2026 New England Spring Conference

Heidi EY Stemple (she/her) didn’t want to be a writer when she grew up. In fact, after she graduated from college, she became a probation officer in Florida. It wasn’t until she was 28 years old that she gave in and joined the family business, publishing her first short story in a book called Famous Writers and Their Kids Write Spooky Stories. The famous writer was her mom, author Jane Yolen. Since then, she has published almost 50 books with more under contract. Her newest include, THE POETRY OF CAR MECHANICS, a verse novel, JANIE WRITES A PLAY, a picture book, and the first book of the AVIAN ADVENTURERS, an eco-series for middle grade readers. Heidi lives and writes on a big old farm in Massachusetts that she shares with a dozen deer, a family of bears, three coyotes, two bobcats, a gray fox, a red fox, tons of birds, and some very fat groundhogs. Once a year she calls and counts owls for the Audubon Christmas Bird Count.

Nina Crews (she/her) is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator. Her first book, One Hot Summer Day, was published in 1995 and is still in print in hardcover and paperback. Other favorite titles include I’m Not Small, The Neighborhood Mother Goose, Not Done Yet: Shirley Chisholm’s Fight for Change (written by Tameka Fryer Brown), A Girl Like Me (written by Angela Johnson,) and Seeing Into Tomorrow: Haiku by Richard Wright (poems by Richard Wright). She will have two new picture books in 2025, Big Family Beach Day, multigenerational celebration of summer, and Liftoff: How the Apollo Moon Missions Made Alma Thomas’s Art Soar, a STEAM-themed true story with tremendous visual appeal. Nina’s work has been recognized by the ALA Notable Committee, the Black Caucus of the ALA, The Horn Book, Junior Library Guild, NCTE, CCBC, New York Public Library, Chicago Public Library, Bank Street College of Education, and many others. She is the recipient of the 2023 New York State Library Association’s Empire State Award. Nina is the daughter of children’s book authors and illustrators Donald Crews and Ann Jonas. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and son.

Anne Appert (they/them) is a nonbinary author/illustrator who spent their childhood with their nose stuck in a book, while their wild imagination transformed their New Jersey backyard into faraway places. Now, their imagination turns their dreams into words and pictures for children. Anne’s picture books include Blob and What If You Wish?, both published by HarperCollins. They also illustrated the chapter book series Zoomi & Zoe by Corey Ann Haydu published by Quirk Books. Their forthcoming projects include the picture book Happybaras by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen publishing with Little Brown For Young readers in 2026 and the early reader graphic novel series Vinnie and Ru by Laura Glattly publishing with Simon Spotlight in 2027. Their first graphic novel: Loch Ness Monster’s Unbelievable Science publishes with kids can press in 2026. Anne received an honor in the 2021 SCBWI Winter Conference Portfolio Showcase and won the 2023 New England SCBWI Conference Portfolio Showcase. They teach watercolor for illustration and digital painting in the Illustration Department at Montclair State University. You can find them online at anneappert.com.

Jen Betton (she/her) is an author-illustrator, art professor, and transatlantic tree-climber. Her picture books include HEDGEHOG NEEDS A HUG, published with Putnam (winner of Pennsylvania's Keystone to Reading Book Award), and TWILIGHT CHANT with Clarion (a NCTE Notable Book). Jen grew up with 5 dogs, 6 cats, 2 rabbits, 4 hamsters, 2 rats, 2 anole lizards (who escaped almost immediately), and several hundred fish. The child of a hippie and a surfer, her family was semi-nomadic: she lived in 17 different homes in 8 different states. She also lived on the island of Montserrat in the West Indies, which is small enough that pretty much everyone knew her name. She grew up with a love for animals, a taste for adventure, and a firm understanding of the importance of friends – all of which are themes in her work!

