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Meet The Authors

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Poet

Christie Beckwith

Christie is a pushcart-nominated poet, author, and freelance editor at Meraki Press. Between her day jobs and raising her three sons, she finds time to write poetry and perform at open mics. 

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Pastor and Nonprofit President

Dr. Leasa Rose Hogan

She is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God fellowship and holds a Doctorate of Ministry. She is the founder of Restoration Grace, a non-profit based in Oracle, Arizona. Check out her website here. 

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Woodworker and Outdoorsman

Jacob Pistner

Previously a teacher, coach, handyman, and now a conservationist and author, Jacob is constantly looking for challenges that drive him forward. 

Image by Fa Barboza

Pastor and Teacher

Wendy Hazlett

Wendy Hazlett is a former math, biology, and physics teacher turned pastor whose love of bedtime stories with her children inspired her to begin writing picture books. 

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Publisher and SAHM

Katie Zeliger

Katie is a wife and Mom to two little boys. When she's not chasing them around, she's working to bring other authors' dreams to life with Meraki.

Visit her author Website!

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Poet

Olivia Laughlin

Olivia Laughlin is a fierce poet and artist. Her work has been published in a multitude of journals and websites. Her inspiration is derived from the experiences that have ruptured her core and opened a portal of new becoming.

Image by Finde Zukunft

Full Time Student

Elias Vale

Elias Vale is a Pennsylvania native writer and avid enjoyer of the fantasy genre. As a child, Elias always envisioned being able to write and produce a book, and now that he has, he hopes it makes your day a bit more enjoyable.

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Retired Nurse

Susan Campañano

Susan Campanano is a licensed minister and retired nurse. Susan dedicates her efforts to E5 Life Strategies, Inc., a nonprofit that promotes soul healing for Christ followers. She uses her life experiences as a mother and grandmother to positively impact others through her writing.

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Therapist

Darlene R. Gildersleeve

Darlene Gildersleeve, from rural Pennsylvania, lives with her husband, Matt, and has two adult children. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Roberts Wesleyan College and is the author of "December Grace." 

Visit her website!

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Retired Entrepreneur

Scott M. Harris

Scott Harris lives and writes in DuBois, Pennsylvania. He shares his life with his love Stacey and their dog Toby. This is his first novel.

Visit his website!​

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Retired Professor

Greg Clary

Greg Clary was born and raised in Turkey Creek, West Virginia, and now resides in the NW Pennsylvania Wilds. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Marshall University, his Ph.D. from Kent State University, and is Clarion University Professor Emeritus of Rehabilitation and Human Services. 

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X-Ray Tech

Darlene Edmonds

Darlene is a native of Pennsylvania. Her ex-periences as a mother and grandmother enrich her understanding of children's imagination. Having read countless children's books, she aims to nurture them through endearing stories. Besides writing, Darlene works full-time as a medical professional.

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Pastor's Wife / Beekeeper

Heidi Hinnenkamp

Heidi Hinnenkamp is a follower of Jesus Christ and after attending Trinity International University to study Counseling, she began writing. Heidi enjoys a slow life in the Lowcountry of SC with her husband Sam and their six children.

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Hospice Nurse

Liann Beard

Liann is a jack of all trades, and those who know her love her! She has worked in everything from construction to hospice, but now spends her days outside with her chickens or laughing with family and friends.

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Licensed Practical Nurse

Shelbi Zimmerman

Shelbi Zimmerman is a Licensed Practical Nurse, dedicating her skills to the well-being of students. At home, Shelbi is a wife, and mom to two precious babies, her oldest being the source of inspiration for this story!

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Prolific Poet

Kirke Wise

Kirke Wise is one of the four founders of The Watershed Journal. He has been published in newsprint, various poetry collections, and in many literary magazines. Kirke is a prolific poet who writes for fun and for commissions. Website coming soon!

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Artist and Ministry Leader

Angel Lutcher

Angel Lutcher is a wife, mom, grandma, and entrepreneur. Angel and her husband, have been pastoring for 17 years. She is Co-founder of Captivated for Christ, a ministry that helps former inmates find hope and healing

through programming and housing. Visit her Website!

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Professor and Director

Shelly Hogan

Dr. Shelly Hogan is a wife, mom, nana, and spiritual mama to many. After pastoring for many years, she founded E5 Life Strategies, Inc., a nonprofit Christian Ministry that exists to teach and build up the body of Christ. Visit her Website!

Image by Foto Sushi

History Enthusiast

Don Hrinya

Donald F. Hrinya is a hometown history enthusiast. He has been passionate about capturing stories and retelling them in a colorful, relatable way. 

 

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Art Therapist

Megan Menkis

Megan Menkis is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Art Therapist. She has been practicing in PA for over 5 years and is passionate about working with children and families. Visit her Website!

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Writer & Editor

Wyeth Doty

A brand new Christian thriller author enters the chat. Too Christian for her unsaved friends, and not Christian enough for her church friends. Learn more about what sets Wyeth apart & gives her writing an edge. Visit her Website!

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Online News Editor

Jessica R. Shirey

Jessica is an online news editor with over 15 years of journalism experience. Visit her Website!

 

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Vice President of Sunrise Drilling

Jenn Marsico

Jenn is a wife and mom to a blended family of 6. She spends her time working at her family's drilling business, and running a nonprofit she started to help those struggling with addiction.

Visit her Website!

You could be Meraki's next Author

There is a story inside you that is uniquely yours, one that must be told. The only question is, are you ready to share your story?

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© 2025 by Meraki Press.

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