right here, write now

Kari Kube, Chair and Fundraising

Kari Kube assists with fundraising and hospitality.  In addition to volunteer work, Kari enjoys yoga, mountain biking, boating, telemark skiing & traveling.  Raised in Wenatchee, Kari left the area to attend college & law school.  She returned in 1996 with an increased appreciation of the valley.  She & her husband Paul have an 8 year old son, Nason.

Kay Kenyon, Vice Chair and Programming

Kay Kenyon is a writer of speculative fiction, primarily fantasy and science fiction. Her novels have been nominated for major awards in the field, and translated into French, Russian, Spanish, and Czech. Her latest work is a sci-fantasy series beginning with Bright of the Sky, the story of a man on an odyssey to  find his lost wife and daughter. Publishers Weekly listed this novel among the top 150 books of 2007. The series has twice been shortlisted for the American Library Association Reading List awards.

Susan Murry, Secretary and WVC Facilities

Susan Murray is director of planning and institutional effectiveness at Wenatchee Valley College. She holds a doctorate in educational psychology from Stanford University and did her dissertation research on expository writing instruction in high schools.

Melody Kreimes, Membership

Melody Kreimes is adjunct faculty at WSU and maintains a private practice as an environmental mediator. Her “real” job is raising her two children, Molly & Zachary, with her husband Steve. In her spare time she is collaborating with her father on a memoir about his infamous life & the impact it had on her.

Eldene Wall, School Connections

Eldene Wall, CEOE, is Executive Assistant/Public Relations Specialist at North Central Educational Service District in Wenatchee.  She has been at the ESD for 18 years, serving as Executive Assistant for 14 years.  The Public Relations work was added the past 5 years.

Shirley Ostenson, Finance

Shirley Ostenson is a retired CPA.  She received a BS from Central Washington University in Accounting and has completed coursework for a Masters in Applied Behavioral Science from Baystr University.  Shirley has had a variety of life experiences from Naval Officer’s wife living in Japan and Europe, to organic orcharding and co-managing an organic fruit packing business.  In between these two diverse lifestyles, she worked as Controller for Selland Construction in Wenatchee and as Controller for Alcoa at its magnesium plant in Addy outside Spokane.  Married to Harold Ostenson, organic guru for Stemilt Growers, her greatest accomplishment is their two children, Julie Banken and Jeff Ostenson.  Her sources of most pride are grandsons Isaiah and Zachary.

Mary Resk, Promotions

Mary Kathryn Resk cannot sit idle for long.  As a result, she is a teacher, freelance writer, performer, traveler, athlete, and community volunteer. She’s thrilled to have the opportunity to help spread the good word about good writing to the NCW writing community.  For more on her current projects and escapades, visit: http://www.mkresk.wordpress.com

Dan Gemeinhart, Web & Social Media

Dan Gemeinhart is a teacher-librarian at Mission View Elementary school in Wenatchee. In his writing life he focuses mostly on literature for children and young adults, and is a proud member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators. His passions beside reading and writing books are the outdoors and music. His writing website can be found at www.dangemeinhart.com. He lives in Cashmere with his wife and two young daughters.

Molly Steere

Molly Steere quit her job as a Mechanical Engineer to pursue a career in writing. She is now a Social Media Consultant and the Creative Director for Legwork Social. She also writes young adult fiction, women’s fiction, and a humorous blog. Outside of the writing world, Molly loves to ski, mountain bike, and ride motorcycles. She lives in Wenatchee with her husband and 2-year-old son, who are both tolerant of her obsession with words.

Staff – Executive Director

Susan Lagsdin

Susan Lagsdin is starting her fourth full year as executive director of Write On The River. She also writes poetry, teaches English at Wenatchee Valley College, and is a feature writer for The Good Life magazine.  Her outdoor sporting pleasure is riding her horse. After years in the Methow Valley and then the Vancouver area, Susan and her spouse, writer and photographer Mike Irwin, now live in East Wenatchee.