Elisa Boxer is an Emmy-winning journalist and two-time Sydney Taylor Book Award Honor author of more than a dozen nonfiction children's books, including Hidden Hope: How a Toy and a Hero Saved Lives During the Holocaust, which was a Sydney Taylor Honor Book, a Maine Literary Award winner for Best Children's Book of 2024, and a finalist for the Jane Addams Peace Association Award and the SCBWI Golden Kite Award. Elisa is particularly passionate about telling true stories of little-known heroes who defied social norms and gender stereotypes to create meaningful and lasting change. Elisa's other titles include: The Voice that Won the Vote: How One Woman's Words Made History; SPLASH! Ethelda Bleibtrey Makes Waves of Change; Pine Cone Regrown: How One Species Thrives After Fire, which was a New York Public Library Best Book of 2025; and The Tree of Life: How a Holocaust Sapling Inspired the World, which was a 2025 Sydney Taylor Honor Book and SCBWI Crystal Kite Honor Book. Elisa lives in Maine and her website is: https://www.elisaboxer.com

Katie L. Carroll is an award-winning author who writes books for kids, teens, and those who are young at heart. She began writing after her 16-year-old sister, Kylene, unexpectedly passed away. Since then writing has taken her to many wonderful places—both real and imagined. She wrote her YA fantasy ELIXIR BOUND, winner of the 2019 Connecticut Author Project for Best YA, and its sequel ELIXIR SAVED so Kylene could live on in the pages of a book. She teaches writing and publishing workshops for children and adults and works as a freelance writer. Katie also serves on the Library Board for her local public library. Visit her website at katielcarroll.com to see the full list of her published books.

Alexandra Hinrichs is the Children’s Book Editor at Islandport Press, where she acquires fiction and nonfiction board books through young adult books. She is also the author of The Lobster Lady, I Am Made of Mountains, The Pocket Book, The Traveling Camera, Thérèse Makes a Tapestry, and poems in various anthologies. Her books have won awards including Maine’s Lupine Award and Wisconsin’s Outstanding Achievement Award, and have been featured on news outlets such as ABC News, CBS News, and The Washington Post. Alex began her career as a historical researcher at American Girl before becoming a librarian and working in all kinds of libraries. She lives in Maine with her husband, three wild sons, two lazy cats, and one curious tortoise.

Rebekah Lowell (she/her) is an award-winning author/illustrator, designer, educator and Maine Master Naturalist with a curiosity for the natural world. A survivor of domestic abuse, she is passionate about resilience, freedom, and hope. Her middle grade novel in verse, THE ROAD TO AFTER (Nancy Paulsen/Penguin), was a Junior Library Guild selection and received multiple honors and awards. Her picture book illustration for, CATCHING FLIGHT (Doubleday/Random House), was long-listed for the World Illustration Awards. She earned her BFA from The Rhode Island School of Design, and her MFA from Hollins University. She earned her Nature Journal Educator certificate through the Wild Wonder Foundation and is earning her certificate in Natural Science Illustration through RISD. She serves on the Board for York County Audubon, transports birds for Avian Haven, and rescues monarchs from local hayfields. She is a Professor of Art, teaching Graphic Design and Nature Journaling at the University of New England and homeschools her daughters. Learn more about Rebekah and her work at www.rebekahlowell.com

Vivian Kirkfield (she/her) Writer for children—reader forever…that’s Vivian Kirkfield in five words. Her bucket list contains many more words, but she’s already jumped out of a perfectly good airplane, walked under the ocean, and traveled around the world in less than 80 days. When she’s not trying to fly through the air or sink under the water, you can find her writing in the picturesque town of Bedford, NH. A former educator, Vivian inspires aspiring authors at conferences and budding writers during classroom visits and on her blog where she hosts the #50PreciousWords writing challenges for adults and children. Her nonfiction narratives like MAKING THEIR VOICES HEARD: THE INSPIRING FRIENDSHIP OF ELLA FITZGERALD AND MARILYN MONROE; SWEET DREAMS, SARAH; PEDAL, BALANCE, STEER: ANNIE LONDONDERRY, THE FIRST WOMAN TO CYCLE AROUND THE WORLD; and ONE GIRL’S VOICE: HOW LUCY STONE HELPED CHANGE THE LAW OF THE LAND bring history alive for young readers and have received accolades including the New Hampshire PBS Literary Award of Excellence, CRA Silver Eureka, Social Studies Notable Trade Book, Best STEM Book K-12, Bank Street College of Education Best Book, and Junior Library Guild Selection.

