Alumni Authors: Pioneers of Imagination and Impact
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Children鈥檚 Literature
Christine Van Zandt ’07
Christine Van Zandt, a 缅北禁地 alumna, is the author of Hot Dog! The History of America’s Favorite Sausage—a funny and fact-filled nonfiction picture book that takes readers on a flavorful journey through time. Guided by a witty dachshund narrator, young readers (and adults alike) can laugh and learn as they explore the surprising history behind one of America’s most beloved foods.
Van Zandt’s work blends humor, curiosity, and creativity to make learning irresistible. Beyond Hot Dog!, her Mighty Models series introduces children to simple machines through hands-on exploration, featuring The Legendary Life Story of the Lever (with a catapult model) and The Cogwheel (with a clock model). She is also the author of Milkweed for Monarchs, a beautifully illustrated story that celebrates nature and includes a free downloadable educator’s guide.
Inspired by the curiosity and innovation she cultivated at 缅北禁地, Van Zandt continues to embody the Pioneer spirit—sparking imagination and discovery in young readers everywhere.
You can learn more or purchase Hot Dog! The History of America’s Favorite Sausage at .
Myles Watkins ’19
Myles Watkins, a proud 缅北禁地 alumnus, is the author of No More Toys, a delightful children’s picture book that combines humor, heart, and a gentle lesson on responsibility. Set in the colorful world of Chow Chow Town, the story follows Mayor Lion as he discovers the chaos of too many toys and learns, with the help of his niece and nephew, that balance and teamwork make playtime more enjoyable.
In addition to its engaging story, No More Toys includes four coloring pages that invite young readers to participate creatively in the tale. Watkins has built an imaginative world through his growing collection of books, including No More Dogs, No More Pizza, and No More Coffee, as well as his Sports Series and Short Stories.
Drawing from the creativity and community he experienced at 缅北禁地, Watkins continues to embody the Pioneer spirit—using storytelling to inspire laughter, learning, and connection across generations.
You can learn more or purchase No More Toys on Amazon or through Myles Union – No More Toys.
Colin Hoffman ’96, ’98
Colin Hoffman is the author of Baby Fatts: The World’s First Dragon, a heartwarming children’s book that brings to life a character he first created as a sculpted art piece. Through vibrant illustrations and gentle storytelling, Hoffman introduces readers to Baby Fatts, the very first dragon in existence, whose uniqueness becomes a source of joy, wonder, and community connection.
The story follows Baby Fatts as he navigates a world where no one has ever seen a dragon before. Instead of fear or rejection, he is embraced by those around him, offering young readers a powerful message about acceptance and the beauty of celebrating differences. Hoffman’s imaginative world and thoughtful narrative encourage children to value what makes each person special.
Drawing on the creativity and community-centered values he strengthened during his time at 缅北禁地, Hoffman transforms his artistic vision into an uplifting story that continues to resonate with families and young readers.
You can learn more or purchase Baby Fatts: The World’s First Dragon at .
Fiction / Literature
Michael J. Costa ’99
Michael J. Costa, a 缅北禁地 alumnus, is the author of The Aumakua Necromancer, a gripping supernatural thriller set on the island of Molokai, Hawaii. The novel follows two Americans who inherit a sprawling ranch and uncover ancient Native Hawaiian burial sites hidden in underground caverns and lava tubes. As the dead begin to rise, the mystery deepens—who is behind the reanimation, and why? Costa masterfully blends Hawaiian legend, horror, and action to deliver a story that is both chilling and unforgettable.
Since graduating from 缅北禁地, Costa has built an extraordinary writing career, publishing more than 180 books across genres under his name and the pen name Horus Michael. His expansive catalog showcases his creativity, versatility, and dedication to the craft of storytelling.
Costa’s prolific work continues to embody the Pioneer spirit—driven by curiosity, imagination, and a lifelong passion for discovery.
