Writers Conference Presenter Bios
Get to know our presenters!
The 2025 Writers Conference is packed with creativity, inspiration, and expertise! Our diverse lineup of presenters includes novelists, children’s authors, playwrights, comic creators, poets—and even musicians. You’ll hear directly from those who know publishing and get practical advice on promoting yourself and your work.
From the craft of writing to poetry, from publishing strategies to writing for children, our sessions cover it all. These presenters aren’t just experts—they’re passionate creators eager to share their knowledge and help you grow as a writer.
Steve Almond
Steve Almond is the author of 12 books of fiction and nonfiction, including The New York Times bestsellers “Candyfreak” and “Against Football.” His recent books include the novel “All the Secrets of the World,” which has been optioned for television by 20th Century Fox, and “William Stoner and the Battle for the Inner Life.” For four years, Steve hosted The New York Times Dear Sugars podcast with his pal Cheryl Strayed. He is the recipient of a 2022 NEA grant in fiction, and his short stories have been anthologized in the Best American Short Stories, The Pushcart Prize, Best American Erotica and Best American Mysteries series. He also publishes crazy, DIY books.
Calvin Arsenia
Gaining widespread recognition for his soulful vocals and virtuosic classical-harp playing, Calvin Arsenia is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist hailing from Kansas City, Missouri. In addition to his solo work, Arsenia has collaborated with a variety of artists across different media including film and television and has performed at numerous festivals and venues around the world. He is known for his heartfelt and introspective lyrics, which often touch on themes of love, loss, and personal growth. Arsenia's music has been described as a blend of folk, pop, and R&B, and he continues to use his gift of music to draw bridges between communities separated by race, class, gender, or religion.
Gustavo Adolfo Aybar
Gustavo Adolfo Aybar is a Dominican-born writer and translator. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City where he received his MA in Romance Languages and Literature. His chapbook “Between Line Breaks” was released May 2016 from Spartan Press, and his first full-length collection, “We Seek Asylum” in 2017 through Willow Books. Aybar has translated the work of Mexican author/playwright Glafira Rocha; some of those texts can be found in The Brooklyn Rail’s InTranslation Journal, Asymptote and the EZRA Journal of Translation. Some of his essays, poetry and other writing have been published in Delmarva Review, Dos Gatos Press, 3 Taos Press ABC-CLIO, The Rupture Magazine, Manteca! An Anthology of Afro-Latin@ Poets, The Library of America Anthology: Latino Poetry and South Florida Poetry Journal. His work discusses immigration baseball, fatherhood and the dictatorship in the Dominican Republic, while his recent manuscript in-progress, “Ambush,” highlights life as a single-father, raising his teenage son and Aybar’s previous, yet brief, law enforcement experience. A few of those texts can be found in the above cited, and Glint Literary Journal, Space on Space Magazine, Spanglish Voces, with others forthcoming from Purple Ink Press’ online anthology on Tender Masculinities.
Erin Beaty
Erin Beaty is a native of Indianapolis, IN and a US Naval Academy graduate, studying (of all things) aerospace engineering. In the Navy, she served as a shipboard weapons officer and a leadership teacher. Now she writes young adult novels with Macmillan, including “The Traitor’s Circle,” a political fantasy trilogy, and the fantasy thriller “Blood and Moonlight” duology. Her books have been translated into several foreign languages, and she has been a guest at the Flipop Literary Festival in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the Fierce Reads National Tour and the Romantic Times Convention. She also teaches workshops with local writing groups and conferences, the Armed Services Arts Partnership and is a yearly Teen Author Mentor through The Muse Writers Center. She and her husband have five kids, three cats, not nearly enough bookshelves and live wherever the Navy tells them to go, which has ranged from Korea to Kansas.