Gina Perry is a New England author and illustrator. A graduate of Syracuse University, she worked in animation and product design before finding her true match in children's books. Her picture books have been on the Bank Street Best list and selected for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. She illustrates books from picture book through middle grade and is the creator of KidLitArtPostcard day - an monthly marketing event for illustrators.

Julie Phillipps (she/her) - Originally from Toledo, OH, Julie (J. C.) Phillipps took art lessons at the Toledo Museum of Art. She went on to earn her BA in Art and Theater from Hope College in Holland, MI and her MA in Theater Education from Emerson College in Boston. While working as an after-school teacher for a K-1 classroom, Phillipps read picture books for the first time as an adult. She realized creating picture books was a great way to marry her love of art and her education as a playwright. She bought several books on the craft and began her journey into creating kidlit. After joining SCBWI, Phillipps got her first agent and published her first picture book, Wink the Ninja Who Wanted to Be Noticed with Viking Press. She has since created four more picture books and the Pacey Packer Unicorn Tracker graphic novel series. Phillipps lives in West Hartford, CT.

Sera Rivers (she/her) is a Literary Agent at Speilburg Literary, an AALA member, and a writer. She represents books for the children’s and adult markets and is especially interested in inclusive narratives. She welcomes queries by children’s authors and illustrators who identify as BIPOC, LQBTQIA+ and other underrepresented and marginalized identities and cultures. She holds an MFA in writing for children from Simmons University. Prior to agenting, she was an editor in educational publishing. She lives in Connecticut with her partner and their island rescue pups Jett and Marty. Check out her full MSWL and status updates, and sign up for her newsletter W.R.I.T.E. Agent at SeraRivers.com. Follow her on socials @writeloudly.

Casey W. Robinson (she/her) is an award-winning writer of children's books and poetry. Her latest picture book, Small Things Mended, is a New England Book Award winner, a Christopher Award winner, a Crystal Kite Award winner, and received a 2025 Massachusetts Book Award Honor. It was also chosen for SLJ’s Best Picture Books 2024 list. Her debut picture book, Iver and Ellsworth, was a finalist for the Crystal Kite Award and Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award.

Lisa Rogers (she/her) is the award-winning author of JOAN MITCHELL PAINTS A SYMPHONY, called “simply marvelous” by Kirkus Reviews in a starred review; BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE MUSIC OF JOHN CAGE, which received the Golden Kite Honor award for nonfiction picture book text, the Julia Ward Howe Notable Book Award, and three starred reviews; 16 WORDS: WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS AND “THE RED WHEELBARROW,” which received two starred reviews, was called “a fine introduction to a celebrated American poet” by The New York Times; and received the Julia Ward Howe Award; and WOODY’S WORDS: WOODROW WILSON RAWLS AND WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS, termed “ A poignant tribute to the power of story" by Kirkus. Before becoming a full-time writer, Lisa was an elementary school teacher-librarian for 20 years and a news reporter. She lives near Boston.

Lauren Wolk (she/her) is best known for her novels, including the New York Times bestselling and Newbery Honor-winning Wolf Hollow, the Scott O’Dell Award-winning Beyond the Bright Sea, Echo Mountain, My Own Lightning, and Candle Island. She anticipates the publication of her first picture book, The Outermost Mouse, in May 2026 and two others thereafter. Wolk was a Senior Editor with an educational publisher, taught high school English and Creative Writing teacher, directed a cultural center for 15 years, has written for various periodicals, and has led writing workshops for students of all ages. She is also a visual artist represented by the Larkin Gallery (Harwichport and Provincetown, MA), an arts advocate, an award-winning poet, and, most recently, a filmmaker and co-founder of The InkLine Project. She lives on Cape Cod.

