Christina Ryder graduated with a Master of Arts in Social Science with a concentration in Demographic and Social Analysis from the University of California, Irvine and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Vanguard University of Southern California. While at the University of CA, Irvine Christina assisted and lectured on fundamentals of social science research writing and throughout her academic and professional career has conducted research that has been used to direct national health policy. Christina has also been a grant writer for 10 years and, as a fundamental area of expertise, has been successful in securing millions of dollars in foundational, corporate and federal requests for multiple non-profit organizations, coalitions, and grass-root projects.  She has served in various capacities within non-profit organizations including in direct service, administrative, training, conference, and academic research review capacities. An activist at heart, Christina has dedicated most of her personal research and volunteer efforts to addressing the needs faced by at-risk youth, those affected by poverty, and women and children victims of violence. In addition to her role at The Grantwell, LLC, Christina is per course faculty at Missouri State University, Drury University, and Vanguard University of Southern California in each of these instutions Sociology Department.

Alana Tomlin Denton began her grant writing career in 1996 with the establishment of her company, Grant Writing Services, Inc. In her 15 years of grant writing and public relations service, she has primarily worked with fire departments in North Carolina, and has been instrumental in procuring in excess of $43.4 Million to date for fire departments, municipalities and non-profit organizations through Federal grants such as the Assistance to Firefighters Grant provided by FEMA and administered by the Department of Homeland Security, SAFER, and Fire Prevention and Safety grant programs. Among her work, she has been involved in the administration of SAFER grants and other Federal grant programs for clients on a routine basis (after successful) application. She has also been called upon by various state, regional, and community-based organizations in the administration and management of grant funds as well as scholarship funds to local students.Alana has merged her business GWS, Inc (www.yourgrantwriter.com) with The GrantWell, LLC in order to provide her clients with enhanced grant support, grant writing resources, and grant training tools. This also expands the work of The GrantWell, our training opportunities, and our client base.

Jason Shepard has over 5 years experience in nonprofit management and fundraising. Widely traveled, he has been a speaker and researcher at conferences concerning international and domestic development projects. His volunteer work has brought him into language classrooms, cooperative meetings, domestic violence centers, and outdoor youth development projects. In May of 2008, Jason earned a B.A. from Missouri State University in Anthropology and History, with a focus in Latin American studies and is currently enrolled in the MSU applied Anthropology master's degree program.

Brianne Strozewski is a Technical Writer and Editor currently living in Cambridge, MA. Brianne received her BS Professional Writing degree in December, 2006 at Missouri State University and during the course of her degree worked for the University in various technical writing capacities. Brianne is skilled in creating training and educational materials including courses, manuals, handouts, reports, and pamphlets. She has also worked extensively on Web site content for both Missouri State University and other Springfield, MO businesses. In addition, Brianne is a proficient editor and holds extensive knowledge of copy marking, proofreading, and document design principles.  Brianne has also volunteered her writing talents for several large non-profit fundraising efforts and initiative.

Andrea M. Meek originates from Louisiana, where she graduated with a B. A. in Theatre from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. After spending three years acting in various theatre and film projects in New Orleans and working as a guide on a Creole plantation, studying New Orleans and Creole history, she moved to New York and obtained a Certificate in Journalism at New York University. She currently lives in Manhattan, where she works as a freelance writer and an actor.