Christine Valters Paintner holds a Ph.D. in Christian spirituality from the Graduate Theological Union and is an adjunct faculty member at Seattle University's School of Theology and Ministry. She is also a Registered Expressive Arts Consultant and Educator, art editor for Presence Journal, and author of Water, Wind, Earth, and Fire: The Christian Practice of Praying with the Elements and Lectio Divina: Contemplative Awakening and Awareness.She lives in Galway, Ireland.

Betsey Beckman, MM is a professional liturgical dancer, storyteller, author, spiritual director and retreat leader based in Seattle. With her extensive background in performance, choreography and liturgy, she regularly appears as artist/presenter at national conventions as well as at her home parish, St. Patrick's Catholic Church. She is the co-author of Awakening the Creative Spirit: Bringing the Arts to Spiritual Direction and the producer of The Dancing Word DVD series, offering a full repertory of StoryDance meditations on women in scripture.