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Maddy Tolman

Maddy is a content producer for LDS Living. She graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Journalism and Communications. In her free time, you’ll find her attempting to master the perfect chocolate chip cookie, taking a long walk to power through her podcast queue, or defending her status as a Diet Coke critic.

Erik Palmer

Erik grew up in Idaho and served in the Belgium / Netherlands mission. He is currently a student of Biblical Hebrew at BYU who loves Jesus Christ.

Kimberli Williams

Kimberli Williams grew up in New Canaan, CT and then met her husband at BYU 3 weeks before going into the MTC. She served a mission in Minnesota and LOVED BEING A FULL TIME MISSIONARY! Kim has been married to the love of her life for 35 years. They have raised their 5 terrific kids and 4 amazing grandkids in Parker, Colorado. Now Kim is semi-retired by a cute beach in North Carolina and loves being part of a small branch. Most of all she loves any opportunity to teach the Gospel and the scriptures; seminary, institute any teaching calling! Kim has been a Sunday on Monday follower from day one!

Valeria Coles

Valeria Coles is an ambitious young adult with big dreams and bold plans for her future. Through her young adult years, she has learned to have faith in the Lord and trust that He will place her where she is needed most. She is currently pursuing a communications degree at Brigham Young University–Idaho, hoping to combine her education with her dream of working with humanitarian nonprofits to bring healing and health to God’s children.

Carli Anderson

Carli Anderson is an assistant professor of religion and the humanities at Northern Arizona University. Her academic research—which focuses on female figures in the Hebrew Bible—blends textual hermeneutics and religious anthropology and is enriched by theoretical frameworks related to ritual, pilgrimage, space, memory, and affect. She has an MA in Hebrew Bible/Ancient Near Eastern Studies from Brigham Young University and a PhD in religious studies from Arizona State University. Her dissertation work focused on the biblical Rachel as an emplaced cultural figure at the site of Rachel’s Tomb in Jerusalem. Dr. Anderson has spent many years working and researching in the Holy Land. She currently lives in the beautiful mountain country of Arizona.

Heidi Vogeler

Heidi was raised in Salt Lake City (go East High!), has earned five college degrees (definitely a pretentious stat), and is currently a professor of counseling psychology at BYU. Among her various callings in the Church, she has served as Stake and Ward Relief Society President, Primary Music Leader, and Primary Pianist (which she thinks is honestly the best calling ever). She currently serves as Young Women President in her ward and loves making monthly trips to the temple with the youth. She is the favorite aunt to nine adorable niblings, enjoys long walks with a good audio book, and loves all things chocolate.

Brandon Porter

Brandon has worked as a religious educator for 17 years. He currently teaches at the University of Utah Institute and as an adjunct instructor at BYU. He met and married Danielle Taylor 20 years ago while they were students at BYU, and they are the parents of 6 fantastic kids. Brandon earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from BYU, as well as a master's degree in family and human development and a PhD in education, both from Utah State University. His passions include dating Danielle, game nights with their kids, and rating hamburgers.

Jenet Erickson

Jenet Jacob Erickson is an associate professor in Religious Education at Brigham Young University. The 5th of 11 children, she was raised on a small farm in Orem, Utah, where they did lots of music together. She received a PhD in Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota, after completing a bachelor’s degree in Nursing, and master’s degree in Linguistics -TESOL at BYU. She is a research fellow of both the Wheatley Institution and the Institute for Family Studies and has been a columnist on family issues for the Deseret News since 2013. She and her husband, Michael, have been blessed with two children, LaDawn (age 13) and Peter (age 10), who provide them unending opportunities for learning and joy. When not studying about or writing about the family, she loves learning, traveling and doing music with her family.

Dossan Bell

My name is Dossan Bell, and I’m 19 years old. I was born and raised in Ogden, Utah, where I learned the importance of faith, family, and hard work. I’m a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I believe with all my heart that God has a plan for each and every one of us. Last year, I joined a boy band called Full Circle Boys, which has been an incredible journey filled with music, growth, and connection. Every step I take is guided by my faith, and I’m committed to using my voice to inspire others and share hope.

Jaxon Bell

My name is Jaxon Bell, I’m 21. I recently got married around seven months ago and I love Jesus Christ, I’ve been living in Utah the majority of my life, besides a couple years of missionary service in Georgia and another year in Missouri. I love living the gospel. It brings me, happiness and joy, I like to spend time with my family and make people smile. My favorite thing about life is that we have unlimited second chances because of Jesus Christ.