Authors L-Z

Mary Ellen Miller, author of Secret Sorrow, is a Registered Nurse who holds national board certification in Public Health Nursing. She has over thirty years’ experience as a nurse educator, retiring from DeSales University as an Associate Professor. Her book is the first offering non-grandparents concrete ways of coping with their sorrow, including communication and self-care strategies.
Visit her website: https://nongrandparent.com/

Meghan Neri, author of Just One Bite, has been a food allergy mom for more than 14 years. In 2017 she co-founded a food allergy support group called SAFE (South Shore Allergy Families Educating), a support group aimed at connecting caregivers and working to increase awareness and education in the community. She founded an education and consulting business called Food Allergy Allies (foodallergyallies.com), with a mission to increase the safe inclusion of food allergic individuals through intentional education.

Valerie Savage, author of Transcending Through Servant Leadership and the Lead Like Linda Lou series, lives in Wisconsin and holds degrees in Communication Arts and Elementary Education, along with a Master of Arts in Servant Leadership from Viterbo University. In retirement, she’s devoted herself to writing and painting, resulting in several published books. Her creative work explores servant leadership through heartfelt stories and illustrations for both children and adults. Above all, Valerie is most proud of raising her remarkable daughter, who continues to inspire her every day.

Erin K. Schonauer and Jamie C. Schonauer, authors of the Harmony Meets the World series, are an identical twin writing team and award-winning authors. Their work has appeared in children's magazines, chapter books, the nonfiction book market, and has been internationally produced. The sisters have been writing together for over 10 years and especially love writing for children. 

Visit their website: www.twinpens.com

Kathleen Schonauer, author of Collage Your Way to Yourself and A Tarot Travel Guide, as well as illustrator of the Harmony Meets the World series, was mother to TwinPens. For 30 years, she taught children and adults from kindergarten through college, and was later a full time author, artist, and poet, working in many media including collage and jewelry design.

Anders Shafer, author of Poems, Written and Painted, is an Emeritus Professor at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, where he was the Max Schoenfeld Distinguished Professor. He taught painting, drawing, and illustration for 43 years. A practicing professional artist, he has works in many museums including: The Smithsonian, the Allen Museum, Portland Museum of Art, and the Sheldon Museum. He has won over a hundred awards and been in countless exhibitions. His best known book is The Fantastic Journey of Pieter Bruegel, published by Dutton’s Children’s Books, New York.

Ariel Shafer, author of Mother Nature's Apron, was born and raised in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. She likes watching TV and movies, reading books, and listening to music. 

Barbara Shafer, author of This is My Name, is a painter and dancer who lives with her husband, also a painter, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. She has two grown daughters. She studied Sculpture and Drawing, at the Rhode Island School of Design, receiving a BFA and Painting at the University of Cincinnati, receiving an MFA. She has taught in the Art Departments at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire and the University of Wisconsin Stout. For 29 years, she was the Executive Director of The Arc Eau Claire: Advocating Rights of Individuals with Cognitive Disabilities. Inc.
Visit her Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barbara.shafer.988

Lori Doupé Sheridan, author of Soul Compass, is a psychic medium, spiritual teacher, and certified medium with the Forever Family Foundation. Dedicated to helping others find peace, healing, and connection, she has touched countless lives through private sessions, workshops, and public demonstrations. With nearly 20 years of experience, Lori inspires others to trust their intuition and embrace the enduring presence of love.
Visit her website: https://www.lorisheridanmedium.com/

Jean Skeels, author of Before You Go, is a death doula, life coach, yoga teacher, writer, and mother. She has been teaching, presenting workshops, and working with individual clients for more than two decades. Jean is passionate about creating transformational experiences and opportunities for deep personal inquiry. She connects people to their own wisdom and empowers them to lead intentional, passionate, and joyful lives. 
Visit her website: https://beforeyougolegacy.com/

Mark Tollefson, co-author of Thrive!, has guided people toward deeper connection with nature, purpose, and authentic living for over 30 years. He has led more than a thousand people through rites of passage, vision quests, and personal transformation. Through myth, story, and wilderness connection, Mark helps individuals rediscover their essence and embrace a thriving life.
Visit his website: https://marktollefson.com/

Meghan Maiya, co-author of Thrive!, is a seer, listener, and ceremonial guide who helps people discover the beauty of their authentic selves. Rooted in Earth-based practices, she draws upon Spirit, Soul, Earth, and Ancestors to offer fresh perspectives on life. Through The Gift of SoulSight, Meghan guides individuals toward empowered, purposeful, and thriving lives.
Visit her website: https://thegiftofsoulsight.godaddysites.com

Christine Varnavas, author of Heal Your Sh!t Find Your Happy, is an educator, author, speaker, mother, a TRE® Global Certification Trainer, a Women’s Wellness Advisor, and a childhood sexual abuse survivor. Her passion for movement, laughter, and fun has fueled her teaching and training for over 30 years where she’s helped countless women globally to feel better in their skin and raise their resilience. She invites you to fall in love with taking care of yourself. You can learn more about Christine, her work, and more on her website: christinevarnavas.com

Larry Vazeos, author of Today’s a great day! and Today’s a Great Day!, 2 too (also), is a visual artist and a writer. He is left handed and has never had to wear glasses. His favorite color has mostly always been orange. He cares deeply and has many regrets. He has lots of friends of every variety and he wishes to say hello to all of them again some day. 
Find him at https://www.facebook.com/larryvazeos