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, holistic healing, addiction awareness, and music and the arts. She has lived in Bend for over 10 years and loves playing outside in the mountains and rivers.

kimberly bowker grew up in Central Oregon under the shadow of the Cascade mountains, breathing the scent of the ponderosa pines. She currently 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.

Damian Fagan is a freelance writer and COCC Community Learning instructor. He enjoys birding and botanizing while hiking in Central Oregon’s wild lands. He lives in Bend with his wife, Raven.

Tess Freeman is a freelance photographer and videographer based in Bend. She studied journalism at the University of Oregon and focused her work on photography, video, and multimedia storytelling. She has worked as a photojournalist in Texas, Idaho, Oregon, and the Dominican Republic. She can also be found exploring the outdoors via bike, snowboard, or on foot.

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 regional historian, Tor is currently conducting research for his latest book. He and his wife, Nancy, have two daughters.

Holly R. hutchins is a native Oregonian who retired to Bend after spending 17 years in Houston in public affairs and corporate communications. He has an MA in public relations from the University of Houston, a journalism degree from the University of Oregon, and worked at several Oregon newspapers before joining the corporate sector. A regular contributor to several area magazines, he teaches business and business writing at COCC.

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

Freelance writer and editor Gregg Morris honed his wit in a suburban Michigan basement and his gift for the written word at Michigan State University. After obtaining his BA, he packed up his midwestern charm and headed west. When not writing, Gregg can be found riding his bike or playing guitar alongside his wife and daughter.

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.

Darlene Veenhuizen lhas been sharing food stories for 13 years. She has created written and visual content for brands like New Season Market, Burgerville, and Humm Kombucha and has worked with several local food companies. Along with husband Joel and two-year-old daughter Libby, she has called Central Oregon home for the last three years. Find her work at picklejarstudios.com.

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.

A longtime freelance writer and columnist, Katy Yoder is writing a speculative nonfiction book about childhood and the experiences that follow us into adulthood. She grew up on the back of a horse and enjoys riding in the BLM land beyond her back gate. Time away from the keyboard also finds her kayaking with husband Gary, hiking with dog Beau, and baking in a cloud of flour as she perfects her Dutch-oven sourdough bread.