in the field of adult literacy education and an avid reader and writer of middle grade and young adult novels. She grew up reading authors such as Sandra Scoppettone, Judy Blume, Paula Danziger, and Robert Cormier, and is a fan of authors Marissa Moss, Jeff Kinney, and Ann Brashares. She just finished writing a middle-grade sports novel and is
now working on a YA novel.
tspeelman@gmail.com
now working on a YA novel.
tspeelman@gmail.com
Letty and Sheila Sustrin*

Sheila and Letty Sustrin are identical twin sisters who retired after teaching for 38 years in the Brentwood, N.Y. School District. In their "Life After Retirement" career, they have co-authored a humorous series about a retired teacher. The twins visit schools and teach children about retirement. They like to feel that their books have helped bridge the gap between young and old.
Book Titles
The Teacher Who Would Not Retire
The Teacher Who Would Not Retire Goes To Camp
The Teacher Who Would Not Retire Discovers A New Planet
www.sustrinbooks.com
Book Titles
The Teacher Who Would Not Retire
The Teacher Who Would Not Retire Goes To Camp
The Teacher Who Would Not Retire Discovers A New Planet
www.sustrinbooks.com
Cheryl Taborsky

When Cheryl's not running, swimming, biking, sailing, kayaking or hiking, she’s writing, painting and drawing. With eleven illustrations published with SCBWI and an award-winning poem published in Cassandra, Spring 2010, her dream of publishing one of her own books hovers ever so close. Currently Cheryl shares her stories and illustrations at Story Time with Cheryl, an interactive story time program for young adventurers.
www.storytimewithcheryl.com
www.storytimewithcheryl.com
Debbie Vilardi

Debbie Vilardi is a former ESL teacher. Her lesson plans appear in books from Gryphon House and she writes teachers' guides for Cobblestone magazine. She freelances for Tun Tun English, a imprint of Unibooks in South Korea, which published Animal Hospital, her first picture book, in 2008. Debbie is open to freelance assignments while she seeks an agent and/or editor for her picture books and novels.
Sandy Wasserman*

Sandy Wasserman is a teacher, author, wife, mother, and grandma and lives on Long Island, NY. She has taught for more than 30 years in both Public and Day Schools, working for the most part with Gifted children, who inspire many of her stories. She's loved writing. Sandy loves to swim, read, travel and explore unusual places. In the future, she hopes to inspire children through other book projects she's working on. She is a member of SCBWI, LICWI and the LI Association of Jewish Librarians.
Book Titles
The Sun's Special Blessing
www.sandywasserman.com
Book Titles
The Sun's Special Blessing
www.sandywasserman.com
Wendy Wax*

Wendy
Wax has written many children's books and illustrated some as well. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a BFA in graphic design, and moved to NYC where she became a children's book editor and a collage artist. Wendy has written many books for Nickelodeon. She writes "Pete the Cat" early readers and illustrated Pinkeriffic Playdate, a Pinkalicious early readers. Wendy also freelances as an editor/consultant, mostly for SCBWI members who want to get published.
Book Titles
City Witch, Country Switch
Even Firefighters Go to the Potty
Renoir and the Boy with the Long Hair
Bus to Booville
www.wendywax.com
Wax has written many children's books and illustrated some as well. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a BFA in graphic design, and moved to NYC where she became a children's book editor and a collage artist. Wendy has written many books for Nickelodeon. She writes "Pete the Cat" early readers and illustrated Pinkeriffic Playdate, a Pinkalicious early readers. Wendy also freelances as an editor/consultant, mostly for SCBWI members who want to get published.
Book Titles
City Witch, Country Switch
Even Firefighters Go to the Potty
Renoir and the Boy with the Long Hair
Bus to Booville
www.wendywax.com
Heather Worthington*

Heather Worthington is excited about the publication of her first book. She lives on the North Fork with her husband, two children, Labrador Retriever and two cats. She has a B.A. in history, an M.S. in Special Education and certification in elementary education. She has worked as a Learning Disabilities Resource Room Teacher and journalist. She particularly enjoys writing children's stories that stem from her interests in history and nature.
Book Titles
Miles of Smiles: The Story of Roxey the Long Island Rail Road Dog
http://www.walkthedogbooks.com/
Book Titles
Miles of Smiles: The Story of Roxey the Long Island Rail Road Dog
http://www.walkthedogbooks.com/
Michelle Zimmerman*

Michelle Zimmerman received a degree in Radio and Television from Kansas State University. She went on to complete her master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Kansas. She's been helping families and their children with a variety of communication disorders for more than 15 years. Michelle is currently spreading her wings and flying high. She enjoys fluttering across Long Island presenting programs with the release of her first children's book.
Book Titles
Can't Catch a Butterfly
http://www.rainbowstarbooks.com
Book Titles
Can't Catch a Butterfly
http://www.rainbowstarbooks.com
Joyce A. Zucker*

Joyce A. Zucker is a teacher, and professional musical storyteller a board and table game inventor. She creates educational interactive musical stories and songs. She gives workshops and programs for teachers and children (grades Pre-k to 4). She has presented and lectured at colleges, universities, elementary schools, libraries and museums. She also had a column in Parent's Connections. Many of her songs and games have been published in different publications.
Book Titles
Penny Paper Play Projects
Book Titles
Penny Paper Play Projects