Poet, writer and animated storyteller, Lori Colvin grew up spending time at ‘the land’ where she developed a strong appreciation of nature and its benefits. She enjoyed many adventures in the woods with her children and now with her grandchildren. Lori considers her faith, family and walks in the woods important aspects of her life. A Quiet Conversation with the Snow is her first book.
Erie, PA native Patty PK Merski began writing jingles, stories and rhymes at a very young age, just for fun. She holds a BS in Management Information Systems and worked on innovative projects in health care for many years. Then she became a stay-at-home mom, raised three children, and started a publishing company with the creation of a single title.
She wrote Mother Beach many years ago to honor memories of summers spent on Lake Erie Beaches and at Grandma’s cottage, the setting for Mother Beach and where her love for hunting beach glass began. Patty and her husband, Ron live along the shores of Lake Erie and enjoy traveling, while she continues to create and write…usually in rhyme!
Clarabelle van Niekerk was born in South Africa of Afrikaans descent. She earned her degrees abroad, graduating from Bloemfontein Teachers College with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She also holds a degree in fine arts from the University of Orange Free State South Africa. Clarabelle toured Europe as an accomplished cellist for The Free State Orchestra, lectured at The Zwelitsha Art College and founded The London Puppet Theatre. Clarabelle has received many international awards including The Perry Cumberland Excellence in Puppetry Award.
Liezl Hartley, a native Afrikaner, was born in Cape Town. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a Master of Arts in Speech Language Pathology from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, USA. As a Speech Language Pathologist, Liezl has extensive experience working with students with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. She has led a primary school language unit for students with Asperger Syndrome in London, and also worked in various clinical settings in the United States. Liezl is a certified member of the American Speech Language Hearing Association and Speech Pathology Australia.