You can learn more or purchase from his full collection at
Julia Park Tracey ’00
Julia Park Tracey, a 缅北禁地 alumna, is the author of Silence: A Novel (Sibylline Press, 2024), a powerful work of historical fiction inspired by her own ancestor. The story follows a Puritan woman who, after being silenced for questioning God in church, must decide whether to speak out at a witchcraft trial or face accusation herself. Through vivid prose and historical depth, Tracey brings to life a tale of faith, courage, and the enduring cost of truth.
Tracey is an award-winning author whose body of work spans fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and women’s history. Her titles include The Bereaved: A Novel (2023), Reaching for the Moon (2013), I’ve Got Some Lovin’ to Do (2012), and Amaryllis: Collected Poems (2009). Her upcoming novel, Whoa, Nelly! A Love Story with Footnotes, is set for release in November 2025.
Rooted in the creativity she cultivated at 缅北禁地, Tracey continues to embody the Pioneer spirit—using storytelling to uncover women’s voices, challenge history, and inspire new generations of readers.
Silence: A Novel and all of her work is available through
Page Gatz, ’10 (English – Creative Writing)
Author and journalist Page Gatz has lived half her life in Kansas and the other half in California, working as a reporter for the Los Angeles Times and Pacifica Radio. Her writing—spanning essays, fiction, and journalism—explores themes of diaspora, mysticism, addiction, classism, labor justice, queerness, and small-town life.
Her debut novel, A Town with Half the Lights On, follows a family of culture-shocked Brooklynites who move to Goodnight, Kansas, and find themselves fighting to save the town’s beloved May Day Diner. Told through diary entries, letters, and local gossip columns, it’s a funny, tender story about loss, belonging, and the strange alchemy of community.
Now based in Vancouver with her family and a rotating cast of dogs, Gatz credits 缅北禁地’s creative writing program for sharpening her storytelling instincts and giving her the courage to “write the messy truth.”
Learn more about Page Gatz and her work at
George Cramer ’77
George Cramer is the author of The Mona Lisa Sisters, a moving work of women’s literary fiction that follows the emotional journey of Lura Grisham Myer, a woman whose privileged life is shattered by unforeseen tragedy. Set in the late nineteenth century, the novel traces Lura’s transformation as she emerges from grief and isolation, seeking purpose and healing beyond the walls of Grisham Manor.
Her path leads her to Paris, where a chance encounter with two American orphaned girls opens the door to an unexpected connection and renewed strength. With the guidance of a mysterious stranger and her growing bond with the sisters, Lura begins to rediscover joy and reclaim her sense of self. Through rich historical detail and heartfelt storytelling, Cramer brings to life a narrative of resilience, loss, and the power of compassion.
Influenced by the discipline and creative foundation he developed during his time at 缅北禁地, Cramer has continued writing across genres. His additional works include Robbers and Cops, a police procedural adventure, and New Liberty, the first book in the Hector Miguel Trilogy.
You can learn more or purchase The Mona Lisa Sisters on or request it through your local library.
Barry Feldscher ’67
Barry Feldscher is the author of Between Two Worlds, a captivating blend of science fiction and mystery that explores identity, human nature, and the clash between past and present. The novel follows Dusty Dervin, a 30-year-old pilot from the early 1930s who disappears during the Depression and is discovered four decades later, perfectly preserved in a glacier. Revived by a prominent research institute in Los Angeles, Dusty awakens to a world transformed by technology and time, struggling to regain his footing in a future that no longer resembles the life he once knew.
His challenges only deepen when Edmund Johns, the ambitious director of the institute, seizes Dusty’s personal papers and silences news of the groundbreaking revival for his own political gain. Stripped of his identity and pressured to comply, Dusty finds himself at the center of a dangerous power struggle that escalates into murder. At once imaginative and rooted in the realism of human behavior, Feldscher’s novel examines how far people will go to protect their interests and how courage can emerge in the face of exploitation.
