Meet Our Regional Team

Dr. Miral Azam Khalil is a self-proclaimed voracious reader who found as a young neurodivergent kid that books gave her a place to belong. Dr. Khalil, is a Pediatrician who studies Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She is a self-published author of a book titled Meeru's Multan and is a huge advocate for being a voice for children who have no voice and stories in the mainstream media. She is working on picture books that encompass difficult topics like incarceration, having a sick parent, foster children, female femicide, child labor and more. Through her work and research, Dr. Khalil believes that more children should have access to books that are mirrors as “good books are like preventive medicine.”

An award winning author-illustrator, Mirka is best known for her picture book series KITTY & CAT, graphic novel series MOSSY & TWEED, and her nonfiction picture book series LITTLE SEASONS. As a military spouse and mom to three kids, Mirka has learned to adapt quickly to all kinds of situations, and turn challenges into opportunities. As illustrator coordinator, she hopes to foster community through online socials and in-person events, and create momentum for personal growth through webinars, tech sessions, and critiques.

Sam(she/her) is the book coach behind Truant Pen, a YA author, and high school history teacher. She believes that all children deserve to see themselves represented in great books. They deserve your story…and you deserve a chance to tell it! As Critique Group Coordinator, Sam wants to foster community and connection in our chapter. Everyone needs a network of support to create their best work.

Laurie lives in Maryland and is the author of BIG TRUCK PLAYDATE (Beaming Books, 2023). Her stories have themes of finding inner strength, embracing uniqueness, and building empathy. She also loves a good pun and humorous wordplay. As PAL (Published and Listed) Coordinator she helps published authors in the region connect with each other and explore ways to market their books.

A reader, writer, dreamer and co-founder of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, Orly shares her planning expertise with our region.

After decades of serving the communities where she lives and works, Jennie has evolved into an early childhood advocate, helping young children and the adults who care for and educate them. She enjoys honing her writing skills among a supportive community of authors and illustrators. As the Delaware Liaison, she works to help fellow SCBWI members feel connected and encouraged to pursue and achieve their personal publishing goals.

Originally from a small town in Georgia, Krystal currently resides in the Maryland-DC area, where she is a wife and mommy of two kids who keep her busy and inspired to illustrate. As Social Media Coordinator she also finds time to help with graphics and spread the word about regional events on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Laura is an aspiring children's book illustrator who graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. Drawing on her experiences as an art director, graphic designer, and chalkboard artist, she is returning to her first love: illustrating children's books. Laura is passionate about assisting in creating unforgettable stories that connect people through vibrant colors, dynamic compositions, and playful characters that her son would be proud of. In addition to her illustration work, she serves as your local webmaster, ready to elevate your SCBWI experience.