Leadership Committee 2026
Mission Statement: The Book Fair at Bel Air Leadership Committee exists to provide strategic guidance, creative vision, and collaborative problem-solving to support the growth, quality, and community impact of the Book Fair at Bel Air.
Meet Our People: The Book Fair at Bel Air Leadership Committee is made up of educators, authors, creatives, and community members who believe deeply in the power of books to bring people together. This group works behind the scenes to dream big, problem-solve thoughtfully, and help guide the fair as it grows—always with an eye toward accessibility, joy, and meaningful community connection. They’re the brainstormers, the organizers, and the people who care just as much about the why as the how.
Founder
Samantha Heil
Samantha Heil is a career educator and literacy expert. Through Samantha in Secondary, she creates engaging, classroom-ready resources that support joyful, meaningful reading experiences. As E.S. Rosalynn, she is the co-author (with Erin Boyce) of heartfelt, small-town romance stories centered on connection, hope, and second chances. Book Fair at Bel Air began in 2024 as an idea sketched out over a cup of coffee at Panera Bread and has since grown into a vibrant, all-ages literary event rooted in community, creativity, and a deep love of reading.
Creative Director
Crosby Stone
Crosby is a creative with a spreadsheet for a brain. After several years as a Graphic Designer and Art Director, she moved into Operations. Now, she’s the Creative Operations Director for Coven, a women-owned creative agency based in Baltimore.
Art Director
Heather Shafer
I’m an artist, hold a BFA in Art and Design and an 8th grade art teacher who believes creativity is best learned by doing (and sometimes getting messy). Art and the creative process fuel everything I do, and I love exploring new ways to express ideas visually. As the Book Fair at Bel Air Art Director, I see this role as the perfect opportunity to bring themes, stories, and big imaginative visions to life.
Author Panel
Heather Brooks
H.L. Brooks writes fairy tales for grown-ups. She is the founder of The Write Women Network salons for women in publishing, Write Women Publish indie author services, and The Write Women Book Fest. She has been an artist of one kind or another for most of her life. She lives in a small town in Maryland with her husband, cats, and a growing collection of crowns and classic fairy tale books.
Author Panel
Cardyn Brooks
Cardyn loves all things bookish.
Author Panel
Jaymee Diviacchi
J.K Divia is a multi genre author from Maryland. She writes stories steeped in folklore and written with an old world feel. She graduated from Towson University with a degree in communications.
Author Panel
Brandy Stoker
I write Dark Dystopian Fantasy Romance. My stories are filled with heart and action packed energy.
Administrative Support
Sarah Rao
Hi! I am a lifelong reader and learner who loves finding and cultivating joy in reader spaces. My experience in education and program management has allowed me the opportunity to develop skills in project and administrative management, systems organization, and event coordination. I am passionate about building and sustaining lifelong reading habits and encouraging the same practice in others through building community.
Administrative Support
Erin Boyce
Erin Boyce is a part-time virtual assistant and editor, full-time mom of two boys, and the co-author of E. S. Rosalynn alongside Samantha. Before discovering that writing was her true passion, Erin put her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and her computer science minor to work across multiple industries. When she isn’t reading, editing, or turning story ideas into drafts, Erin enjoys drawing, crafting, gaming, and unapologetically dancing to just about any kind of music—no matter where she is (much to her boys’ dismay).
Business Strategy & Marketing
Vana Sumbundu
Hi! I’m Vana and I’m the owner of The Vana Verse, a literary platform that supports authors in building real-world connections and sharing their stories beyond the page. We collaborate with authors, bookstores, and readers to bring stories into shared spaces through events, conversations, and curated literary experiences.
Business Strategy & Marketing
Bass Sumbundu
I’m passionate about connecting with people, exploring diverse cultures, and embracing new experiences. As an active traveler and lifelong learner, I have a deep appreciation for nonfiction, history, culture, and engaging discussions. Community is everything to me.
Attendee Experience, Operations, & Community
Beth French
I’m a college professor and mom of two young kids, which means my free time is precious—and usually spent buried in a good book. Volunteering with the Book Fair felt like the perfect match, combining my love of reading with supporting something that sparks curiosity and joy for kids and adults.
Attendee Experience, Operations, & Community
Chelsea Ruggiero
Chelsea Ruggiero is a mental health professional who supports individuals through a solution-focused, person-centered approach, with a strong commitment to creating affirming and inclusive spaces, particularly for LGBTQIA+ communities. As an avid reader, she believes books play a vital role in building connection, empathy, and community.
Attendee Experience, Operations, & Community
Laura Schwind
I’ve been an avid reader since as long as I can remember. I’m looking forward to sharing my love of reading with the community. When I’m not reading you can find me spending time with my family.
Attendee Experience, Operations, & Community
Raven R.
Being a mom is my #1, but I’m obsessed with all the bookish things and it is such a joy getting to know so many wonderful readers, authors, and artists. I’m a mechanic to pay the bills and love camping/hiking whenever I get the chance. Outside of that, you will pretty much never catch me without a book and yarn.
Leadership Committee Members (Not Pictured)
Atlas Creed – Author Panel
Kristie Wolf – Author Panel
Tonie Rothey – Business Strategy & Marketing
Graysen Rothleon – Attendee Experience, Operations, & Community