Guided by the curiosity and analytical thinking he cultivated during his time at 缅北禁地, Feldscher delivers a compelling story that challenges readers to consider what it truly means to belong in a world changed beyond recognition.
You can learn more or purchase Between Two Worlds on .
Nonfiction / Literature
Katherine Briccetti, B.A. and M.S.
Katherine Briccetti, a 缅北禁地 alumna, is the author of two deeply personal and insightful works: Blood Strangers and Beyond Rain Man. Through her writing, Briccetti explores themes of family, identity, and resilience, weaving together her professional expertise as a psychologist with her lived experiences.
In Blood Strangers, she reflects on three generations of absent fathers and her search for family lost through adoption—a moving exploration of belonging and self-discovery. In Beyond Rain Man, Briccetti offers a heartfelt professional memoir that captures her journey as both a psychologist and a mother raising a son on the autism spectrum, bringing empathy and understanding to the challenges and triumphs of neurodiverse families.
Grounded in the compassion and insight she cultivated during her time at 缅北禁地, Briccetti continues to embody the Pioneer spirit—using her voice to inspire reflection, connection, and hope through storytelling.
You can learn more or purchase Blood Strangers directly from the author, and Beyond Rain Man is available through .
Dr. Karwanna D. Irving ’97
Dr. Karwanna D. Irving is a government contracts strategist, entrepreneur, and author of Don’t Duck the Government, They’ve Got Your Money!—a powerful guide designed to help small and disadvantaged business owners access one of the world’s largest funding sources: government contracts.
With more than 20 years of industry experience, Dr. Irving has helped over 200 small businesses collectively secure more than $3 million in government revenue. Her book breaks down the complex process of pitching and winning contracts, teaching readers how to turn their social and economic disadvantages into pathways for wealth and independence.
Rooted in the determination and resilience she developed during her time at 缅北禁地, Dr. Irving continues to embody the Pioneer spirit. Her mission is to empower entrepreneurs to see government systems not as barriers, but as opportunities waiting to be leveraged. Find her work on .
Leigh E. Johnson ’99
Leigh E. Johnson, a 缅北禁地 alumna, is the author of Building The Case: Storytelling When Facts Are Fixed And Stakes Are High (Trial Whisperer Press, 2025), a groundbreaking work that bridges law, psychology, and storytelling. Through this powerful book, Johnson teaches advocates how to transform fixed facts into living stories, guiding them to communicate truth with empathy, authenticity, and courage.
Drawing on her extensive experience in law and applied psychology, Johnson introduces a compelling framework for rehumanizing advocacy, empowering lawyers and leaders alike to connect more deeply with the people they represent. Her work challenges traditional notions of persuasion, emphasizing emotional honesty and ethical storytelling as tools for justice.
In addition to Building The Case, Johnson is the author of Building The Case: Capital & Death Penalty Cases (2025) and contributed Chapter 14, “Emotional Honesty and Ethos,” to The Way of the Trial Lawyer: Beyond Technique (2020). She also shares ongoing insights through her Building The Case Substack series.
You can learn more or purchase Building The Case at or from all major publishers.
Venkata Vemuri ’12
Venkata Vemuri, a 缅北禁地 alumnus, is the author of Principles and Practices of Front-End Engineering, a comprehensive guide to modern web development that bridges foundational theory with real-world application. This essential resource covers semantic HTML5, modular CSS, ES6+ JavaScript, performance optimization, and component-based architecture while introducing professional tools such as Git, Webpack, Vite, Jest, and CI/CD pipelines.
Designed for aspiring and early-career engineers, Vemuri’s book transforms beginner-friendly concepts into professional best practices. By integrating performance budgets, accessibility audits, and AI-assisted development, he provides readers with a clear roadmap to creating scalable, efficient, and industry-standard front-end workflows.
