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Dr. John O. A. Pagano (Englewood Cliffs, NJ): He is a chiropractic physician who for fifty years has successfully conducted research on the natural healing of psoriasis and eczema, conditions that afflict millions of people throughout the world. He is author of HEALING PSORIASIS: The Natural Alternative; One Cause, Many Ailments: The Leaky Gut Syndrome; and Dr. John's Healing Psoriasis Cookbook...Plus! He has appeared on countless radio and television programs, and has lectured all over the world on the subject of psoriasis. HEALING PSORIASIS: The Natural Alternative has been translated into Finnish, Japanese, Russian, Italian, and French. He also writes and performs his own original songs, is well-known for his paintings which grace fine homes in many places, and has a passion for all things nautical.
Laura Pastor (Austin, TX): She was raised in Colorado where she started taking piano lessons and writing songs at the age of four. Laura started singing professionally at age fifteen when she was hired as the weekly entertainment at the local country club. Upon graduating from high school, Laura moved to Texas to attend college. She paid the majority of her college tuition by playing the piano and singing at multiple venues. Laura obtained her degree in communications and is currently working on writing songs and teaching music.
Barbara Pelman (Victoria, BC, Canada): She teaches English at Reynolds Secondary School in Victoria and is presently Head of the English Dept. She has conducted poetry workshops at BCTELA and in Victoria. She has had poems published in the English Quarterly, out of U.B.C., and in Fireworks, an e-magazine. Two of her poems were published in Event in August 2003. At the weekly Mocambopo Poetry series, she is a frequent speaker at the Open Mic, and she was the featured poet on April 11, 2003. She has recently taken up flute and drawing.
Yvonne Perkins (Chicago, IL): She has achieved global name recognition and is the recipient of many prestigious awards for her songwriting abilities. Her song "I Got Power" was included in the NBC database for the Beijing Olympics, August 2008. These songs resonate with anointing and are sure to touch hearts and change lives, as they inspire believers and non-believers alike to examine their relationship with God. She has the awesome ability to write in many different styles including Gospel, contemporary, country, etc. and in a way that has universal appeal to all listeners. These songs are masterfully produced demos showcasing her songwriting abilities. She is a songwriter, not a singer, and acknowledges the dynamic talents of the many demo singers on the demos, with special "Kudos" to Ms. Brandie Nelson, whose outstanding voice is heard on many of the demos and is an up and coming recording artist. She has also worked with talented producers Walter Jones (Gifted Productions), NSS, and Kenneth Taylor (Good Shepherd Productions). Her songs have been included on many compilation CDs. All songs are available to recording artists, TV/film, plays, etc. http://www.forhisgloryyp.com/
Dr. Phyllis J. Perry (Boulder, CO): She is the author of more than seventy books for children and educators. Formerly a teacher, principal, and Director of Talented and Gifted Education for the Boulder Valley Schools in Boulder, Colorado, she now writes full time. She earned her doctorate from the University of Colorado in education, majoring in curriculum and instruction. In recognition of her work, she has received the Governor's Award for Excellence in Education from the State of Colorado, as well as the Distinguished Leadership Award for Outstanding Contributions to Education. Two of her books have received the Top Hand Award from the Colorado Author's League. http://www.phyllisjperry.com/
Vinnie Piecora (Edgewater, FL): He is a songwriter and the co-writer with Donna Fant of "Christmas Rush" in My Christmas Fun Book Level One.
James Pierpont (Deceased): For information on the writer of “Jingle Bells” visit http://www.songwritershalloffame.org/exhibit_home_page.asp?exhibitId=195
Jo Ann Pistotnik (Deceased): She co-wrote "Little Town Christmas" in My Christmas Fun Book Level Two.
Wanda Podgorska-Russell (Fresno, CA): She teaches at California State University, Fresno, and is also an RN. She has written articles for the Fresno Bee, and has co-authored a book on Fresno history. Her poetry has been published in The San Joaquin Review and in Flies, Cockroaches, and Poets.
