Contributors
Five years ago, Haley Vannatta began as the creative force behind the YVW design. In 2007 she and husband Jeremy purchased the magazine and now it keeps her busy managing all aspects of the operations. Though her roots are still on the family farm in Powell, WY, Haley and Jeremy have made Billings home for their family. Though Haley's three active boys take a majority of her time, she still loves to entertain, cook up something in the kitchen and spend time with friends. p: 406.254.1394 e: publisher@yellowstonevalleywoman.com
YVW Editor Julie Koerber is an award-winning broadcast journalist who left the anchor desk behind to be a work-at-home mom. Her love of writing landed her on YVW’s pages. When she’s not putting together the best women’s magazine in the region, she loves to cultivate her “crafty” side and looks forward to time with her family. p: 406.254.1394 e: julie@yellowstonevalleywoman.com
Montana native Jeremy Vannatta stays busy as a Senior Manager for Rimrock Mall. In his off hours, he works closely with all aspects of they magazine operations. His career began as a reporter for KTVQ while still in college. Though his career took him out of the news industry, he has never lost his passion for journalism. During Jeremy's spare time he stays active with his kids and enjoys spending time with his family and friends. p: 406.254.1394 e: jeremy@yellowstonevalleywoman.com
Shortly after YVW started in 2000, Terry Perkins joined the team to help grow the magazine to what it is today. Her belief in YVW has enabled the magazine to consistently grow in staff and page numbers. Terry spends her free time at her home in Roberts, just out of Red Lodge, with her true passion, horses. She is also an avid tennis player.
p: 406-860-3951 e: terry@yellowstonevalleywoman.com
Cindy Nordstog is a Montana native living in Billings with her husband, Kris, 2 boys, Niklas and Karson, and family dogs Duke and Daisy. Cindy has felt a close connection to YVW since late 2007 when she was on the cover of YVW. Cindy's passions include all aspects of the outdoors, reading, cooking, and spending quality time with friends. Her greatest joy is time spent with her husband and kids experiencing the many wonderful places that Montana has to offer.
p: 406-208-5693 e: cindy@yellowstonevalleywoman.com
Phil Bell’s vast experience as a photographer in Billings spans four decades. This award-winning commercial photographer has been lending his creative images to the pages of YVW since the magazine began. Phil also enjoys teaching and using his photography skills to help businesses with their marketing and advertising image.
Kelvin Pinney began his work as a photographer in 1994 and opened a small studio for portraits and commercial assignments. In the early-2000’s he began contributing to such magazines as Dog World and Maxim and others. He has photographed the famous, (and the not-so-famous), and designed and produced CD covers and inserts for recording artists. He lives with his wife Linda and three children in Billings.
Sarah Brown is a freelance writer and mother of two preschoolers. She and her family moved to Billings in January from New Orleans, where she wrote about food and crime for the Times-Picayune. When not pounding out a story during naptime, Sarah enjoys the outdoors, swimming, yoga, tennis, reading fiction and cooking. She has a Master's degree in journalism from Columbia University, and has worked at newspapers and magazines nationwide.
Virginia Bryan is a free-lance writer, retired attorney, and soccer and softball mom. She has a special affinity for YVW, as it published her first article. She’s since published articles in state and national magazines. She is a voracious reader and enjoys gardening and downhill skiing.
Kay Erickson is a food connoisseur and gourmet cook. When she’s not with her husband, Ron, or their dogs, she’s in her kitchen baking goodies to send to daughter Lindsay at U of M, on the airwaves at KEMC, or at a local sports event.
Trish Erbe Scozzari is a Montana native with two decades of media experience. She started her career as a reporter for the Livingston Enterprise. Good stories intrigue her! When she’s not tapping away on her computer keyboard, you can find her reading, quilting, four-wheeling or just spending time with family.
Stella Fong enjoys writing about people and food. She recently received her Certified Wine Professional certification from the Culinary Institute of America. Her articles have appeared in a handful of regional magazines including Big Sky Journal, and Western Art and Architecture. Stella recently co-chaired the ever-popular 2009 MSUB Wine & Food festival.
Shelly Gamms is a Certified Financial Planner who is a self described "western girl." Growing up on a Texas Longhorn ranch in Cowley Wyoming, she has a deep love for everything outdoors, especially hitting the river to fish, or saddling up a horse to ride. In her professional life, she has spent the last 12 years helping others to reach their financial goals.
Jennifer Molk is a freelance writer who grew up in Huntley. After several years in New York, she returned home to Montana State University Billings where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. After 5 years of broadcast writing, she is thrilled to return to her first love of print journalism.
Anna Paige is a freelance writer and journalist who has called Montana home for the last six years. Her photography and writing have appeared in a variety of national and local publications. When not writing,you’ll often catch her in the front row of many Montana concerts. She’s an avid supporter of live music and of culture in the west. www.penandpaige.com.
Laura Tode is a freelance writer living in Red Lodge. After almost a decade writing for daily newspapers in Helena and Billings, she took a leap of faith and launched a full-time freelance career. Laura balances writing deadlines with excursions into the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness and fishing and floating trips on nearby rivers and streams. Her favorite pastimes include photography, creative journaling and bookbinding.
Jackie Swiesz is a human resources professional by day. Although her job is demanding, she is determined to advance from “closet writer” to published author. Her passion for writing has found its voice from the business arena to club newsletters and now in YVW. When she’s not coaching employees or writing, she can be found enjoying outdoor activities on the rivers or in the mountains of Montana.
Kelli Toohill grew up in suburban Chicago but loves the lifestyle here with her husband and three children. She traveled extensively for the State of Montana, visiting almost every town. Currently Kelli serves as telecommunications consultant and technical writer for the Utah Public Service Commission. Kelli says that writing for YVW has been a welcome opportunity, not only for creativity, but for meeting fascinating people too.