Eve Adler worked as an editor for over sixteen years before becoming an agent. She's building her list with authors and illustrators of board books, picture books, early readers, chapter books, and select middle grade projects. She’s drawn to stories that make kids feel comforted, loved, and understood; to diverse voices; to ideas that break the mold; to projects that meet kids where they are developmentally; and to books that expand kids’ worlds while helping them understand their own. She loves developing ideas with authors and illustrators, and finding the right home for each project!

After graduating with a B.A. in English from the University of Connecticut, where she developed a love for books that inspire empathy and foster a deeper understanding of the world in which we live, Lindsey became determined to carve a career in the publishing industry. She attended her first SCBWI conference in 2019, and later joined several critique groups, became a member of Julie Hedlund’s 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge, and a member of Inked Voices. She interned with Senior Literary Manager Kristen Terrette before starting her career as an agent. As an agented kidlit writer herself, Lindsey is familiar with the ups and downs of the query trenches and submission process and hopes to emulate the same compassion and quick communication she found in several agents who helped guide her own writing journey. Residing in Southington, CT with her husband and two girls, Lindsey enjoys borrowing unusually tall stacks of picture books from the local library, snakeboarding in the basement with her family, hiking in the summer, skiing in the winter, and celebrating all the “wins” with her favorite critique partners.

Adam is the Acquisitions Editor for picture books for Cardinal Rule Press. A former bookstore manager and nonprofit director, Adam earned his MFA in Fiction from Sarah Lawrence College and has written for both adults and children. He also works with writers on a freelance basis to shape and shine their stories. An active member of Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) and regular presenter at writing conferences, Adam lives in a hutch in Brooklyn, NY with his tween son and seriously adolescent bunny. www.adamdblackman.com.

Julie Bliven is an author and editor who has worked on more than one hundred children’s titles, ranging from fiction and nonfiction picture books to novels. She has collaborated with Lesléa Newman, Patrick O’Brien, Heidi E. Y. Stemple, Melissa Stewart, Rebecca Caprara, and many other talented creators. As an editorial consultant, she now specializes in shaping picture books and middle-grade novels at all stages of development, working with writers at various phases of their careers. Julie holds an M.A. from the Center for the Study of Children’s Literature at Simmons University, where she has also taught and mentored M.F.A. students. Her debut picture book, SOMETIMES SHY, marks the beginning of her author journey, with three additional picture books forthcoming. Julie lives in Maine, with her husband, son, and their dog, Lucy. www.julie-bliven.com

Kandace Coston grew up in the Bronx, New York, where she spent every day after school at the public library reading stories and writing her own. She graduated from Barnard College, Columbia University, where she studied music then won an internship grant from We Need Diverse Books. She did her internship at Lee & Low Books, joined their editorial team, and has been there ever since collaborating with talented creators on incredible books. Kandace enjoys working with debut picture book authors and illustrators and helping their projects blossom into published books. Kandace has had the great pleasure of working on the Lee & Low titles A Sky That Sings, Wat Takes His Shot, The Electric Slide and Kai, and Ours: A Story of Loss and Healing (March 2026) which received a starred review from Foreword Reviews. Professionally and personally, Kandace enjoys compelling narrative nonfiction, strong female protagonists, as well as any.

Sarah Dillard is the author and illustrator of numerous books, including the acclaimed Mouse Scout illustrated chapter book series and the Gourmand Award winning picture book Blueberry Cake. She is also an agent for Painted Words. Sarah is interested in illustrators who aspire to be authors as well. She strives to help illustrators tell the stories only they can tell. She loves character driven stories with heart and humor.