Dr. Marlee S. Bunch
Dr. Marlee S. Bunch is an interdisciplinary educator, scholar and author dedicated to preserving oral histories and creating inclusive, human-centered learning spaces. With over a decade of teaching experience across secondary and post-secondary classrooms, she champions equity-driven, reflective education that honors lived experience. She holds a doctorate in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership with a focus on Diversity and Equity from the University of Illinois, along with advanced degrees in Secondary and Gifted Education. A National Academy of Education/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr. Bunch’s research centers on the oral histories of Black female educators in Mississippi during the Civil Rights era (1954–1970), preserving their stories as both historical record and contemporary guideposts. Her publications include “The Magnitude of Us (2024),” Unlearning the Hush (2025),” and “Leveraging AI for Human-Centered Learning (2025, co-authored with Brittany R. Collins).” Through scholarship, storytelling and advocacy, Dr. Bunch uplifts voices too often left unheard, reminding us that meaningful learning begins with history, humanity and hope.
Jessica Conoley
Jessica Conoley is a writer, intuitive, coach and speaker. She writes fiction and nonfiction; often focusing on themes of individual’s learning to own their power. A certified life and business coach, she helps writers, artists and musicians follow their intuition into mentally healthy, paying careers. Conoley founded The CE Coaches to help creatives learn how to build their businesses in an emotionally, and materially, sustainable manner. She teaches how our personal body of creative work unlocks individual intuitive guidance, allowing us to step into our full creative power and highest potential. Her specialty is helping creatives own their worth, increase confidence and savor the reality of living their dreams.
Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove
Award-winning kid rocker, author and speaker Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove has delighted audiences throughout North America and Europe for more than 27 years with his energetic brand of family-folk-rock. With over 5,000 performances in 31 U.S. states and six countries, he’s become a beloved audience favorite. His ten family albums have earned a dozen national parenting awards, and his songs and videos have been streamed millions of times. He is the author of four books for children, a true-crime memoir for grown-ups and a collection of essays from his time as a parenting columnist for The Kansas City Star. In 2024, he was voted “Best Local Author” by Kansas City Magazine. Cosgrove lives near Kansas City with his wife, Jeni, their two daughters and a handsome rescued mutt.
Amado Espinoza
Amado Espinoza is a Bolivian multi-instrumentalist, composer, educator, and native instrument builder. He was the recipient of the Folk Alliance International 2022 Spirit of Folk award, a 2019 Lighton Foundation International Artist Grant, and the 2017 Charlotte St. Foundation Performing Arts Fellowship. Amado has opened TEDxKC, and played at Carnegie Hall with Ensemble Iberica. He has taught a masterclass at Berklee College of Music.
Melissa Ferrer Civil
Melissa Ferrer Civil, (she/they) is a first generation, Haitian-Cuban queer poet, organizer and educator living on Kaw, Kickapoo, Kansa, and Oceti Sakowin lands (Kansas City, MO). They are preoccupied with constructing new communication for the manifestation of a home we all hold in our hearts. Having repeatedly delved through the hellish catacombs of psychosis, Melissa emerges with new language forged in the fires of transformation. Melissa’s first chapbook BIRTHING PAINS was published in 2020 with a reprint in 2024 by Turnsol Editions. Their second chapbook STENO PAD was published in December of 2024. Melissa received their MFA from Randolph College, is a Charlotte Street Studio Resident, Chrysalis Institute Alumni, the Director of B-REAL (Black Radical Education for Abolition and Liberation) Academy and the first Poet Laureate of Kansas City, MO. They have work published or forthcoming in The Plentitudes Mag, Pleiades, Bear Review, voicemail poems and elsewhere. Melissa is the founder of the abolitionist arts and organizing event series, A Nation In Exile. You can find their publications and videos on their website www.melissaferrerand.com. You can find their performance updates on their instagram: @melissaferrerand.
Bee Hawthorne
Bee Hawthorne (she/they) moved to Kansas City three years ago and threw herself headfirst into writing. Since then, KanMoWriCo hasn't been able to shake her. They write short stories across all genres but have a soft spot for mysteries. Their other interests include watching bad tv, crafting the perfect bad joke and bothering their cats Copy and Paste.
