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Catherine Reese Newton is an associate editor for the Church Historian’s Press, where she works on the Joseph Smith Papers. She previously worked for The Salt Lake Tribune, where she was a copy editor and award-winning arts reporter. Among highlights of her long and varied service there, she interviewed one of the Three Tenors, one of the Beastie Boys, and two of the original stars of Hamilton. She has a BA in journalism from Utah State University.

Irene Caso

Born and raised in Madrid, Spain, Irene came to the United States after her mission. She had a successful career in television and broadcasting, and in 2017, Irene was hired as a Church spokesperson in Salt Lake City. From balancing demanding careers, to being wives and mothers, to seeking personal inspiration, Irene shares her thoughts on just how amazing the women of the Church are today. Insights that have come while traveling the world with Church leaders have strengthened Irene’s desire to be a better disciple of the Lord.

Marie Biddle

Marie Biddle earned a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, specializing in helping those experiencing infertility, only children, and women. A Seattle-area native and resident, her days are spent in session, traveling with her husband and son, and boating during the summers. She loves working with the Young Women and spending time with her dear friends. She is currently writing a book on only children, which she hopes to have finished in the next year.

Sarah Griffin

Sarah was an editorial intern for LDS Living and loves being able to read entire books on cozy, rainy days. After completing her internship, she will return to Brigham Young University to complete a degree in Editing and Publishing. In her free time, Sarah enjoys biking and walking her two goldendoodles.

Melissa Wei-Tsing Inouye

Melissa Inouye was an insightful author, scholar, and advocate. Having grown up in a multicultural family, she navigated diverse cultural landscapes with particular skill. Inouye's education in Asian and Pacific Island studies, as well as her PhD in Chinese history from Harvard University, informed her prolific writings. Living and studying abroad in Asia enriched her understanding of global issues and inspired her to explore Latter-day Saint themes within a broader cultural context. She was known for her ability to navigate doctrinal teachings and diverse perspectives with characteristic compassion. Through her books and essays, Inouye's voice and legacy continue to contribute to ongoing conversations about faith, identity, and the human condition.

Paige Sommer

Paige Sommer is a content specialist, writer, and video producer for Deseret Book. She has a MFA in creative writing. If you want to be best friends, talk with her about books, creative writing, Italy (where she served her mission), or her five children and four stepchildren.

Mary Ann Cropper

Mary Ann was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she now resides. She served a mission in Japan and graduated in accounting from Brigham Young University. During the day, Mary Ann works as a partner in a CPA firm and serves on the governing board of her County's Interfaith Council. She loves to spend time with her 12 nieces and nephews, read good books, and travel anywhere and everywhere. She has served youth in ward and stake callings but most especially just loves to study and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Trent Toone

Trent Toone is a journalist and feature writer for the Deseret News and Church News. He was raised in northern Utah and graduated from the University of Utah. He has worked for several newspapers and received a number of awards over his career. Toone is the author of "No Excuses, No Regrets," a sports biography of NFL football player Eric Weddle. Toone served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Santiago, Chile, and spent a year teaching seminary. Like his father before him, he is a proud Eagle Scout. Trent and his wife Lisa are the proud parents of four children.

Sara Kimball

Sara Loosli Kimball is a teacher at heart. She is a former high school English teacher and a former seminary and institute teacher. She currently teaches Gospel Doctrine in the Oakland 1st ward. Sara also loves fitness and currently teaches strength and core fitness classes in the Bay Area. She and her husband David are the proud parents of two daughters, two sons, one daughter in law, and two cats (and they adore them all). They are loving their new status as empty nesters, and spend their new found free time hiking, traveling, and skiing together.

Heather Johns

Heather loves all things Jesus! Anything that helps her know Him, be like Him, and helps others to know Him and become like Him too! A few of her other favorites are: spending time with family, studying scriptures, running, cooking, biking, reading. Heather also has a passion for the youth of the church, which she gets to see often in her part time role as seminary teacher at Cedar Valley High School.