BUILDING BRIDGES

Denise McCormack, M.Ed., is a multifaceted storyteller who is deeply committed to sharing the history, benefits, and practices of storytelling in a broad spectrum of applications.  With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she crafts narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. 

Among her many roles, McCormack is president of the Patchwork Storytelling Guild; performance artist; storytelling/speaking coach; creative and web designer; and video specialist.

For more information, go to: www.denisemccormack.live

 Born in 1947, Walt Belcher grew up in a textile mill village in Greenville, S.C.; got degrees from the University of Georgia (BA) and University of Arizona (MA); spent 45 years as a newspaper reporter/columnist (mostly at The Tampa Tribune); discovered oral storytelling in 2018; and, is currently serving on the board of the Florida Storytelling Association. He has told at festivals in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, North and South Carolina. 

 Jim Brulé is a transformational storyteller, death doula, and teacher with diverse cultural, spiritual, and academic backgrounds. His school – Transformational Storytelling – trains spiritual storytellers from multiple traditions to tell stories that inspire healing and spiritual growth. It has been operating for seven years and is accredited by the National Storytelling Network. Co-authored with Rebecca Lemaire, his book 'Stories of the Heart' presents 18 global tales for navigating life and death. 

Beginning in 1977, Robert "Alan" Black began traveling the world for fun and work to 49 US states and 93 countries on all 6 continents.   Since 1980 he has given 4000+ presentations from speeches to two week long training programs about Leading, Communicating, Teaming, Cre8ng™. 

 Jennifer Frandsen is Fairy Godmother. Not your old world Fairy Godmother, she's here to remind you to be the hero of your own story. From drug addiction to social anxiety, her fairy tales are for today's heroes and sure to be banned in Florida. 

 Momma Sandi (Saundra Gilliard) is steeped in the African American Oral Tradition.  For more than 25 years, Momma Sandi has engaged diverse audiences in traditional folktales and treasured personal experiences that showcase the creative expression of culture and history that has been passed down to her.  Momma Sandi is a playwright, author and past president of the National Association of Black Storytellers (NABS) and Keepers of The Culture (KOTC).  Momma Sandi resides in Philadelphia, PA. 

Dagmar enjoys  Cultural Stories within the Community where she lives and travels.  Stories re-awaken our humanness, foibles ,and struggles and give guide posts on how to Live.  

Lorelynne "Lori" Jones is a poet, author, educator and caregiver who is proudly from the Overbrook section of West Philadelphia. Lorelynne attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she learned how to develop her writing skills and join several groups with common interests. "I feel like I have lived a thousand lives but yet I have more to go " is her favorite phrase when sharing stories.

Captivated by giants of industry growing up, Jim Kissane became an author and oral storyteller, committed to preserving the forgotten tales of American workers from the 1850s-1950s. His decades long journey began with listening to firsthand accounts from family and communities, transforming into hundreds of original and historical narratives. He brings these forgotten episodes to life, transporting audiences back in time, to gain a deeper appreciation for the foundation of industrial America. 

 Tara McGowan is a storyteller and visual artist, who creates and performs original kamishibai stories. She is the author of "The Kamishibai Classroom: Engaging Multiple Literacies through the Art of ‘Paper Theater’" (2010) and "Performing Kamishibai: An Emerging New Literacy for a Global Audience" (2015). Tara has conducted kamishibai workshops in Mexico, Peru, France, Slovenia, and Japan and was given the Horio Seishi Award in 2017 from the Center for Research on Japanese Children’s Culture. 

LISBET PAWLOWSKI

 Growing up with a father who loved quoting poetry, and telling tales of his travel adventures, Lisbet was immersed in stories from a young age. She was also introduced to folk tales and fairy tales. They were magical, enchanting, and piqued my vivid imagination.  Having performed in numerous settings, including at the NJ Storytelling Festival, it is my hope that everyone experiences the magic of stories. ...to spark compassion and kindness, inspire dreaming, and bring joy. 

 GABRIELE PRESTON

Gabriele Preston is a teaching artist and stagewriter who lives on telling stories whenever they think they can get away with it. They believe that learning folk tales is a way of preserving collective memory. But so far it's mostly come in handy for diverting the attention of small children. To find out more about Gabriele, ask them. 

 Robin Reichert is an writer, speaker, storyteller, artist, and poet. She is the author of Earth Divine – Adventures of an Everyday Mystic, Feather Gifts for all Ages, Diary of a Man Called Jesus - His Life and Missing Years, and she shares stories on public radio, and Youtube. Robin also facilitates screenings and speaking engagements for The Camino of St. Francis, a documentary film by James Twyman where she is featured. 

Nancy  Wexler Taylor  is a  native of Philadelphia and lives in Doylestown, PA.  Since retiring her life is filled with creating art , volunteering, Improv and storytelling.  On November 2018, she dared herself to take the stage at The Philadelphia Moth and  won best in show .  June 2023 she won best in show at First Person Arts.  This past November Nancy shared a personal story with Patchwork .  Storytelling and improv provides her a way to be in the moment. She is thankful for her  family that provides her inspiration. 

 A storyteller & member of the Victoria Storytellers' Guild since 2009, Moira has told in a range of places including the Forestry Festival in Port Angeles, WA. I'm a retired college English teacher who lives in Victoria, BC, Canada.