Kimberly Bowker grew up in Central Oregon under the shadow of the Cascade Mountains and between the scent of the ponderosa pines. She currently spends her time 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.

Creative wordsmith, media relations specialist and sponsorship coordinator, Ben Montgomery brings years of experience in messaging and community journalism to The Bulletin’s Special Projects team. Ben’s favorite beer is Silver Moon Brewing’s Hob Knob IPA, and he enjoys exploring Central Oregon with his wife and two little girls.

After three decades in Seattle, SUE STAFFORD returned home to Oregon to put down roots in Sisters. The “dry side,” with its beauty, weather and slower pace, affords her the opportunity to pursue her gardening, hiking, and movie going. Sue’s experiences with motherhood, teaching, fundraising, horticultural,expressive arts therapies and hospice case management inform her writing.

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 spending time with her family. She may also be seen being dragged along the end of the leash of her adopted beagle.

Zack Hall is freelance writer based in Bend and a former staff writer for The Bulletin. He has lived and worked in Central Oregon for nearly 10 years. When not writing about the virtues of Central Oregon or the region’s array of world-class golf courses, he can usually be found chasing his daughter around the house or a little white ball around a patch of emerald-green grass.

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; shares a pint with the Beer Angels; or trails behind her husband on Phil’s Trail.

An avid crocheter and origamist, John Cal worked as a baker, head chef, ukuleleist and Sno-Cat driver before settling into writing. He enjoys filling his time with yoga, postcard writing and collecting bowties. John also collects candy from around the world — he has a 100-plus specimen collection (and counting) — and lives in Bend with his dog, Hank.