Julia Ermi graduated summa cum laude from Boston University, where she studied journalism. During her three years there, Julia wrote for the student newspaper the Daily Free Press and managed social media for the queer-and-female-owned music venue ONCE Somerville. After graduation and a stint at the Columbia Publishing Course, she quickly landed an internship at children's literary review magazine The Horn Book and, shortly after, a full-time position at literary agency Pippin Properties, which specializes in children's literature. She made the exciting transition to Heirloom Literary & Media in 2025, where she acts as the agency manager for powerhouse clients such as NYT bestselling authors Jason Reynolds and Katherine Applegate, and award-winning illustrators like Caldecott honoree Jason Griffin.

Christy Ewers is the Owner of The CAT Agency, and represents illustrators and author-illustrators in children’s publishing. She has been rooted in the industry since her mother, Chris, started the agency in 1994. Christy works closely with the entire “family” of artists, spearheading the promotion and deals for CAT Agency illustrators, as well as working alongside the authors in the group to help craft their stories and hone their writing for young readers. Christy is also a children’s book author. Her debut picture book is being published in the Fall of 2026 by Flamingo Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House. For more information on Christy & the Agency, please visit www.catagencyinc.com

Samantha Gentry (she/her) is a Senior Editor at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers where she acquires a wide range of picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and young adult, both fiction and nonfiction. She is the editor of the NEW YORK TIMES bestseller ALL YOU CAN BE WITH ADHD by Penn and Kim Holderness and illustrated by Vin Vogel, Pura Belpré Honor Winner SOMEWHERE BETWEEN BITTER AND SWEET by Laekan Zea Kemp, Reese's Book Club Pick HEIRESS TAKES ALL by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka, and Schneider Family Book Award Honor Winner IN THE BLUE by Erin Hourigan, among other titles.

Carter Hasegawa has been in the children’s book world for 20 years—as a book seller for various indies across the US, as an editor at Candlewick Press, and now, as an Associate Agent at Tugeau 2 Art & Literary Agency. Some of his favorite books include Watercress, My Papi Has a Motorcycle, Big, Tar Beach, Wednesday Wars, Ender’s Game, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Notorious Benedict Arnold, and SO MANY others. Originally from Seattle, he now lives in Boston with his librarian wife and their two young sons.

Alexandra Hinrichs is the Children’s Book Editor at Islandport Press, where she acquires fiction and nonfiction board books through young adult books. She is also the author of The Lobster Lady, I Am Made of Mountains, The Pocket Book, The Traveling Camera, Thérèse Makes a Tapestry, and poems in various anthologies. Her books have won awards including Maine’s Lupine Award and Wisconsin’s Outstanding Achievement Award, and have been featured on news outlets such as ABC News, CBS News, and The Washington Post. Alex began her career as a historical researcher at American Girl before becoming a librarian and working in all kinds of libraries. She lives in Maine with her husband, three wild sons, two lazy cats, and one curious tortoise.

Sasha Illingworth is the Associate Creative Director at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, where she oversees a diverse range of formats including picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, middle grade, and teen novels. After earning her BFA in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design, she moved to New York City and began her publishing career as a designer, illustrating more than 30 book covers. Sasha has designed and art directed a wide range of bestselling and award-winning titles, including Thank You, Omu! and Saturday by Oge Mora; Brown Girl, Brown Girl by Leslie Honore and Cozbi A. Cabrera; Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai and Kerascoet; When the Stars Came Home by Brittany Luby and Natasha Donovan; Hello, Tree! by Ana Crespo and Dow Phumiruk; Parks and Recreation: Leslie for Class President by Robb Pearlman and Melanie Demmer; Strong Mama by Robin Arzón and Addy Rivera Sonda; and many more.

Olivia Luchini is an associate editor at Penguin Workshop, an imprint of Penguin Random House. She has a diverse list of titles that includes board books, picture books, middle grade nonfiction, and YA novels. Olivia predominantly edits on the Who HQ series, where she has edited books on Taylor Swift, Simone Biles, Caitlin Clark, Travis Kelce, Beyonce, Vincent Van Gogh, Lunar New Year, Yellowstone National Park, Smokey Bear, Ariana Grande, and more! Olivia graduated from the University of California, Davis in 2019 and has worked for Penguin Workshop since 2020.

