8 & Under: PAL Mentorship

Hallee Adelman is a children’s book author who writes small books about big feelings. Some of her titles are a part of the Great Big Feelings series including Way Past Mad, Way Past Worried, and Kirkus-starred book, Way Past Jealous. Hallee is also a documentary filmmaker and executive producer on award-winning projects such as Our American Family, The Social Dilemma, Writing with Fire, and Daughters. In all of her work, Hallee strives to better the lives of children and families through education and story. With a PhD from Drexel University in Educational Leadership and Learning Technologies, she has taught elementary through university students and was nominated twice for the Disney Teacher of the Year Award. Her goal is for children, teens and storytellers to have opportunities to imagine boundlessly, discover strengths, and create conversations for a better world. Hallee lives outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with her silly dogs and family. She is a proud member of EPA-SCBWI.

Nazneen Akbari is an economic advisor currently leading the U.S. Department of State’s critical technologies portfolio in New Delhi. With over a decade of experience in marketing and communications, she has developed and implemented strategic initiatives for both companies and government entities. Nazneen is also a children's book author, with her debut book, "Home Away from Home," set to release in 2025. Growing up in Oman and Dubai, she developed a love for adventure and an appreciation for diverse cultures, which continually inspire her writing. A mother of two, Nazneen enjoys traveling, dancing, and reading. She has visited 20 countries so far and has many more on her bucket list.

Rose Cappelli is a former teacher and reading specialist. She is a fellow of the PA Writing and Literature Project and currently serves as co-chair of the Keystone State Literacy Association’s Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Award Committee. Rose is a member of SCBWI, the 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge, Inked Voices, and Courage to Create. Her publishing experience includes co-authoring several professional books for teachers on the use of mentor texts in teaching writing, all published by Stenhouse Publishers: Mentor Texts, Nonfiction Mentor Texts, and Poetry Mentor Texts. Rose has poems published in anthologies by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong and in Fabulous Facts from Little Thoughts Press. She was a 2022 PB Party finalist and was selected as a mentee for the 2022 and 2023 One-on-One Plus Conference sponsored by the Rutgers University Council on Children’s Literature.

A recovering attorney and microbiologist, Wendy is now a critique group facilitator for the PA SCBWI and Inked Voices, and completed Picture Book Bootcamp and the Nuts and Bolts of Science Writing at the Highlights Foundation. She was a 2022 PBParty winner, and a 2023 Rutgers 1 on 1 mentee. She recently won 2024 PBParty honorable mention and was chosen as a 2024 Inked Voices NF mentee. Her writing credits include professional articles, multiple stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul and the picture book Lola Shapes the Sky (Creative Editions, 2019). When Wendy isn’t reading or writing you can find her exploring nature or eating her husband’s cooking.

Thelia Hutchinson is a registered nurse, poet, and children’s author. Thelia is a Penn State University and Harcum College alumnus. Thelia was born in Jamaica and raised in The Bronx, New York. With her love of poetry and the birth of her wonderful daughter, Thelia began to extend her love of writing to children’s books. When she is not writing, she loves to read, cook, watch Christmas and rom com movies, and spend time with her family. Thelia's favorite color is pink. Thelia is a member of SCBWI, Mighty Kid Lit, PB buds and 12 x12. More Than You Imagine (Soaring Kite Books, 2024) is her debut picture book.

Nadine is an elementary librarian for the Schuylkill Valley School District. She loves how fortunate she is to be surrounded all day by books and children to share them with. She is the author of PORCUPETTE AND MOPPET a picture book about a bibliophile young porcupine and a bumbling predator, the fisher cat. Her other picture book RANDALL AND RANDALL, which earned a Kirkus Blue Star, is about the symbiotic relationship between the pistol shrimp, a master at excavation, and the goby fish, a skittish, yet happy-go-lucky watchman. She is a mom to 3 grown boys and 2 dachshunds but no porcupines or shrimp. She is a member of SCBWI and a committee member for the PA Young Reader’s Choice Award for the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association.

Ellen Ramsey's love of reading and writing led her to careers as a teacher, technical editor, and author of stories for children. Her picture book, A BOOK FOR BEAR, features Bear’s humorous adventures as he and his friend Ellen search for the perfect book to read together. The book celebrates friendship, inspires creativity, and encourages children to make books of their very own. A BOOK FOR BEAR has been nominated for a Keystone State Literacy Association 2024-2025 Elementary Book Award (Preschool Division). Ellen’s work has appeared in children’s magazines; and one of her poems, published in Highlights High Five, won an SCBWI Magazine Merit Award for Poetry. She and her husband live in a house filled with thousands of books, many teddy bears, and lots of laughter! More information is available on her website: www.ellenlramsey.com.

Jennifer Raudenbush feels most alive when she’s creating stories, especially picture books, poetry, and middle grade novels. Jen lives with her husband and teenage son in eastern Pennsylvania, where its natural beauty provides endless inspiration. She leads weekly write-ins as a volunteer with Inked Voices and biweekly write-ins with the eastern PA SCBWI. She has been published in Cricket children’s magazine and Little Thoughts Press, the 10.10 Poetry Anthology and Two Truths and a Fib Poetry Anthology. IN THE PALM OF MY HAND, illustrated by Isabella Conti, Running Press Kids (Hachette), is Jen’s first picture book. Connect with Jen at her website jenraudenbush.com , or on Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads.

