Lauren Davis Baker is a freelance writer and editor. She is the former owner of Flying Changes magazine, a publication for Northwest sporthorse enthusiasts. She relentlessly pursues the sport of dressage, with more enthusiasm than talent. Depending on the season, she also cycles with the Bend Bellas or with her husband on Phil’s Trail.

Kimberly Bowker grew up in Central Oregon under the shadow of the Cascade Mountains breathing the scent of the ponderosa pines. She spends her time guiding, teaching, and writing, exploring stories of the heart and discovering how our lives intertwine. You might find her sipping a pint of craft beer at a local pub or out on the trail strolling beneath the sky.

Laurel Brauns is a writer and a singer-songwriter who loves exploring the world, meeting interesting people, and studying yoga. She has a diverse range of interests, including entrepreneurship, business, holistic healing, and addiction awareness, as well as music and the arts. She has lived in Bend for ten years and loves playing outside in the mountains and rivers.

A native of Sweden, Tor Hanson moved to Bend in 1991. He is a published journalist and author in both Sweden and the United States. Also a local historian, he is currently researching the rich history of Bend’s millworker neighborhoods. Tor is married to Nancy and has two daughters.

Tara Marsh, the Special Projects editorial assistant, is a native Oregonian who has written for local newspapers for more than 14 years. She and her husband stay busy with their 10-year-old son, two dogs, and three cats. She also has two grown daughters and a granddaughter. She and her family love to play music, ride dirt bikes, and plant gardens.

Enthusiastic and outgoing, Bridget McGinn enjoys meeting new people and sharing their stories. She spends her days working as a marketing and advertising professional, making photos or documentary films, and enjoying time with her family. She may also be seen dragging along at the end of the leash of her adopted beagle.

BILL MINTIENS is a multimedia journalist and the owner of Jakie Spring Media LLC. His passions include trail running, road cycling, and riding his horses on the many trails throughout Central Oregon.

Dani Nichols loves to write and has 10 years of experience as a journalist, editor, and copywriter. When she’s not writing, Dani is likely teaching therapeutic horseback riding at Healing Reins Therapeutic Riding Center in Bend, cooking for friends and family, or enjoying the Central Oregon outdoors with her husband and children.For more, visit www.wranglerdani.com.

Linda Orcelletto’s 20+ year professional career includes writing, fundraising, and event management. She is a database geek, community connector, and chronic list maker. She, her husband Joe, and furry friend Barley love finding and exploring secret spots in Oregon.

Rachel Raburn is a freelance writer and portrait photographer, with dreams of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail with her husband someday. She also enjoys painting and quilting and keeps busy home-schooling her five kids. Her busy, crazy, and amazing family live in Madras with their fat orange cat, Garfield.

After three decades in Seattle, where she raised her family, Sue Stafford returned to her native Oregon and Sisters, the place of her heart since childhood. Her days now are filled with freelance writing and teaching a guided autobiography class through COCC. With four other Sisters locals, she is excited to be establishing the Three Sisters Historical Society.

Grant Woods is a freelance writer. An insatiable curiosity and diverse background allow him to approach new projects with enthusiasm. He is inspired by honest and courageous writing. The open-ended quality of storytelling constantly brings him back to the keyboard.