Wildling-Team-Hero

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. 

Megan-Kaplan-Mekea-Duffy

Our Team

Kaydee Gleeplay

Kaydee Gleplay

Brown But Black Voices Founder
Alexis

Alexis Barmon

Brown But Black Voices Founder
ChristiW

Christi Williford

Creative Director
Donte-Wilkins

Donté Wilkins

Story Booth Director

Melissa Haroza

Melissa Haroza

Illustrator

KellyBent

Kelly Bent

Strategist

 

KerenG

Keren Gudeman

Grant Writer

Ellen-W

Ellen Walthour

Strategist

Khadijah

Khadijah Lamah

Brown But Black Voices

Bethany-Meister

Bethany Meister

Photographer

sumer-powell

Sumer Powell

Story Coach

JasirJohnson

Jasir Johnson

Story Coach

George-Marshall

George Marshall

Videographer

Julianna

Julianna Pacheco

Youth Council

FrankBures

Frank Bures

Science writer

Krjsten

KJ Fogelson

Story Coach

about-andre

Lary Lopez

Story Coach

Tish

Tish Basford

Education Advisor
KristinNilsen

Kristin Nilsen

Story Coach

Katya-Carlson

Katya Carlson

Story Coach

JoRoss

Jo Ross

Story Coach

CathyS

Kathy Seipp

Lead Educator

Elizabeth-Adams

Elizabeth Adams

Neuropsych Advisor

Chris Newkirk

Chris Newkirk

Legal Advisor

joe-aherns

Joe Aherns

Story Coach

Jojo

Jojo Naya

Youth Council

Kai-Benson-Wildling

Kai Benson

Story Coach

 

Maribeth-Romslo

Maribeth Romslo

Director and Producer

Board of Directors

Megan-Kaplan

Megan Kaplan

President

Mekea-Duffy

Mekea Duffy

Director

Amber

Amber Shimpa

Treasurer

Courtney

Courtney McKeown

Vice President

JohnKim

John Kim

Secretary

MichelleA

Michelle Abellera

Director

Ranosha Coffelt Headshot

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.