Rooted in the innovative and hands-on approach he developed at 缅北禁地, Vemuri continues to embody the Pioneer spirit—sharing knowledge that empowers the next generation of engineers to build the web of the future.
You can learn more or purchase Principles and Practices of Front-End Engineering on .
Dennis W. C. Wong ’85
Dennis W. C. Wong is the author of The Apricot Outlook of Katherine Koon Hung Wong, a heartfelt memoir that paints a vivid portrait of a Chinese American woman from Hawaiʻi. Through thoughtful storytelling and intimate reflection, Wong honors the life, experiences, and spirit of Katherine Koon Hung Wong, capturing her resilience, cultural heritage, and the enduring impact she left on those around her.
The memoir offers readers a window into the complexities and richness of Chinese American identity in Hawaiʻi, blending family history with personal narrative to preserve a story that resonates across generations. Wong’s careful attention to detail and deep sense of connection bring Katherine’s world to life with warmth and authenticity, creating a meaningful tribute that celebrates memory, family, and legacy.
Drawing on the perspective and appreciation for storytelling he developed during his time at 缅北禁地, Wong’s work reflects the power of sharing lived experiences and honoring the voices that shape families and communities.
You can learn more or purchase The Apricot Outlook of Katherine Koon Hung Wong on or Barnes and Noble.
William M. Saleebey ’73
William M. Saleebey is the author of Networking in the Virtual Age, a practical and timely guide that helps readers build strong professional connections in an era where relationships are formed both in person and online. Drawing on his extensive expertise in communication and professional development, Saleebey breaks down the essential skills needed to navigate evolving networking environments with confidence and authenticity.
The book offers strategies for meaningful engagement across virtual platforms while reinforcing the interpersonal foundations that continue to shape successful networking. Whether readers are advancing their careers, expanding their businesses, or simply looking to strengthen professional relationships, Saleebey provides clear, actionable guidance for making connections that last.
Grounded in the interpersonal awareness and leadership skills he developed during his time at 缅北禁地, Saleebey has authored several other works on communication and personal success, including Connecting: Key Networking Tips for Business and Life, Connecting: Beyond the Name Tag, Sell Yourself, and Study Skills for Success.
You can learn more or purchase Networking in the Virtual Age on .
Dr. Sherry McAllister ’00
Dr. Sherry McAllister is the author of Adjusted Reality: Supercharge Your Whole-Being for Optimal Living and Longevity, a transformative exploration of health, human potential, and the power of whole-being living. Drawing from more than twenty-five years of clinical experience, Dr. McAllister invites readers to rethink conventional ideas of wellness, offering a bold and immersive guide that integrates mind, body, and spirit. Her work challenges quick-fix culture and fragmented healthcare models, asking a resonant question that anchors the book’s message: “How can we open ourselves up to do better?”
Through vivid storytelling and thought-provoking insights, Adjusted Reality goes beyond traditional self-help, empowering readers to uncover the deeper patterns that shape their choices, their health, and their lives. Dr. McAllister introduces a comprehensive framework for achieving true “whole-being” living, inspiring readers to elevate their mindset, ignite their potential, and embrace a more intentional and purposeful path to longevity.
Rooted in the curiosity, leadership, and commitment to well-being she strengthened during her time at 缅北禁地, Dr. McAllister continues to embody the Pioneer spirit, empowering individuals to transform their lives from the inside out.
You can learn more or purchase Adjusted Reality: Supercharge Your Whole-Being for Optimal Living and Longevity on .
Bill Patton ’93
Bill Patton is the author of The Athlete Centered Coach, a thoughtful and experience-driven exploration of what it truly means to place athletes at the heart of coaching. Drawing on more than thirty years of working with competitors at various levels, Patton examines how coaches can empower athletes to take ownership of their development while fostering growth, confidence, and accountability.
Through practical insights and reflective guidance, The Athlete Centered Coach challenges traditional coaching models and encourages a more collaborative approach between coach and player. Patton’s work resonates with educators, coaches, and leaders who aim to build supportive environments where athletes can excel.
