SCBWI Westchester: Independently Published Authors and Illustrators Offering School/Library Visits

Jason Edwards is an award-winning author and educator with over 30 years of experience developing innovative ways to engage, empower, and inspire young learners. His talent for cultivating the intellectual, emotional, and creative growth of children and adults alike has earned accolades at hundreds of schools, libraries, conferences, and reading festivals across the nation, and has been featured in all forms of media including Knowledge Quest Magazine, NY Daily News, and WCBS TV. Jason’s work has been honored with the Mom’s Choice Award for Family Friendly Media, the LitPick Top Choice Award, an endorsement from the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, and has been showcased by the Children’s Book Council.

Melissa Clare Lawson is an artist and a children’s yoga instructor. Born in Thailand, Melissa has lived throughout Southeast Asia, the Southern United States, and now calls New York home. After attending both Parsons School of Design and graduating from The Fashion Institute of Technology, Melissa worked in the Fashion Industry as a knitwear and print designer and later became a certified Yoga instructor for children and adults. Living in Westchester, NY, she is a mother to three amazing adults and a grandmother to three more. In 2020, she founded Mindful Masterpieces with Melissa; a business dedicated to teaching young children about fine art and making it relatable to them as individuals. She has taught yoga and art in New York area schools for over 20 years. Gerald Grasshopper Moves to New York City is her first book.

James McLeod is a Transformational Speaker, Author, and Youth Mentor who partners with schools to help students build confidence, resilience, and self worth through storytelling and interactive presentations.

I am a retired tradesman/carpenter who always thought that my many life experiences would be worth putting on paper. Max the Slipper Clipper is book 1 of 7 book series about our wonderful boxer puppy that just loved to steal/clip our slippers and hide them! The children love this story and adore the colorful images in my book!

Gail Schlenger is a children’s picture book author and retired special education teacher. She writes stories that blend humor and heart, centering on problem-solving, empathy, resilience, and emotional growth—all woven into engaging, read-aloud storytelling that invites connection and conversation, sometimes with surprise endings! Gail is the author of five children’s picture books and has had two short stories published in Highlights High Five magazine. She writes with the hope of inspiring a love of reading while reassuring children that their feelings matter. In addition to writing, Gail enjoys connecting with young readers through library story times, school visits, and community events. A proud mom and grandma, Gail enjoys reading, word games, travel, musical theater, dancing, and personal fitness, as well as spending time with family and good friends - especially if dark chocolate is involved!