Following a passion to help others construct meaning from text and find their voice, Paula B. Weiss is co-founder and director of Children at the Well, and co-creator of FLY! online storytelling. She has studied, researched, published and taught in the field of literacy acquisition and holds a BA from the University of Virginia and an MS and CAS in Reading from SUNY at Albany.

Nicolette Nordin Heavey’s passion for telling began with a storied childhood, being raised in Europe by an English mother and Swedish father. Her energetic and interactive performances are for all those young at heart, from preschool children to adults. She is a regular at local preschools, early intervention programs, public schools and libraries. She developed an award winning program, Stories in the Streets, to meet the requirements of Massachusetts’ Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE). This program brings storytellers and family engagement programs to at-risk communities. Nicolette believes storytelling is a 21st Century skill that builds a foundation for all learning, raises self-confidence and empathy, raises cultural awareness and builds community.

Marni Gillard’s Storyteller, Storyteacher (Stenhouse) describes how middle schoolers found confidence and community through storytelling. Without a Splash: Diving into Childhood Memories, her double CD, explores trials and triumphs of girlhood. Marni performs at schools and festivals and coaches Children at the Well (www.childrenatthewell.org) youth tellers, encouraging intercultural understandings. www.marnigillard.com

Ayah Osman is a first-generation Sudanese-American poet, activist, and storytelling coach based in Upstate New York. A passionate proponent for racial equity work in her community, Ayah is currently studying Political Science and Africana Studies at Union College. She plans to write and publish a collection of her poetry within the next four years, and attend law school post-graduation.

Andrea Lovett is  an award winning storyteller and has taught and performed stories nationally and internationally. She created the first personal narrative workshop for five minute performances in New England.(How To Tell A Five Minute Kickbutt Story) as well as facilitated hundreds of workshops across the country tailoring them to individual populations needs.