Authors

Kelli is a multi-disciplinary creative, writing, directing, and performing in a variety of fields including theatre, film, journalism, and dance. She’s lived in Detroit, Chicago, New York City, and the Washington DC area, but has roots in St. Clair County where both of her parents grew up and met at a Port Huron YMCA dance at the tender age of 17. She has a career in sales working for the chemical industry in Dangerous Goods Shipping Compliance. When she’s not creating art or selling hazmat labels she can be found hiking, baking, and beaching, and spending time with family, friends, and dogs.

Joseph Hayes is a veteran journalist with experience at the Port Huron Times Herald, Detroit News, and Jackson Citizen Patriot. In addition, he has hosted a local radio show on Power 88.3 FM. He is married to his wife of 15 years Krysten, and the couple has six children.

Leslie Cieplechowicz is a photographer and writer who developed her crafts by working the streets of Detroit as a paramedic and shooting old, historical buildings she found on her runs. Her love of creating unique imagery led her across the state, then the United States, then globally, where she recently finished shooting in the country of Czechia, documenting its lively culture, friendly people, and ornate architecture. She currently works as an instructor after leaving the road and spreads her love of photography to her students. Her book, Detroit Revealed: A Different View of the Motor City, features obscure and amazing hidden gems of the city which is sometimes portrayed as unapproachable.

Genevieve Fox is an award-winning journalist from Detroit. Since graduating from Michigan State University, she has built a solid background in environmental reporting and previous experience in radio broadcasting and photography at Great Lakes Echo and WKAR. She is now a freelance writer and a project editor for Metromode's series Macomb Live, Work, Play and Parks and Trails. When not working, she loves spending time outdoors and reading a good book. More by Genevieve Fox. 

Joseph Goral graduated from Oakland University in the summer of 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and a Bachelor of Arts in communication. Before his graduation, Joseph was a digital news intern at ClickOnDetroit and a contributing writer for The Oakland Post. When Joseph is not writing, you can usually find him watching Pistons basketball, playing with his dog Biggie, doing personal photography, or spending time with friends and family.

Cynthia McClung holds a forced field of positive energy that’s contagious. As the mother of a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, a sophomore at Bowling Green State University, and a kindergartener she believes a smile holds immeasurable and undefinable power. “Smile and watch what will happen; turn evil into goodness, sadness into elation, and give joy to others.” Cynthia embraces mother nature and the outdoors. As a hobby farmer living in the city, her home features edible landscaping and wildflowers. Becoming a freelance writer is a dream she has manifested with the intention of serving others through words. More about Cynthia at cynthia-mcclung.com or Mama Cindy’s travel blog at readysetgosingle.com.  

Gabrielle "Gabe" Haiderer is passionate about sharing stories that show the positive interactions between individuals and businesses that occur every day in our communities - interactions that inspire hope and motivate community growth. She has used this passion to share stories through a variety of media outlets - from television to radio to traditional newspaper to digital news. When she's not writing, Gabe stays busy running her own videography and social media management business in Northern Michigan, caring for her two furkids (Watson the siamese cat and Holmes the Corgi), spending time with her husband, and tending her garden.

John Lusk taught composition and journalism at St. Clair County Community College level for over 30 years. Serving the Port Huron community and practicing the writing craft is his current focus. You may reach him at sutherlandforever@gmail.com.

Gabrielle “Gabi” Hudson is a Port Huron-based writer and student who finds great joy in the community she shares with others. A dual-enrolled student at Port Huron Northern High School and St. Clair County Community College, Gabrielle will graduate in spring 2024 and enjoys reading, chemistry, robotics, computer-animated drawing, and enjoying a fresh-baked chocolate croissant.

Rita MacDonald is a U.S. Army veteran and a full-time registered nurse who claims that her Irish and Scottish heritage is the reason for her love of storytelling. She is the mother of two adult sons, “Gummy” to her three grandchildren, loves talking with anyone who will engage in a conversation, and “eats life with a shovel!” In addition to her work with The Keel, Rita is a contributor for the Thumbprint News, an author of three books, and writes a blog at kitchentabledevotions.com.

Riley Connell is a graduate of Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She's a frequent visitor to the Metro Detroit area where she was raised and in addition to her work with The Keel, Riley is a full-time reporter with the Cadillac News as well as a contributor to The Keel’s sister publication, Epicenter Mt. Pleasant. When she isn't writing, Riley enjoys spending time outdoors, painting, antiquing, and trying new foods.

Harold Powell is the Community Correspondent for The Keel and owner of Phantom Pen Media offering multimedia services to individuals and organizations across the Blue Water Area. He is a current board member for the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce and the most recent Chamber Choice recipient at the Eddy Awards. Harold is an avid volunteer for the YMCA of the Blue Water Area as well as Bridge Builders Counseling & Mentoring and in his spare time, enjoys spending time with his son, writing and listening to music, playing video games, and not folding laundry. 

Andrea Harrington has been a freelance writer for The Keel for many years and enjoys telling stories about the people and communities across the Blue Water Area. In addition to her work with The Keel, she also substitute teaches for East China and Algonac School Districts and offers creative marketing content working one-on-one with local businesses. She loves everything fall-related and in her free time, is an avid watcher of horror movies and enjoys spending time with her husband and Italian greyhound, Marchello. Contact Andrea at harringtonandrea40@gmail.com.

Liz Fredendall is a photojournalist and communications professional with nonprofit experience. During her free time, she enjoys reading and exploring the Blue Water Area with her husband Erick and their corgi, Nori. Contact Liz at editor@thekeelph.com or follow her on Instagram @lizfredendallphoto.

Danielle Patrick is a Chesterfield resident who finds passion in writing about the Port Huron community. In addition to her work with The Keel, she is also a freelancer for Epicenter Mt. Pleasant. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from Central Michigan University and is pursuing her master’s degree in poetry at Southern New Hampshire University. Follow her on Instagram @_daniellepatrick_.