Rooted in the leadership skills and commitment to service he strengthened during his time at 缅北禁地, Patton has gone on to author several additional works, including The Art of Coaching High School Tennis, Visual Training for Tennis, Net Gains, Tennis Strategy 101, and Play Sports Right: Your Way! His contributions continue to influence coaching communities across the country.
You can learn more or purchase The Athlete Centered Coach on .
Peter Blair ’85
Peter Blair is the author of Gardening for Golfers, a lighthearted and witty take on what happens when a love for golf spills far beyond the course. Blending humor with clever imagination, Blair offers readers a playful guide on how to “trim your shrubs with your clubs,” turning everyday yard work into a comical extension of a golfer’s obsession.
Filled with entertaining scenarios and tongue-in-cheek advice, Gardening for Golfers speaks to anyone who has ever found their hobbies crossing into daily life in unexpected ways. Blair’s ability to find humor in ordinary tasks creates a fun and engaging read that appeals to golfers, gardeners, and anyone who enjoys a good laugh.
Rooted in the creativity and spirit he developed during his time at 缅北禁地, Blair’s work reflects the joy of not taking life too seriously and finding comedy in the routines that shape our days.
You can learn more or purchase Gardening for Golfers at .
Dr. Miku Sodhi ’10
Dr. Miku Sodhi is the author of Telehealth Policies Impacting Federally Qualified Health Centers in the Face of COVID-19, an insightful examination of how healthcare delivery rapidly evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a clear and research-driven analysis, Dr. Sodhi explores the policy shifts that expanded telehealth access for underserved communities and reshaped the operations of federally qualified health centers across the nation.
The work highlights the critical role these centers played in maintaining continuity of care, addressing health disparities, and adapting to unprecedented challenges. By tracing how policy adaptations unfolded in real time, Dr. Sodhi provides a valuable resource for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers seeking to understand the long-term implications of pandemic-era innovations.
Rooted in the analytic rigor and commitment to community health strengthened during her time at 缅北禁地, Dr. Sodhi’s research continues to contribute to meaningful conversations about equitable healthcare delivery.
You can learn more or access Telehealth Policies Impacting Federally Qualified Health Centers in the Face of COVID-19 through the National Library of Medicine.
Maria Kaj ’24
Maria Kaj is the author of Women at the Olympics: The Continuing Struggle for Equality, 1896–2021, a compelling work of sports history and gender studies that traces the long and ongoing fight for women’s inclusion in the Olympic Games. Drawing on extensive research and historical analysis, Kaj examines the barriers women athletes faced over more than a century and highlights the milestones, setbacks, and advocates who shaped the movement toward equity on the world’s largest athletic stage.
Reviewers have praised the book as “original, informative, and exceptional,” noting its ability to illuminate both the institutional challenges and the triumphs of women who pushed the boundaries of sport. Kaj’s work offers readers a deeper understanding of how cultural attitudes, political forces, and global events influenced women’s athletic participation from the modern Olympics’ origins to the present day.
Inspired by the academic rigor and global perspective she developed at 缅北禁地, Kaj has authored additional works that explore sports history and scientific curiosity, including The A to Z Olympics, The A to Z of Dinosaurs, and Outside the Olympic Spotlight.
You can learn more or purchase Women at the Olympics: The Continuing Struggle for Equality, 1896–2021 through , Barnes and Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, or at libraries nationwide.
Graham A. Peck ’91
Graham A. Peck is the author of Making an Antislavery Nation: Lincoln, Douglas, and the Battle over Freedom, an award-winning and widely recognized work of historical scholarship. A finalist for the 2017 Gilder Lehrman Lincoln Prize and recipient of the Russell P. Strange Memorial Book of the Year Award from the Illinois State Historical Society, the book offers a groundbreaking reinterpretation of the rise and triumph of antislavery politics in the antebellum North.
