MAST members have presented programs as a group and individually throughout Michigan for:
Art Reach of Mid-Michigan, Isabella Commission on Aging, Preschool – Middle School Classrooms, School Assemblies, Storytelling Festivals and Conferences, Youth Organizations, Museums, Community Organizations, Highland Blush Cafe, Friends of the Broadway Mt. Pleasant MI, Mid-Michigan Community College, Mid-Michigan Churches, Stone Cottage Gardens, and have been recognized by the Michigan Arts and Humanities Touring Directory.
Janet, recently introduced to Mid-Michigan Storytellers, has always appreciated the tradition of oral storytelling. As a retired school teacher and counselor, she used stories as an integral part of helping children learn, imagine, and ponder the what, ifs, and maybes, in life.
Carol was raised hearing stories from her father, and continues the tradition in her own journey through life. She tells stories to all ages, frequently telling to students while working in the schools, and especially loves telling to women’s groups. Carol tells folktales, tales of good character and tales of the Christian faith. She believes that if one is willing to listen, a story can teach, encourage and inspire
With 30+ years of early childhood classroom experience behind her, Patty Kjolhede has moved from the Lansing area to Mount Pleasant Michigan and uses music to tell stories and tales that are musical. She has a special place in her heart for pre k through 8 year olds . Combining early literacy with music is the end goal.
Emily Olsen works as the Pastor at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Gladwin MI. She uses storytelling as a way to inspire and encourage her congregation. She also spouts on-the-fly fairytales for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders during their lunch hour at Gladwin Intermediate School and produces the occasional parable for the children involved in Christ the King’s after school ministry, Kids’ Club. In her telling Emily utilizes a combination of scripture, early church legend, fairytales, her two cats Noodle and Meatball, and her deeply flawed office vine Jealous Plant. Sometimes all at the same time.
Jennifer lives in Lansing, Michigan where she creates original stories for children and adults. Her stories always have a unique point of view and a distinctive voice, quirky and kind. She tells her stories at schools, nature centers, storytelling festivals and conferences, and other public events. She has four books for children in print based on stories she tells, including her latest, Princess Hippopotamus. They are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble and are published by Mead-Hill.
Joe tells stories to people of all ages. He has told stories to preschoolers in public libraries, and is currently a regular storyteller at the Gladwin Elementary School. His stories come from Children’s Literature, and his personal experiences.