My name is Janell Stoeger. I do not remember a time that I couldn't read. I was so frustrated in school as the reading felt way beneath my level. My paternal grandmother and aunt were avid readers and put books in my hands as often as possible. As a mother of three young men, I set the example of an avid adult reader for them. I also started reading to them as soon as they were brought home from the hospital. As I was working to complete my Master's Degree in Creative Writing, I enrolled in the NeWP Summer Institute. It was an amazing experience and that class re-ignited my passion for reading and writing. I have since facilitated writing sessions for the Write the River which is a writing marathon held for high school students on the Niobrara River in the fall. I fell in love with my husband of 32 years on the Niobrara River. We made Valentine our home in 1996 and I started teaching here in 1998. I am excited about the opportunity to serve the NeWP board.