Team Bios
Kathryn Ross is a writer, speaker, dramatist, and teacher who equips women and families with the tools to develop a Family Literacy Lifestyle, producing readers and thinkers who can engage their world from a biblical perspective. Miss Kathy owns Pageant Wagon Publishing with book shepherd and publishing services for Christian writers. She is the author of The Gatekeeper’s Key, Fragrant Fields: Poetic Reflections for Journaling, and Fable Springs Parables Picture Books—plus years of curriculum and playwriting for teaching, learning, and worship. She lives in southern New Jersey with her career bookseller husband, Ed, a house full of props, costumes, and bookshelves—and Copperfield the literary cat. Miss Kathy founded the Good News Christian Writers Critique Group in 2013 with her editor and writing mentor Janice Hall Heck, who passed in early December 2020.
Linda Slomin is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked for Cumberland County College, now called Rowan College of South Jersey, for 33 years. In 2020, Linda self-published her first book, The Very Sensitive Princess. The idea came after doing a puppet show on the mission field while ministering to children in India and Zambia. She is currently working on a book which exposes the false gospel of self-righteousness and aims to set people free of religious and legalistic bondages. She is married to Donald and has a stepdaughter, Katie, and a grandson, Kai. She attends Chestnut Assembly of God Church in Vineland, NJ.
Stacy Lee Flury endured the painful realities of parenting a troubled teen daughter through years of turmoil. In her award-winning book endorsed by Jim Daly of Focus on the Family, Turning the Tide of Emotional Turbulence: Devotions for Parents of Teens in Crisis, Stacy recounts how faith in God gave her victory over the swirl of negative emotions that raged in her heart. She blogs at Anchor of Promise and as a Certified Biblical Counselor helps families battle upheaval in their homes. Stacy is the 2021 Enduring Lights Silver Medalist for Exemplary Christian-Themed books since the year 2000. Her latest adventure is jumping into the Ebook arena and looks forward to encouraging new writers through the wisdom, skills, and experiences she’s gained through the years. Visit Stacy at AnchorOfPromise.com.
Nikki Zimmerman holds a bachelor’s degree in the Writing Arts from Rowan University and has been a part of the Good News Christian Writer’s Critique Group for over three years. She authored and self-published a children’s picture book, Pogo the Roving Pup, and enjoys devotional blog writing at J.O.Y. Cottage and writing in and for the workplace. Nikki hopes to inspire all who participate in the Good News Christian Writer’s Workshop 2021 to dive into their varied writing projects and publication dreams with courage. “Give God your ability,” she says, “and watch Him bless it, break it, and multiply it for His glory!”
Trish Weldon is a Bible study teacher who has written and taught a study guide for the Christian classic, Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard, as well as an in-depth study on The Women of the Bible. She writes at her devotional blog Rooted in Purpose and uses real life situations to inspire and encourage, plus continues to refine her many inspirational works including a children's book series. Her advice for the Christian writer is simple: My heart’s desire is to encourage writers to pursue what the Lord has called them to write and not give up. The blessing of writing is truly in the journey. She is married to her wonderful husband Bill and has a beautiful, blended family of six children and six grandchildren.
Christine Strittmatter is a wife, mom, teacher, military veteran, mentor, and writer, passionate to share Scriptural truths with women and children. She taught 20 years at a Christian school and has a Master’s degree in Human Services—Marriage and Family Studies from Liberty University plus has a Master’s certifications from LU in Pastoral Counseling and Military Resilience. In her book, The Real Life Mom, she shares real life snippets to inspire, encourage, and challenge others in their everyday walks with God. She’s published articles in New Jersey Family Magazine 2013-2015 and is currently at work on a second book project. Chris and her chivalrous husband, Dave, have two grown children in 41 years of a blessed life together. At the GNCWW today, she hopes to encourage new writers with their personal goals and dreams.
Tabatha Schaeffler is a writer/speaker, teacher, and counselor/life coach to many. She helps people with trauma to live healthy lives beyond what they believed possible. Her education spans professional, marriage and family counseling, theological studies, and experience raising/homeschooling a child with Severe Asperger and mental health issues. She has an extensive court systems knowledge base plus mental health issues, trauma, and undercurrent of society, working alongside many people and agencies. Tabs is on staff for the Colorado and Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conferences and creates virtual events to allow individuals from anywhere gain inspiration from varied speakers. She writes and produces 3-day Women’s Retreat Events—her latest for this summer is “Praise Café.” She encourages Christian writers to “find the inspiration and courage to write what God has called YOU to write because no one can reach the individuals God has sent to YOU; like YOU can!" Visit Tabs at pathoflifeministry-nj.com.