Regional Advisor
Hi! My name is Roberta M. Rivera, and I'm the Regional Advisor for the SCBWI Long Island Region of New York. I'm an illustrator, a writer, a television and book designer, and a former preschool and art teacher. Being a visual book creator for children's books is my passion and life.
Assistant Regional Advisor
I am originally from upstate New York. I went to SUNY Oneonta, majoring in theatre arts, where I met Karen, whom I have been married to for over 30 years. I moved to Long Island in the early 80s. I worked as an Industrial Designer for 34 years. I currently operate out of my studio—FanCatStic—located in Huntington Station. My art is primarily focused on cats. I tend to see cats in everything. I work in all media and work with found objects to “Bring out the Cat” in them in a folksy, whimsical way.
Illustrator Coordinator
I am an illustrator/author working toward my first picture book. I have always been fascinated that art can convey both story and emotions in a single picture. I am a librarian by trade, with degrees in education and art, and have worked in both digital and traditional media, with a true fondness for linework. I am the Illustration Coordinator for the Long Island chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, where I contribute newsletter articles about art tips and techniques and hold weekly Zoom meetings for our members.
Social Media Coordinator
Roseanne Baxter Frank is the social media coordinator for the Long Island chapter. Our accounts are @scbwilongisland on FB, Instagram, and X/Twitter. You can contact her for all promotions and news through any of the social media accounts. Roseanne is a freelance editor and hosts picture book writing workshops at local libraries. She has several traditionally and indie published books, and is an editor for Blue Whale Press.
Writer Coordinator
Maria Wen Adcock is the author of IT'S CHINESE NEW YEAR, CURIOUS GEORGE (2023) and the picture book MY NAME IS AI LIN (July 1, 2025). She is a critique group moderator for SCBWI Long Island and is represented by The Seymour Agency. Maria is a first-generation Chinese-American writer and founder of the award-winning Bicultural Mama parenting blog. She has appeared on The Dr. Oz Show, Bloomberg News, Newsday, News12, and Huffington Post. She is a board member of Multicultural Kid Blogs, an organization supporting diverse parenting bloggers, and co-host of the annual publishing event Multicultural Children’s Book Day. She also works at the local library in the children’s department. Maria resides on Long Island with her husband and two children.
Book Event Coordinator
Tracé Wilkins Francis is an independent author of a diverse book series that makes life lessons and habits memorable for young elementary children. She serves as SCBWI Long Island’s Book Event Coordinator, where she connects schools with authors and illustrators to host school book fairs and events. If you know of any upcoming school events or are looking for further information about being a part of future events, she would love to hear from you.
Critique Coordinator
Born and raised on Long Island herself, Pam and her husband have raised one son and several rescue dogs.
Pam is the author of David's Flamingos (2018), a picture book.
Pam volunteers to connect SCBWI members with others interested in critique groups across the Long Island region. Email Pam at longislandny@scbwi.org. Please include "Critique Group Inquiry" in the subject line.
Notetaker
Barbara Senenman is a notetaker for SCBWI Long Island events. She's a former NYC elementary school classroom, science, and reading teacher, who currently writes picture books and middle-grade novels.
Executive Editor of Kid Lit News
Debbie Vilardi is the Executive Editor of Kid LIt News, responsible for all aspects of the Long Island chapter newsletter. Send newsletter information to scbwilinewsletter@gmail.com. She also moderates the SCBWI Discussion Forum and vets books for inclusion in Long Island chapter events and programs.
Debbie is a freelance author and editor and PAL member of SCBWI with over twenty leveled readers and a few poems for children in her name. She’s been editing young adult materials for a Chinese publisher for ten years and writes for the educational markets. Debbie is open to mentoring authors and helping them develop their works for a fee. Her website is https://www.debbievilardi.com/.
Assistant to the Executive Editor for KidLit News
Sydney Joshua is the Assistant to the Executive Editor for KidLit News. She is responsible for working with the Executive Editor to ensure that the KidLit Newsletter is complete and error free.
Sydney has been an elementary school teacher for two decades but has recently started teaching literacy on the college level. While her first children's book, S is for Street Games: An Alphabet Rhyming Book (2022) was in production, Sydney joined SCBWI and is a member of the KidLit News Staff.
Notetaker
Annina Luck Wildermuth is a notetaker for SCBWI Long Island events and a longtime member. She’s an illustrator/author with a special love for medieval art and history, manatees, and cats.