Gordon Pogoda (Canoga Park, CA): He has had worldwide success as a songwriter in several mediums. In film, his credits include two songs featured in the 2007 Academy Award winning motion picture “Little Miss Sunshine,” the top 10 film “Josie and the Pussycats” and the Burt Reynolds film “Cloud 9.” In television, Gordon Pogoda's songs have been featured in over thirty T.V. shows including “CSI: Miami,” “Sex and the City,” and “Will and Grace.” His songs can be found on albums released in North America, Europe, and Australia. He has had a top 5 hit recorded by Patrick Jurdic, the winner of “Pop Idol” in Croatia (“Pop Idol” is the European version of “American Idol”) and has had a top 5 hit in Russia for pop artist Sergey Lazarev. He's also had a platinum record with the Australian “Popstars” group Scandal'us, and three platinum and gold records with the Greek “Popstars” group Hi-5. In addition, he's had a platinum record for Finnish female rock band Tiktak. He's also had his songs featured on various Disney projects including the television show “Kim Possible,” the CD “Radio Disney: Jingle Jams,” the film “Get a Clue” and the DVD “The Secret Files.” Gordon has had a top 10 hit on the U.S. Contemporary Christian singles chart with sister group Aurora. He has written songs with some of the most respected artists and writers in the business including Melissa Manchester, Dan Hill, Albert Hammond, Allan Rich, Jeff Silbar, John Bettis, Dennis Morgan, Michael Jay, Denise Rich, Ken Hirsch, Wayne Hector, Vince Degiorgio, Kasia Livingston, and Cutfather & Joe. In the past five years, he has signed sub-publishing deals with EMI Music, Universal Music, and Warner Chappell Music. http://www.gordonpogoda.com/
Eddie Pola (Deceased): He is the co-writer with George Wyle of the Christmas classic "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" in My Christmas Fun Book Level Four. More info at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Pola
Rowena Priestley (Vancouver, BC, Canada): She is a visual artist, poet, and songwriter. She has had two books of poetry published by Mellen Poetry Press, USA: “Bears and Other Shadows” and “The Dream That Becomes Us.” These were published under her former name, Martine Silk. She was born in Shrewsbury, England and is a member of the British Haiku Society. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada near the Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park where she daily keeps company with the beautiful white swans. http://www.rowenapriestley.com/
Paula Purnell (Greensburg, PA): She is a singer-songwriter and educator. For the past twelve years she has been writing and performing curriculum-based music programs at schools, libraries, and community events throughout western Pennsylvania. She conducts residencies and workshops on historic folk music for the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Artists in Education program. She is a Commonwealth Speaker through the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, and is also an outreach artist and professional development instructor for The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh. She has released six albums of original music, including two Parent's Choice Award winning children's albums. Her current band, The NewLanders, celebrates regional history and heritage, performing historic songs by and about the people of western Pennsylvania. She holds a Masters degree in elementary education from Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. http://www.arts.iup.edu/artspath/purnell.html
Suki Rae (aka Debbie Spitz): (New York, NY): The flutist/singer/songwriter has been performing internationally for the last 15 years. Classically trained with an M.A. in Music/Film from NYU, she was musician in residence at Cornell Univ. and performed in Israel for a year under the auspices of the Arad Arts Project. She has performed in Canada, the U.S., and Europe. She has 3 recordings out, 2 of original music. She has written over 200 songs in all styles. She has won awards and been on TV, radio, and film. She is published and has had much record industry interest. She has also acted, directed and worked with dancers and multimedia. She is presently working on her 4th and 5th CD's of all original material in the pop/rock and comedy genres, on which she sings, plays flute, keyboards, and produces with the aid of a well-known producer. She is available as a flute soloist (classical/jazz); with an outstanding guitarist as a duo (flute/guitar classical/jazz); with a jazz trio or quartet or any classical combination of instruments. She is versatile and available in all styles of music for recordings, weddings, parties, concerts, festivals, and workshops. She is willing to travel throughout the U.S. and abroad. http://www.sukiatry.com/
Charles Rampp (Deceased): He was a high school teacher and football coach. He taught college English, and edited a weekly newspaper while in Seminary. He interned in Buffalo, NY. He served Lutheran Parishs in Pittsburgh, Miami, FL, Rockville, MD, Baltimore, and Manor Parish in Frederick County, MD, where he also led a poetry group. Twenty-three of his short stories have been printed; 776 of his poems have been published in the U.S., Australia, Canada, and Great Britain. He has completed four novels. He retired to write by the Shenandoah. He accepted interim ministries at five different Lutheran Churches in the Shenandoah Valley, and served at Trinity, Arden, West Virginia.
