Staff Biographies

Sarah Katreen Hoggatt - President and Author               

Sarah Katreen Hoggatt is a freelance writer, speaker, editor, visual artist, and a spiritual director in addition to her ministry with Spirit Water Publications.  She holds a Master of Arts degree in Christian Ministry with a Church Leadership emphasis and a Certificate of Spiritual Formation and Discipleship from George Fox Seminary in addition to her Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University. She is a member of the International Editorial Board for the Quaker Youth Book Project and blogs at Walking the Sea.  Sarah currently makes her home in Salem, Oregon where she enjoys the theatre, tap, Irish, and Israeli dancing, photography, creating things with her hands such as quilts, and singing songs to Broadway shows in her car.  She is passionate about living her life and trying new things as “there are only so many tomorrows”.  She wants to see life as the gift it is and to enjoy it as such.

Favorite Quote: "Joy is the feeling of grinning inside."  - Melba Colgrove

ClaraLee Esther - "In His Eyes" Illustrator 

ClaraLee Esther, the illustrator, is an artist who uses many different mediums; her abilities have been cultured through several college classes. She also writes poetry, is an avid journaler, and collects books. Her life’s twin callings of nature preservation and ministry to the grieving are both passions which are close to her heart. ClaraLee lives in Independence, Oregon, with her beloved husband, Bill, with whom she has raised six children and now enjoys seventeen grandchildren. The Lord has always been present in ClaraLee’s life and the life of her family; she firmly believes that we are the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth.

Favorite Quote: "Love is the golden chain of all virtues...small things done in great love bring joy and peace.” - Mother Teresa

Richard's Web Page         

Richard McConochie is an Oregon Native who wouldn't have it any other way.  He holds a Bachelor of Science in Philosophy from Oregon State University and a Masters in Architecture from the  University of Oregon. He is now working at an architecture firm in Eugene and ballroom dancing regularly. He is inspired by the subtlety of nature and the strength of the human heart.  One day, he hopes to teach to a new generation of dreamers.  

Favorite Quote: "It is not enough to question the students -- you will only make them think of answers.  Give them the answer, then make them question it."

Ryan Canney was born in Urbana, Illinois but grew up in Moscow, Idaho.  There he met his lovely wife, Laurie, and moved to Portland, Oregon in 1997.  They still carve their niche in Beaverton, Oregon to this day.  Ryan is the business owner of Dragongaard Industries LLC, a company that specializes in educating people about online shopping community development and residual income generation.  A 23 year student of the martial arts, and an avid fighter in the SCA, he enjoys many outside activities such as camping and sports, and indoor activities such as territorial disputes with their 3 cats.  

Favorite Quotes: “What must be shall be; and that which is a necessity to him that struggles, is little more than choice to him that is willing.”-The Roman Wiseman: Seneca   &  "Do not speak of other’s faults; do not boast about yourself; never expect anything for services rendered; never forget kindness received.” -Yamaoka Seizan (1853)

Laurie Canney - Editor

Laurie Canney was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and moved to the mainland to attend college at both Whitworth College and Washington State University.  She met her husband 8 miles across the border and both moved down to Portland in 1997.  Laurie is an Administrative Manager for DS and Associates Inc, an industry leading supplier of underground utility products and supplies.  She often supports her feline children in territorial disputes, and puts up with their howling at night for the sake of “kitty cuddles” during the day.  An avid book junkie and video game addict, she enjoys keeping Goodwill Industries well funded with both her habits.

Favorite Quotes: "Stupid should hurt."  &  "When all else fails, pet the kitty" -Both by Laurie Canney

Rebekah Borah - "Learning to Fly" and "In His Eyes" Graphic Artist

Rebekah Borah is an Ohioan transplanted to Oregon in 1996 for love of Earl, now her husband, whom she met in an internet chat room. She used to teach elementary school, but now is a full-time wife and mother of four girls, Lydia, Stephanie, Charlotte, and Genevieve. Rebekah loves to indulge in sitting in front of a computer by working as the Communications Coordinator designing her church’s newsletters, bulletins, and overseeing the church's website. She loves reading, playing with her children, watching movies, and eating cheese (not necessarily listed in order of importance).
 

Favorite Quote: “There are no stupid questions, but there are a LOT of inquisitive idiots.” – despair.com