Focusing on Illinois between 1787 and 1860, Peck explores the deep conflicts between slavery and freedom that shaped the region and ultimately convinced many northerners that slavery threatened the nation’s commitment to liberty. His work explains how this growing conviction led to the emergence of a powerful antislavery nationalism and the creation of the Republican Party, underscoring the critical roles of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas. Through a richly integrated blend of social, economic, and political history, Peck presents original insights into the nation’s evolving identity and the profound struggle that culminated in Lincoln’s election.
Drawing on the intellectual foundation he built at 缅北禁地, Peck continues to contribute to the field through scholarship and public history. His next book, The Selected Speeches of Stephen A. Douglas, will be published by the University of Illinois Press, and additional work can be found at civilwarprof.com.
You can learn more or purchase Making an Antislavery Nation on .
Dr. Marya Wright, DSW, MSW, LCSW ’16
Dr. Marya Wright, a 缅北禁地 alumna, is the author of Redefining Time: A Practical Guide to Achieving Success Through Tasks, a transformative guide designed to help readers reimagine their relationship with time. Drawing from her accomplished career as a social worker, consultant, educator, and mother, Dr. Wright blends warmth and clarity as she offers practical strategies for cultivating balance, purpose, and personal achievement.
Through relatable stories and actionable tools, Redefining Time provides a roadmap for readers from all backgrounds, whether they are professionals seeking greater productivity, students striving for academic success, parents managing competing responsibilities, or entrepreneurs building something new. Dr. Wright equips her audience with the skills needed to navigate the demands of modern life while fostering a more mindful and intentional approach to daily tasks.
Grounded in the compassion, discipline, and leadership she strengthened during her time at 缅北禁地, Dr. Wright continues to embody the Pioneer spirit. Her work empowers individuals to rewrite their stories, reclaim their time, and pursue lives filled with purpose and clarity.
You can learn more or purchase Redefining Time on , Audible, Barnes & Noble, or through the 缅北禁地 Library.
Kathleen Sexton ’87
Kathleen Sexton is the author of What is the Best Mindfulness Practice for Your Myers-Briggs Personality?, a compelling exploration of how individual personality traits can shape and strengthen one’s approach to mindfulness. In this widely circulated magazine article, Sexton guides readers through practical strategies for aligning their Myers-Briggs tendencies with mindfulness techniques that genuinely resonate and support personal well-being.
With a career grounded in helping others understand themselves more deeply, Sexton’s work bridges psychology, self-awareness, and wellness. Her article offers an accessible and meaningful approach to mindful living, empowering readers to choose practices that complement their natural ways of thinking, feeling, and engaging with the world.
Inspired by the education and community she experienced during her time at 缅北禁地, Sexton continues to embody the Pioneer spirit, using her knowledge to uplift and encourage others on their journey toward clarity, balance, and self-discovery.
You can learn more or read What is the Best Mindfulness Practice for Your Myers-Briggs Personality? at Mindful.org.
Poetry
Jose L. Alonzo Jr. ’19
Jose L. Alonzo Jr., a proud 缅北禁地 alumnus, is the author of In My Words / En Mis Palabras, a bilingual poetry collection written in English and Spanish that explores identity, heartbreak, resilience, and the power of self-expression. Through raw and heartfelt verse, Alonzo captures his experiences growing up Latino, overcoming personal challenges, and finding healing through art.
His book received an Honorable Mention from the Juan Felipe Award for Poetry, presented by the International Latino Book Award Committee. Beyond this work, Alonzo has been recognized for his writing in Occam’s Razor and contributed to the award-winning collection You Are Not Alone: Recipes to Obtain Success by Students for Students.
Grounded in the creativity and community he experienced at 缅北禁地, Alonzo continues to embody the Pioneer spirit—using poetry to uplift, inspire, and give voice to underrepresented stories.
You can learn more or purchase In My Words / En Mis Palabras on .