Kristen Nobles has worked in children’s literature for over twenty-five years as a Publisher, Art Director, and Designer at well-respected, independent publishing houses including Candlewick Press / Walker Books Group, Chronicle Books, and Page Street Publishing. Currently, as an Art Director at Charlesbridge Publishing, she loves to collaborate with debut talent on strong characters, global narratives, or evocative story ideas. Kristen graduated from the University of Buffalo, New York, with degrees in Communication Design and Art History, and has pursued further studies at SVA, Harvard, and Mass Art. At four and six years old, her two emerging readers keep her busy reading piles of picture books and chapter books at her home in Providence, Rhode Island or lakeside at her camp in rural Maine. Visit www.kristennobles.com.

Matt Phipps is an Editor at G. P. Putnam’s Sons, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, acquiring picture books, middle grade, and YA, including graphic novels for all ages. Titles he has edited include At the Cookout by Nadia Fisher, The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez by Jasminne Paulino, The Crayon Stub by Marcus Cutler, Majestica by Sarah Tolcser, and Trapped in the Horror Dome by Matt McMann. Prior to joining Putnam in 2020, he spent several years on Penguin’s School and Library Marketing team. He was an Editor Mentor with The Word: A Storytelling Sanctuary and volunteered with the Representation Matters Mentorship Program, in addition to serving on the board of the Penguin Random House LGBTQ+ Network and the Children’s Book Council Early Career Committee. He has also worked as a bookseller, a Spanish-English translator, and a college writing instructor.

Sera Rivers is a Literary Agent at Speilburg Literary, an AALA member, and a writer. She represents books for the children’s and adult markets and is especially interested in inclusive narratives. She welcomes queries by children’s authors and illustrators who identify as BIPOC, LQBTQIA+ and other underrepresented and marginalized identities and cultures. She holds an MFA in writing for children from Simmons University. Prior to agenting, she was an editor in educational publishing. She lives in Connecticut with her partner and their island rescue pups Jett and Marty. Check out her full MSWL and status updates, and sign up for her newsletter W.R.I.T.E. Agent at SeraRivers.com. Follow her on socials @writeloudly.

Alison S. Weiss has been in publishing for nearly twenty years. Most recently, she was acquisitions editor at Pixel+Ink, and before that, editorial director at Sky Pony Press. Her series include The Curious League of Detectives and Thieves by Tom Phillips, The Winterton Deception by Janet Sumner Johnson, Plotting the Stars by Michelle A. Barry, National Archive Hunters by Matthew Landis, Clara Poole by Taylor Tyng, Shiver-by-the-Sea by Erin Dionne, illustrated by Jenn Harney, Sky & Ty by Steve Breen, The Recess Genius by Janet Sumner Johnson, illustrated by Stacy Ebert, Timekeeper by Tara Sim, Dotwav by Mike A. Lancaster, and The Celestial Trilogy by Sangu Mandanna. Stand-alones include Devils Within by S.F. Henson, Brooding YA Hero by Carrie DiRisio, illustrated by Linnea Gear, The Duke of Bannerman Prep by Katie A. Nelson, Wandering Wild by Jessica Taylor, Team Canteen: Rocky Road by Amalie Jahn, Missy Wants a Mammoth by Pam Vaughan, illustrated by Ariel Landy, and Even Yetis Get Colds by Carlianne Tipsey. Alison runs her own editorial consultancy, and has worked with publishers including Simon & Schuster, Audible, and Holiday House, as well as private clients. Her books have been nominated for and received many awards and honors, among them a William C. Morris finalist and Edgars nominations, starred reviews, and have appeared on numerous end-of-year and state lists. Follow her on Twitter and Bluesky at @alioop7 or contact her through www.alisonweisseditorial.com.