Jody Jensen Shaffer
Jody Jensen Shaffer is the author of more than 80 books for children, including: “Creep, Leap, Crunch! A Food Chain Story” (2026 Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award nominee, 2025-2026 Show Me Award/Missouri prelim nominee, Oklahoma's 2025 Donna Norvell masterlist, 2024 NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book, 2024 Crystal Kite Winner, 2024 CYBILS Award Finalist Elementary Nonfiction, "Best of 2023" Pennsylvania School Librarians, SLJ starred review), “The Last Day Julian was My Best Friend” (2025 Crystal Kite Winner, Betsy Bird's Best of 2024 Readalouds List), “Prudence the Part-Time Cow” (Missouri Show Me Award finalist, National Book Festival pick), “A Chip Off the Old Block” (Iowa Goldfinch Award nominee, Amazon Teachers' Pick) “It's Your First Day of School, Busy Bus!” (Amazon best seller and Book Box pick), “Sometimes I am Hot Lava,” “Porcupine Had a Fuzzy Sweater” and more. Jody is also a frequent school, library and festival/conference presenter.
Mary-Lane Kambergs
Mary-Lane Kamberg’s career began as a publisher at the age of seven, when she used a toy printing press to create a neighborhood newspaper. She earned her first dollar for poetry at the age of nine. She is a professional writer, editor and speaker, and co-leader of the Kansas City Writers Group. She has published more than 30 books for middle school and high school libraries in addition to “The I Love to Write Book,” “The I Love to Write Stories Book” and “The I Love to Write Poetry Book” for young writers. Her The "I Don't Know How to Cook Book” (Simon and Schuster) is in its fifth printing. She also founded and directs the I Love to Write Camp for young writers. Her work has appeared in “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” Better Homes and Gardens, The Christian Science Monitor, The Kansas City Star and other publications. She has a BS in Journalism from the University of Kansas and roots for the Jayhawks during March Madness! She’s a former swimming coach for the Kansas City Blazers and has swum with dolphins, ridden an elephant and been kissed by a camel.
Patrick Kelly
Patrick Kelly spent his formative years in Britt, Iowa. After high school, he competed as a collegiate wrestler at the University of Iowa before finishing his career at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Kelly has written articles for several publications, including WIN, and has produced hundreds of podcast episodes for USA Wrestling-Kansas (USAWKS) and the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association (KWCA). His first book, “K-State’s Wrestling Legacy,” was published in early 2025. He has been a teacher and coach for 30 years and is a National Board-Certified Teacher (NBCT). He lives in Topeka with his wife Lisa. They have three grown children.
Lindsay Kennedy
Lindsay Kennedy is a writer, theatre artist, and educator that has been honored nationally for her work as a playwright. Her play, Her Own Devices, won the Judith Barlow Prize and received a reading at WP Theatre in NY, followed by a production with KC Public Theatre (MO). Her dramatic works have been published in Theater in the Time of COVID: 50 Plays of Love, Loss and Hope, Their Own Devices: A Collection of Kansas City Playwrights, and Stage It, Stream It: Plays for Virtual Theatre. She cares passionately about supporting and growing new voices in the Midwest as a new work advocate. She has been invited to give workshops on writing at the Inge Festival. She ran the 2024-2025 Playwright's Roundtable for KC Public Theatre and was an adjudicator for the 2023 and 2024 Midwest Dramatists Conference, as well as a reviewer for the Dramatist Guild Foundation Playwriting Fellowship and the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Playwriting Awards, She is a proud member of the Dramatists’ Guild and has an MFA in Playwriting from the Catholic University of America and a PhD in Early Modern Drama from Saint Louis University. In her free time, she is also an Assistant Professor of Theatre and likes to build and play with puppets.
