Our Village has Grown
We are a passionate team of visionaries who believe that storytelling changes lives, connects communities, and builds a foundation for effective learning. Founders Megan Kaplan and Mekea Duffy work with a collaborative team of contractors—from strategists to story coaches from across the Twin Cities—to keep our mission alive and growing.
Interested in joining our team? Contact us
Our Founders
Sister Co-founders Mekea Duffy, a University of Minnesota adjunct professor and literacy specialist, and Megan Kaplan, a veteran journalist and storyteller, have spent four years developing, publishing, and testing The Wildling model and curriculum to build connection, literacy, and social-emotional wellness through the foundation of speaking and listening skills.
Our Team
Kaydee Gleplay
Brown But Black Voices Founder
Alexis Barmon
Brown But Black Voices Founder
Christi Williford
Creative Director
Donté Wilkins
Story Booth Director
Melissa Haroza
Illustrator
Kelly Bent
Strategist
Keren Gudeman
Grant Writer
Ellen Walthour
Strategist
Khadijah Lamah
Brown But Black Voices
Bethany Meister
Photographer
Sumer Powell
Story Coach
Jasir Johnson
Story Coach
George Marshall
Videographer
Julianna Pacheco
Youth Council
Frank Bures
Science writer
KJ Fogelson
Story Coach
Lary Lopez
Story Coach
Tish Basford
Education Advisor
Kristin Nilsen
Story Coach
Katya Carlson
Story Coach
Jo Ross
Story Coach
Kathy Seipp
Lead Educator
Elizabeth Adams
Neuropsych Advisor
Chris Newkirk
Legal Advisor
Joe Aherns
Story Coach
Jojo Naya
Youth Council
Kai Benson
Story Coach
Maribeth Romslo
Director and Producer
Board of Directors
Megan Kaplan
President
Mekea Duffy
Director
Amber Shimpa
Treasurer
Courtney McKeown
Vice President
John Kim
Secretary
Michelle Abellera
Director
Ranosha Coffelt
Director
Special thanks to: Brendan Kramp, Wainy Melake, Ellie Lippold-Johnson, Andre Hudson, Grace Chapdelaine, and all the other contributors, parents, and kids who helped shape and make The Wildling from the beginning.