Alyssa Reynoso-Morris is a queer Afro-Latine/x Dominican and Puerto Rican award-winning storyteller. Her ability to weave compelling stories has opened many doors for her as an author and speaker. She is also a mother and community organizer. During the day, she works with community members, non-profit organizations, and government officials to make the world a better place. Then she puts her writer’s hat on to craft heartfelt stories about home, family, food, and the fun places she has been. Alyssa was born and raised in The Bronx, New York, and currently lives in Philadelphia, PA, with her partner and daughter. She is the author of Plátanos Are Love, The Bronx Is My Home, and Gloriana Presente: A First Day of School Book. She hopes you enjoy her stories.

Rona Shirdan is the founder of Writing with EEEs, providing one-on-one book coaching to empower, equip, and encourage children’s book writers on their writing journey. She is committed to the process of peacebuilding in the areas of social justice and diversity. Rona wants all children to feel seen and valued through the books they read, while also learning to appreciate others with different experiences. Rona is the Customer Experience Coordinator and Program Ambassador for The Highlights Foundation. She serves as the Co-Regional Advisor for the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). She is a member of ACFW, the 12 x 12 Challenge, The Author’s Guild, Black Creators Headquarters, and has served as a judge for the Christian Book Award (ECPA). She has two grown sons and lives near Philadelphia with her husband, Andre, and her cat named Lola. Her published work is curriculum with Union Gospel Press and a leveled reader, Wangari Maathai: Mother of Trees (Benchmark Education). Visit Rona online at www.ronashirdan.com, https://www.facebook.com/rona.shirdan, https://x.com/RonaShirdan, and https://www.linkedin.com/in/rona-shirdan/

Heather Stigall uses her experience with children and her degrees in Child Development, Psychology-based Human Relations, and Social Work to create stories that speak to kids. She is the Critique Group/Meet & Greet Coordinator for the Eastern PA SCBWI Chapter, a member of the 12x12 Picture Book Challenge, and a wife and parent to five children and one pup. When she’s not writing, you can find Heather hanging out with her kids (hopefully at the beach), reading, eating chocolate, baking, or creating all sorts of treasures. Her debut picture book, PAISLEY’S BIG BIRTHDAY (Clavis Publishing) released in August 2023, has been published in five additional languages, and is a 2023 Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Award nominee. Her second picture book, GILBERT AND THE GHOST, (Beaming Books) is due out fall 2025. You can connect with Heather through her website, HeatherPierceStigall.com, her social media links at https://linktr.ee/HeatherStigall, or her agent, Amy Nielsen at the Purcell Agency.

Melissa Trempe is a picture book author of fiction and nonfiction in the Philadelphia area. Her debut picture book, LADYBUG LAUNCH: Inspired by a True Story of Chinitas in Space, is co-authored with Natalia Ojeda and illustrated by Manuela Montoya (Simon & Schuster, 2024), and her next picture book will be announced soon. As a former educator, she loves connecting with readers during school visits. Melissa provides a critique service for fellow authors and is represented by Amy Nielsen at The Purcell Agency. When she isn’t working, she loves reading with her kids, camping, skiing, playing with her dog, and eating just about any flavor of ice cream. Learn more about her and connect by going to her website at www.melissatrempe.com.

Annette Whipple celebrates curiosity and inspires a sense of wonder while exciting readers about science and history. She’s the author of more than a dozen fact-filled children’s books including The Laura Ingalls Wilder Companion: A Chapter-by-Chapter Guide (Chicago Review Press, 2020), The Truth About series including Whooo Knew? The Truth About Owls (Reycraft Books, 2022), and Quirky Critter Devotions: 52 Wild Wonders for Kids (Tyndale, 2024). She also writes for magazines such as Highlights for Children, as well as Sunday school and classroom materials. It delights Annette to connect with readers through author visits, conferences, and on-line. Annette lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and their three children. She enjoys wandering hiking trails and baking chocolate chip cookies for her family. Get to know her and explore her resources at www.AnnetteWhipple.com.

Jessica Whipple writes for adults and children. She published two children's picture books in 2023: Enough Is…(Tilbury House, illus. by Nicole Wong) and I Think I Think a Lot (Free Spirit Publishing, illust. by Joseé Bisaillon). Her poetry has been published recently in Funicular, Green Ink Poetry, Door Is a Jar, and Whale Road Review. Her poem "Broken Strings" was nominated for a 2023 Pushcart Prize. She lives in Eastern PA and inhabits the places where picture books and poetry intersect. You can find her on Twitter/X @JessicaWhippl17.

Adrienne grew up in South Africa and moved to the United States where she worked as an art director and graphic designer in advertising agencies before switching to illustration. She is a long-time member of SCBWI and served as the Illustrator Coordinator for the Eastern Pennsylvania chapter for many years. She won the Work of Outstanding Progress Award from SCBWI for the manuscript that became her debut picture book, HECTOR: A Boy, A Protest, and the Photograph That Changed Apartheid. Published by Page Street Kids in the US in 2019, and by Jacana Media in South Africa in 2023, it has been translated into five languages there. HECTOR received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews and ALA’s Booklist and has other notable acknowledgments including the Children’s Africana Book Award (CABA) for best picture book in 2020. She lives in Gulph Mills, Pennsylvania with lots of paints and pencils. http://www.adriennewright.com