Adib Khorram
Adib Khorram is a queer Iranian-American author. He was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. His first novel, “Darius the Great is Not Okay,” won YALSA’s William C. Morris Award for Best Debut Author Writing for Teens, the Asian/Pacific American Literature Association’s Young Adult Award and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor, among other accolades. A companion novel, “Darius the Great Deserves Better,” became an instant Indie Bestseller and received a Stonewall Honor. His picture book debut, “Seven Special Somethings: A Nowruz Story” (illustrated by Zainab Faidhi) was published in spring 2021. His book, “Kiss and Tell,” is a smart, sexy YA novel about a boy band star, his first breakup, his first rebound, and what it means to be queer in the public eye. His book, “The Breakup Lists,” is a sharply funny romantic comedy, set in the sordid world of high school theater. Adib’s book “I’ll Have What He’s Having” was released in August 2024 and his upcoming book “It Had to Be Him” releases in September 2025.
KIMSA
KIMSA is a trio featuring Amado Espinoza (Andean flutes and Charango), Pedro Calderon (Andean flutes and Guitar), and Nicholas Adam Baker (Percussion). The band name, a Quechua word for "three”. Through their unique instrumentation, inspiring rhythms, and vibrant melody, they celebrate the joy of creating community. KIMSA roots their sound in the rhythms, melodies, and instruments of the rich cultures of Latin American, honoring Mother Earth and, by extension, all her children. The songs fluctuate between personal introspection and high-energy festival, guiding the listener through a dynamic and moving experience.
Hazel Krebs
After numerous transitions in her life, Hazel Krebs has found her calling professionally as an author and speaker for her own company Enthusiastically You. Hazel published her first book in January 2024 entitled “Enthusiastically Me,” which chronicles her journey into sobriety and gender transition, earning her a nomination for Kansas City's Best Local Author by The Pitch. Her story about breaking free from society’s inherent expectations for gender presentation, career aspirations and dreams, spark her passion of inspiring everyone to live enthusiastically. As part of her journey, Hazel has developed her own brand, both in person and social media, allowing her to stand out, beyond simply being noticed as a pink-haired trans woman. Combined with her education in communication, she launched a social media and branding consulting arm of her business, designed for those who want to maintain control of marketing, while needing that extra bit of help to reach their goals. Focusing on authenticity, which is possible on social media, and a clear, concise message, starting with robust goals, Hazel inspires all to be there best everywhere! Find out more on her website: enthusiastically-you.com and follow Hazel’s message on social media: @hazelgkrebs
Michelle Lin
Michelle Lin is an illustrator with a background in molecular biology, English Literature and law. She works primarily in cut-paper collage and colored pencil. Prior to jumping into the children's book illustration world, she worked as a greeting card illustrator for ten years. When she's not illustrating, she's curating products for The Rad Dad Box, a subscription box service for dads and their children, or moonlighting as a substitute teacher. Her illustrator debut, “The Bird I Became” by ornithologist J. Drew Lanham, will be published by Enchanted Lion Books in 2027. Her author-illustrator debut, tentatively titled “All I Want for Christmas is a Gingerbread House” will be published by Familius in 2028.
Dwight Miller
Dwight Miller is the esteemed CEO of the Readers and Writers Network, a literacy-based non-profit organization dedicated to growing young readers in Kansas and Missouri. Born and raised near 18th and Vine in downtown Kansas City, Miller experienced firsthand the transformative power of literacy. As the self-proclaimed “library kid,” he spent his after-school hours safe, utilizing the many resources available at the downtown public library to finish homework while waiting for his mom to get off work. Dwight attended O'Hara High School in Kansas City and upon graduation from Wichita State University, he began his career in youth development with the YMCA of the USA of Des Moines, Iowa. Under his leadership, Readers and Writers Network has expanded its reach, hosting over 10 literacy-based special events for kids in KC-area neighborhoods through collaborations with both the Kansas City and Johnson County libraries. Together, they've engaged more than 500 kids and families with their unique spin on special events. Miller resides in Merriam, Kansas with his wife, Kelsey, their daughter, Grace, and their dog, Reiger, who runs the house.
