Meet the 2027 Festival Team
The Board of Directors
Kyle Reynolds
BOARD PRESIDENT
Kyle is a retired Marine Biologist who created a refugee nonprofit arts foundation called The Art of Saving Humanity. She now works as an award-winning sculptor. Her creations tell stories that connect the human and natural world. You can visit her at www.thepeculiary.com
Sara Nickerson
BOARD VICE PRESIDENT
Sara is a children's author who began her career working in television and film. She has written three novels for middle graders and is traditionally published with Scholastic and Penguin Random House. She is working on her next novel. You can visit her at www.saranickerson.com
Elsa Watson
BOARD SECRETARY
Elsa is an author of historical fiction for adults but she's also spent much of her career in the nonprofit sector. She worked at the West Sound Wildlife Shelter and with the Bainbridge Schools Foundation before beginning her own nonprofit - Walla Walla Schools Foundation. You can visit her at www.ElsaWatson.com
2027 Festival Committee
Suzanne Selfors
DIRECTOR/FOUNDER
Suzanne is a bestselling author of over 30 books for young readers. This festival is one of her passion projects. You can visit her at SuzanneSelfors.com
Dawn Ream
FESTIVAL DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHER
Dawn is the owner of Magic Bird Books on Bainbridge Island. She is passionate about children's literature and she will focus her creativity on making the festival beautiful!
Meg Beade Stowe
PUBLIC LIBRARY LIAISON
Meg works as a children's librarian for Kitsap Regional Libraries at the Poulsbo branch. She will help the festival connect with public librarians in Kitsap and neighboring counties.
Maureen McQuerry
AUTHOR LIAISON
Maureen writes for both children and adults, from novels to internationally-bestselling board books. She taught for 20 years, specializing in gifted education. She will help develop our author/illustrator list.
George Shannon
PROGRAMMING
George has spent most of his career as a writer of delightful picture books and as a school librarian. With wit and wisdom, he will help us create additional programming for the festival.
Walker Ranson
TREASURER
Walker is a published author and the manager of Liberty Bay Books. He is 6th generation Kitsap County! His roll will be the dreaded bookkeeping and reporting and we are so grateful!
Jeanne Leasure
VOLUNTEER LIASION
Jeanne is a semi-retired human resources executive who has spent years supporting K–12 schools, student programs, and literacy initiatives. She will coordinate the volunteers for festival day.
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Isabelle Ranson
FUNDRAISING/GRANTS
Isabelle holds a Masters in Environmental Science and has worked for a number of nonprofits. She's also a popular graphic artist. She will lend her skills in grant-writing this year.
Lillyan Crabb
SCHOOL VISIT DAY COORDINATOR
Lillyan is the Assistant Manager at Liberty Bay Books. She has a degree in Integrated Social Sciences and is a passionate reader. She will organize author visits to our local schools.
Thye DeForest
COMMUNITY LIAISON
Thye works at Liberty Bay Books, building connections with local nonprofits and community groups. He earned a BA in Studio Art and Art History and is an accomplished painter. Thye will be our contact for attending vendors and nonprofits.