Quint Randle (Provo, UT): He is the co-writer with Dave Chrenko of "Snowbound in Our Town" in My Christmas Fun Book Level Four. http://quintrandle.com/
Dolly and Mitch Rappaport (Redwood City, CA): Dolly Rappaport's artistry and
musicianship have attracted fans from
around the globe. With a rare combination of and
unforgettable voice, world-class
saxophone, and masterful piano
highlighting her live performance, Dolly's
original songs glide easily across several
genres including pop, rock, and jazz. http://www.reverbnation.com/dollyrappaport
Ande Rasmussen (Martindale, TX): He is an award winning songwriter and music publisher (Gotcha Covered Music Publishing--ASCAP) from Austin, TX. He co-writes with wonderful songwriters, artists, and producers. He has a diverse and interesting catalog of songs in the country, pop, and rock genres. He gets terrific ideas for songs all the time and writes them down. Because of this, some of his co-writers call him a “Hook Machine” or “Captain Hook.” He writes country, pop, and adult contemporary songs. He prefers to write positive uplifting lyrics, but will write risqué and cheating songs. He keeps a journal and writes every day. Unless inspiration strikes, writing a lyric is like solving a difficult word puzzle. He has always been good at solving puzzles, mainly because he refuses to give up until he solves it. He always begins a song with a strong hook or an interesting story. His goals at this point are to 1) keep writing when the muse strikes (daily) 2) collaborate with outstanding composers, songwriters, lyricists, artists, and producers 3) get cuts, and 4) hear his work all over the world on radio, TV, and Films. He does 95% of his songwriting by email. He and his co-writers take a hook and develop it into a lyric. He attended and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BA in Finance. He was a walk-on member of UT's Varsity Swimming Team and earned a letter. When he was growing up, his father worked as an officer in the Air Force. He belongs to and participates in the Austin Songwriters Group (ASG) and Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI.). He and his co-writers have won numerous awards in songwriting contests, and he has had cuts with independent artists. He is the author of the Yahoo Newsgroup Inspirations for Songwriters (IFS). In February 2004, his song “Home Made of Stone,” performed by and co-written with John Arthur Martinez and Steve Seskin, debuted at #56 on the Billboard Country Charts. He also co-wrote the title cut on jAm's CD Lone Starry Night on Dualtone Records, distributed by Sony.
Donna Rawlins (Los Angeles, CA): Represented as a voice actor by William Morris Endeavor in Beverly Hills, her prolific national commercial TV credits include being the spokesperson for United Airlines, Macy’s, May Company, Suzuki, Nationwide Insurance, Ralph’s Grocery Stores, Petsmart, St. Ives, Birdseye, Rosetta Pasta, Hillshire Farms, On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, Renuzit Air Fresheners, and Tilex Fresh Shower, in addition to AVIVA Financial, American Century Investments, and the Clean Skies America campaign—just to name a few. She is the voice heard on numerous audio books such as Sydney Sheldon’s Tell Me Your Dreams, Tami Hoag’s Taken by Storm, Margaret George’s Memoirs of Cleopatra, Laura Zigman’s Animal Husbandry, Dana Reinhardt’s Harmless, and Jane Heller’s Female Intelligence. Donna voiced the character BT in the premier season of the Japanese anime Hack/Sign, and she was the the voice actor of Emma and Natasha in Geneshaft. In addition to a successful voiceover career, Donna is a singer-songwriter whose songs have appeared in more than ten network television shows and five major feature films including Mr. Woodcock, The Bold and The Beautiful, The Unit, The Shield and Dawson’s Creek. She is also an active member of the Screen Actors Guild, AFTRA, and BMI. Originally from the small town of Lancaster, Ohio, the now Los Angeles-based Rawlins comes from a family of five musicians and currently resides with her husband, Robert Feist, owner of Ravenswork Studios in Venice Beach, California, along with their 17 year old cat, Bhava. http://www.donnarawlins.com/
Jack Reid (Deceased): He was a musician who attended Maryville College in Maryville, TN from 1947-50. He composed many songs and collaborated with other writers. He taught piano and organ in the schools and at Kitts Music Co. in Washington, D.C. He wrote music for his students as well as for church. He and his wife Margarette S. Reid enjoyed attending writer's conferences. He met his collaborator Caroline Nye at one of them and together they co-wrote “The Wip Wop Song,” “Teddy Bear Bedtime Song,” and “The Merry-Go-Round Song” which appear in The Music Box and Other Delights. He and his wife also enjoyed collecting wildflowers. His widow Margarette is the author of The Button Box and A String of Beads.