Mateo Moreno
Mateo Moreno is thrilled to be part of this years Writers Conference. Moreno is a Playwright, Director and Actor who first worked with Coterie Theatre in 1997 as an actor in their production of The Lilies of the Field and has recently come on board as a teaching artist and youth playwright. His plays have been presented in New York City, Hawaii and the Kansas City area. His play Pitch is featured in the play collection, "We're Not Neutral," available for purchase on Amazon. Most recently, he wrote the plays Anything and The Softest Touch for Coterie Theatre's 2025 "Summer Out Loud" program and his play Kim and Jessie was part of the 2024 No Sleep November Festival at The Living Room KC (he also directed). His play Broken Pieces will also be part of the 2025-2026 season at KC Public. He is currently writing a play that will be presented at The Black Box this winter. His recent acting work includes the world-premieres of fire work and Journey to the Poles of Inaccessibility, both of which premiered at The Unicorn Theatre. He will next appear in a forthcoming play at Kansas City Actors Theatre and continues to work with Coterie as a teaching artist. He also writes film reviews at "The ArtsWire Weekly" and is extremely proud to have been part of the team that helped reopen Broadway shows and National Tours after the Covid shutdown in 2020.
Erin Niederberger
Erin Niederberger (publishing as Kat Giles) is a chronically ill librarian working in Kansas City. Her professional background and disabled experience often find their way into her work, along with her passion for terrible space facts. She has encountered many interesting things while working in archives, but so far, she hasn’t found any aliens. Planet Sickness is her first novel.
Ali Petterson
Ali Petterson (she/her) has lived in Kansas City for the last 30 years, and it is – by far – one of her favorite places on Earth. She lives with her two devoted dogs, two clingy cats and her adoring husband (who is the light of her life, just don’t tell the fur-children). After spending the better part of a decade living as a devout lurker within the KanMoWriCo sphere, Peterson opted to make that status ‘part time’ once she found out about the group's discord. There, she has become a dedicated agent of chaos (in a fun way) and support. She’s been writing stories of the fantasy and sci-fi variety since she learned how to hold a pencil and write a sentence. As an adult, she now enjoys the occasional combination of romance with the aforementioned genres. Outside of writing, she enjoys reading, ADHD fueled crafting binges and gaming.
Natasha Ria El-Scari
Natasha Ria El-Scari is a poet, performer, writer, Cave Canem alum, Ragdale Residency recipient and educator for over three decades. Her poetry, academic papers and personal essays have been published in anthologies, literary and online journals. Born and raised in KCMO Natasha has a BA from Jackson State University and an MA from the UMKC. El-Scari is the author of “Screaming Times” (Spartan Press, 2015), “The Only Other” (Main Street Rag, 2016), “Mama Sutra: Love and Lovemaking Advice to My Son” (2019), “I Say, T(He)y Say” (2020), “Growing Up Sina” (2020) and “Te Deum: Lessons” (2023). “Steelife,” a full collection of poetry is forthcoming. El-Scari has five spoken word projects, “DragonButterFirefly” (2006), “This is Love…” (2010), “CuddleComplex” (2016) We Found Us (2023) “Mama Moon Meditations” (2025) and DVD “Live at the Blue Room” (2015). This mother of two adult children founded and curated Black Space Black Art and the Natasha Ria Art Gallery for seven years. Currently she serves as the Director of the Women’s Center at UMKC and as a manager for her husband, Kevin Church Johnson. She knits, loves expresso and has a deep interest in sacred work.
Misako Rocks!
