Jo Lena Johnson

President

Jo Lena Johnson started writing in her first diary many years ago and hasn't stopped since. Back then she was trying to figure out how to express her passion, creativity and emotions - especially during her turbulent teen years. Later she was told that writing her feelings would help her "connect to the pain and heal" when dealing with the loss of a loved one. Writing helped. In 2010 she wrote her first three books - to help people live better lives. Since that time, she's become a publisher, book/writing coach and ghostwriter - helping others to help others! The Absolute Good Resilience Coach, Jo Lena also facilitates professional development and life skills for individuals and organizations around the US and internationally.

   absolutegoodenterprises.com

Jeff Bender

Vice President

Jeff Bender is the founder of Lion+Owl, an inclusive children's apparel brand specializing in sensory-friendly clothing for kids aged 4–12. As a dedicated advocate for LGBTQ+ youth and families, Jeff also serves as the director of the Payson Grey Foundation, a nonprofit committed to creating safe and supportive spaces for all. A father of two, including an inspiring 11-year-old transgender daughter, Jeff channels his personal experiences into building a world where every child feels comfortable and confident. Beyond his work in fashion and advocacy, Jeff is an accomplished author and speaker, sharing stories that bridge generations and promote understanding.

   lionandowl.us

   paysongreyfoundation.org

 
Gayle Abram

Treasurer & Membership

  I am a proud school social worker with 27 years of experience. Though not in any particular order, I am a lover of people, numbers, being of service, reading, and new experiences. All of which led me to the SLPA.

 Kerri Holloway

Secretary & Special Events Coordinator

Kerri M. Holloway is a freelance editor and copywriter with over 20 years' experience helping authors, nonprofits, small business owners, and Christian ministries. As the principal of Successful Improvements, she is committed to helping people share their story and transform their ideas into a polished and effective message.

Kerri provides full-service editing for manuscripts in the following genres:  Adult (nonfiction)—personal memoir, Christian ministry, youth programs, women, family, personal journal; and Youth (fiction and nonfiction)—children’s picture books, early readers.

successful-improvements.com

Sean Gold

Webmaster

 Sean Gold is a young, black, gay man with a disability. His desire is to enlighten, inform and support others in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, and beyond. He is an advocate for people with disabilities, an author, a public speaker, and has one Microsoft certification for web design. From 2020 to 2023, Sean was the president of the disability-owned nonprofit organization, Coalition in Truth and Independence. In 2021, he published his debut book, Pure Love, Or Is It? In 2023, Gold became the Media Director of FestAbility and a board member of the Saint Louis Publishers Association. He is currently attending UMSL for his bachelor's degree in English. In September 2024, he published his second book, The ABCs of Disabilities.

   linktr.ee/authorseangold

Kevin Ericson

Historian

I am currently a full-time accountant. Third generation Swedish immigrant. Three children and three grandchildren. Growing up, my family lived in Afghanistan during my pre-teen years, and I’ve been to 18 countries, which gives a broad world view. I am a musician, including arranging Swedish songs for an annual Christmas show. I sing in a choir and play in a classic rock band. Various books in development, including 100-year-old Swedish newspaper articles written by my grandfather; known lineage going back 500 years; Swedish song book with recordings.

Casandra McCottrell

Communications Director

Illinoisian and hostess extraordinaire.

Casandra McCottrell is an independent producer, screenwriter, and business owner with a genuine love for storytelling. With a background in television, including experience working on national and international programs like PBS and NBC, she has honed her ability to create narratives that resonate with audiences. Her lifelong passion for books and the arts has naturally led her to the publishing industry, where she is excited to help diverse authors share their unique voices.

 Princess Ezenwa

Event Coordinator

Princess Ezenwa has a BSBA in Marketing and Mathematics and an MA in Marketing and Media Communications. She is the Founder and CEO of The Princess Groups, LLC, a Food Manufacturer, and Publisher of African Business Directory and News.

Dr. Patrick Jones

Graphic Designer

(Director of Cloud Strategy in real life) Dr. Patrick Jones is an experienced educator and technology expert, holding a doctorate in education leadership, a master’s degree in education technology, and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. With a career spanning roles as a teacher, administrator, and director of technology, Dr. Jones has been at the forefront of integrating technology into diverse settings. Dr. Jones is dedicated to empowering learners through innovative technology solutions and making complex topics simple to understand. Fun thing: Father of 3 boys who keep me overloaded with all of their sports!

Burchell McGhee

Board Ambassador

Burchell McGhee is an avid reader, an aspiring author. She's an extroverted-introvert. She loves reading to people but doesn't care to be read to if unsolicited. She loves cooking and loves for people to enjoy eating the food that she's prepared. With her current vocal business: The Voice of Burchell, she conducts audio description, narration and many other vocal services.

burchellmcgheethevoice.com

Dr. Warren Martin

aka Marty Martin

Advisory Member at Large

Warren Martin (aka Marty) is past president of the SLPA and currently serves as President of the Missouri Writers Guild.  Warren served the majority of his 21-year career in the United States Army as a Green Beret. He blended his knowledge and experiences with imagination and historical events to create his first novel, Forgotten Soldiers, published 2012. His latest writing venture was the award winning Psycholigical Mystery series Farmerville. As a proud grandparent, Warren has authored the award-winning Adventures with Pop Pop children’s books series. In March of 2022 Warren had a stroke and since the wrote a recovery and rehabilitation book on the experience –  “Surviving the Stroke a minute with God: A Recovery and Rehabilitation Guide

Explore and Discover the World of Marty Martin at martymartin.net  

“Surviving the Stroke a minute with God: A Recovery and Rehabilitation Guide