Al Rita (Johnstown, PA): For over thirty years, he has been involved in the music business as a teacher, songwriter, and music publisher. After graduating from Penn State, he began his career as a piano teacher, founding his own music studio, and offering beginning through advanced instruction for both children and adults. As a songwriter, affiliated with BMI, Al has written songs in a variety of genres including Country, Pop, MOR, Theatrical, Novelty, Seasonal, Religious, Children's, Inspirational, and Educational. His published works include: “Don't Mess With the IRS,” a country-novelty song co-written with Dan Rita, recorded by Marlon Frizzell (son of country music legend Lefty Frizzell) and released in 1989 on the Trend label; “Raincheck On Your Love,” recorded by former Miss Nevada, Jacqueline Moore and released on the Comstock label; and many more. Al's educational piano solos include: Be A Star, It's Fun To Learn, Trick or Treat Parade, Going By, Merrily, Just Imagine It, and Water Park Fun, all published by Schaum Publications, Inc. In 1991, Al founded Allegheny Music Works, a company offering a wide variety of resource publications for songwriters.
Dan Rita (Mt. Holly, NJ): He has been a Special Education teacher for thirty-one years and is still going strong. His favorite passions when he's not teaching or thinking about teaching are: spending time with his wife and family, kayaking, reading, and writing poetry.
Clyde Roberts (United States): He is the songwriter of "Operator (Please Give Me Santa Claus)" in My Christmas Fun Book Level Two.
Penny Roberts (Miami, FL): She is a songwriter and the co-writer with Sharon Conway of "Christmas Lights" in My Christmas Fun Book Level One.
Peter Roberts (Studio City, CA): He is a classically trained musician and award winning producer/songwriter who has also recorded several highly acclaimed albums of his own material. Winner of the Pop category of the 14th (2006) Billboard Songwriting Contest, Winner of the People's Voice of the 2007 International Songwriting Competition, Nominated for Best New Artist by the Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards. He has produced and written songs for artists like George Benson, La Toya Jackson, Daechelle, The Beu Sisters, Irene Cara, Survivor, the Roberts Bros., Lisa Frazier, Under Suspicion, Luisa Lubell and many others. Several of his songs and recordings are also being used on TV shows and feature films. For further information please visit www.BlueDanubeMusicProduction.com
Samuel Rock (St. George, Barbados, West Indies): He is the co-writer with Ken Wheeley of "Empty Stockings" in My Christmas Fun Book Level Three.
Birgitte Rohde (Copenhagen, Denmark): She is a songwriter and Senior Consultant SWG Information Management at IBM.
Edwin Romand (Wind Gap, PA): He is the author of three books of poetry, Home Fire, Macaroons, and Blue Mountain Time: New and Selected Poems about Baseball. His work has appeared in many journals such as The Sun, The English Journal, Poet Lore, and The Rockhurst Review. He has received poetry fellowships from both the New Jersey and Pennsylvania State Councils on the Arts. In 1994, he received an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, Washington, D.C. He lives with his wife, Mary, and their son, Liam. http://www.edwinromond.com/
Polly Rosen (Branford, CT): She attended Colby College and Southern Ct. State University. She is married and has three sons and three grandchildren. She is presently on the Board of The Neighborhood Music School in New Haven, CT. She is a pianist with the String of Pearls Swing Band as well as a writer.
Ruth Rotkowitz (Matawan, NJ): She is a freelance writer residing in New Jersey. She has published nonfiction in "Chicken Soup for the New Mom's Soul," "Chicken Soup for the Sister's Soul 2, Expecting," and "The Woman's Newspaper of Princeton," where she was a staff writer and member of the editorial board. One of her articles received a first-place award in feature writing from the National Federation of Press Women. She has published poetry in Piano Press, Hopscotch, and Shemom. She has completed two novels and begun work on a third. She is also an English teacher, and has taught on both the college and high school levels, in New York and New Jersey. She currently tutors English at The Tutoring Club in Marlboro, New Jersey.
Jennifer Rudsit (Wayland, MA): She received her undergraduate degree from Purdue University and a Masters in Creative Writing from Northern Michigan University. She is a Midwest girl at heart, born and raised on the shores of Lake Michigan in Northwest Indiana, recently transplanted into a strange world called Boston. She moved there three years ago and has never, ever gotten used to the traffic! Jennifer currently works in the education field to support her poetry addiction. Her poems have appeared in publications, including: Spirits, North Coast Review, White Pelican Review, Alembic, Anthology, Sierra Nevada Review, Nanny Fanny, Small Brushes, Hard Row to Hoe, Limestone, Zillah, Free Fall, Thought Magazine and Into the Teeth of the Wind, The Advocate, Omnific, and 360 Degrees.
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