Misako Rocks! I am a Japanese manga artist who’s published a number of books all over the world. I published manga graphic novels “Bounce Back” and “No Such Thing as Perfect.” “Bounce Back” was selected to be on the list of 2021 Best Graphic Novels for Children by the American Library Association. I also released a new activity book series, “How To Draw Kawaii Manga with Misako Rocks” to show bubbly and kawaii manga character/fashion making. My new graphic novel “Sew Totally Nala (Bounce Back Vol.3)” is set to be released by Feiwel and Friends in the fall of 2025. I was selected as one of outstanding Japanese artists in NY and invited to meet Japanese Prime Minister Abe and the first lady. After that I started appearing on multiple Japanese TV and radio shows. Also, the BBC and NHK featured me in a documentary about my comic book life. I was featured on NBC TODAY show and collaborated with Playstation to promote Ghostwire: Tokyo. Besides making books, I also teach online manga classes for kids through my online community, Learn Manga with Misako. Please visit my site, www.learnmangawithmisako.com.
Joanie Saltzman
Joanie Saltzman (ze/hir/hirs/hirself) has lived in Kansas City for 24 years and is passionate about building community here. Ze has an Associate degree in General Education and a BA in English Writing and Rhetoric. Ze led the Kansas City region of National Novel Writing Month for six years, gaining experience in leading a writing group before KanMoWriCo launched as an independent organization. Saltzman has a background in social work and currently works as a receptionist. In hir spare time, ze is working to get hir current manuscript ready for querying. Ze writes queer urban fantasy set mostly here in Kansas City, but sometimes in Faerie.
Rebecca Schier-Akamelu
Rebecca Schier-Akamelu is an author based in Overland Park whose fiction focuses on horror and speculative fiction. Her debut novel, “Negative Images,” was published in July of 2025 by Rising Action. Her work has been featured in Flash Digest and “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Attitude of Gratitude,” and her short story “From One to the Next” was nominated for a Pushcart Prize after winning one of the Johnson County Library’s themed contests in 2018. When not writing, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her husband, three kids and dog.
Aisha Sharif
Aisha Sharif is a Cave Canem fellow who earned her MFA at Indiana University, Bloomington and BA in English at Rhodes College. Her poetry has appeared in Crab Orchard Review, Tidal Basin Review, Callaloo, Calyx, Rattle and other literary journals. Her poems have been nominated for Pushcart Prizes in 2019 and 2015. Her first book poetry, “To Keep From Undressing,” was published by SparkWheel Press in 2019. Her 2nd book, “Black Diamonds,” was a finalist for the 2024 HubCity Press BIPOC Series.
Russell "Russ" Sifers
Russell "Russ" Sifers is the fourth-generation steward of Valomilk, the nostalgic marshmallow-cream-filled milk-chocolate cups made by his family's candy company in Merriam, Kansas. Born in 1948, Russ was adopted at The Willows Maternity Sanitarium—nestled near Union Station, the facility housed women and newborns under an ethos of confidentiality and dignity. Russ grew up immersed in Valomilk's history and operations. In 1985, he resurrected the family legacy by reviving the original chocolate cups using his great-grandfather's copper kettles and long-held recipe, bringing Valomilk back into production in Merriam by 1987. Today, Valomilk remains handcrafted in small batches using much of the original equipment—a testament to a legacy that "runs down your chin" with delight.
Jordan Stempleman
Jordan Stempleman’s most recent poetry collection, “Spilt,” was awarded the 2025 Wishing Jewel Prize for poetic innovation from Green Linden Press. He has also published nine previous poetry collections, including “Cover Songs” (the Blue Turn), “Wallop” and “No, Not Today” (Magic Helicopter Press). Stempleman is the editor of Windfall Room and faculty advisor for the Kansas City Art Institute's literary arts journal Sprung Formal. From 2011 to 2025, he curated A Common Sense Reading Series in Kansas City, Missouri, and from 2007 to 2025, he served as co-editor of The Continental Review, one of the longest-running online literary magazines devoted to video poetics. In 2013, The Huffington Post recognized Stempleman as one of "The Top 200 Advocates of American Poetry." He is an associate professor in the Liberal Arts Department and Creative Writing Program at the Kansas City Art Institute.
Author website: https://www.jordanstempleman.com/