Andie Krawczyk is currently the Sales and Marketing Director and Managing Director of NorthSouth Books. She was previously the Children’s Marketing Director at Chronicle Books and the Director of Library Marketing and Outreach at Candlewick Press. She holds a Master of Arts in Children’s Literature and Master of Science in Library Science from Simmons University. Andie lives on the North Shore in Massachusetts, where she's dreaming of adopting a dog and trying to visit every independent bookstore in New England.

Valerie Bolling is an award-winning author/educator who is passionate about creating stories in which all children can see themselves and feel seen and heard, valued and validated. She is the author of eight picture books, including SCBWI Crystal Kite Award winner, LET’S DANCE!; Kirkus Prize Finalist, TOGETHER WE SWIM; Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, I SEE COLOR; and Notable Social Studies Trade Book, A FLEA FOR JUSTICE. She’s also written a Scholastic Acorn early reader series, RAINBOW DAYS and books for teachers, GOAL SETTING IN THE WRITING CLASSROOM: BUILDING STUDENT AGENCY, INDEPENDENCE, AND SUCCESS and WRITING POETRY MONTH BY MONTH: INSPIRING THE POET IN ALL STUDENTS.

Stacy Barnett Mozer is the New England SCBWI Co–Regional Advisor. Her middle grade baseball series, The Sweet Spot, celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. In addition to crafting picture books and middle grade fiction, she is a book blogger and a mom. By day, she’s a veteran elementary school teacher who inspires young readers and writers in her first-grade classroom. For conference questions, email her at [email protected].

Kristine Asselin is the author of sixteen works of children’s nonfiction as well as the YA novel Any Way You Slice It and co-author of the middle grade novel The Art of the Swap. She loves volunteering with the Girl Scout of Eastern Massachusetts and the New England Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, where she serves as an Assistant Regional Adviser for Massachusetts. She is a sucker for a good throwback 80's song, and can’t resist an invitation for Chinese food or ice cream (but not at the same time). She lives in Central Massachusetts with her teen daughter and husband, and spends part of everyday looking for a TARDIS to steal. You can find Kris online at KristineAsselin.com. For questions about critiques, email her at [email protected].

Andrea Petitte is a 2014 Graduate of Full Sail University with a Master of Fine Arts degree. In addition to being the author of three current self-published Young Adult novels; Hit Me!, Darlington Motel, and The Draft, Andrea is the co-founder of Connecticut Book Fairs, an author-run organization dedicated to finding high-quality venues to highlight authors' books throughout Connecticut. Andrea is an Editor and a Proofreader, assisting other writers with getting their manuscripts in shape and has done extensive research and work in the field of Marketing a Book by using Social Media and other avenues. She lives in Greenwich where she and her SO are owned by 2 cats. You can find out more about Connecticut Book Fairs at https://www.connecticutbookfestivals.com. For questions about the Stamford Children's Book Festival, email her at [email protected].

Elaine Gencarelli has been writing stories and drawing since she was a child, and her love of picture books began in elementary school. For over 20 years, she has worked in education as an elementary school Library Media Specialist and Technology teacher, inspiring students to explore stories, creativity, and digital learning. Her passion for literacy, imagination, and innovation continues to shape both her teaching and her writing.

Theresa Tuaño is a writer and illustrator. She creates pictures with pencil, ink and digital techniques – either using intricate line work, or by carving out shapes that evoke woodblock and linocut. Theresa’s work is inspired by her love of nature, her Filipino-American heritage, and by the art and folklore she encountered during her many years living abroad as an international development and environmental conservation specialist. Theresa and her family now call Cape Cod, Massachusetts home. When she’s not writing or illustrating, Theresa can usually be found working in her garden or planning her next international trip. You can see Theresa’s work at theresatuano.com.

Annie Gregoire is a graphic collage and mixed media illustrator. She has a M.Ed with a minor in Children’s Literature. Annie’s portfolio won the SCBWI New Jersey Showcase in 2024. She now serves as NESCBWI’s Illustrator Coordinator. She gives a second life to discarded objects-recycling bits of trash and using them in her art. Her picture book debut, E. Norm Moose written by Heidi E.Y. Stemple is set to come out in fall of 2026.