Contributors

Melanie FabriziuS, Graphic Designer

Melanie was raised on a farm on the banks of the Clarks Fork River in Belfry. Her life-long love of art led her to a career as a freelance graphic designer. When she's not busy working, Melanie enjoys being with family, spending time with her dogs, camping, ATVing, collecting rocks and watching the sunset.

Melanie can be reached at: ads@raisedinthewest.com

Visit her website at: https://melaniefab.com/

Stu Hoefle, Jack of All Trades

Stu is a photographer, editor, title twister and accountant. He's also an encourager, entertainer and travel partner. He helps with story lines, asks great questions and looks at every angle. When he's not helping with the magazine, he's helping someone else. He can be found with a fishing rod, a camera or a packed bag and promises, or threatens, that he's going to disappear someday to a sandy beach with a grass hut, an endless river or a mountain top... he won't say which.

Stu can be reached at stuhoefle@gmail.com

Michele Pedersen, Photographer

Michele Pedersen grew up on the Brinkel Farm near Broadview, MT where she learned the value of work and the generosity of a good neighbor. Four years ago, she started Pedersen Photography shooting portraits - seniors, families, weddings and couples. Her husband, Greg, is her biggest fan and provides entertainment on almost every shoot. She also works with her 90 year old dad making MT frames in his wood shop. She has two wonderful stepsons, Bryce and Nik, that keep life full to the top.

Michele can be reached at pedersenphotography@hotmail.com.

Follow her on Facebook at Pedersens Photography.

Jean Petersen, Writer

Jean is a cookbook and children's picture book author, freelance writer and weekly columnist with Western Ag Reporter for over 15 year. she and her husband live near the Beartooth Mountains in Red Lodge with their four children. Most days she can be found outdoors with her animals or on a hike, at her children's activities, or cozying up writing and reading.

You can learn more about her and her work here: https://www.jeanpetersen.com/

Brian D'Ambrosio, Writer

Brian D'Ambrosio is the author of more than 10 books and his articles have been publishes in local, regional and national publications. In addition to journalism, Brian works as a licensed private investigator in Montana and Kansas.

He may be reached at: dambrosiobrian@hotmail.com

Kayla Walker, Writer/Photographer

Originating from a fifth-generation Montana ranch, Kayla has a real connection to the agriculture industry and the cherished western lifestyle synonymous with the state. The upbringing is what drives her to excel in her current position as Western Ag Reporter Editor and nonstop position as an ag communicator. Whether it be through photography, writing, social media, or design, she strives to share the story of this way of life on a day to day basis. Keep up with her work at www.ranchraisedmedia.com or by following Ranch Raised Media on Facebook and Instagram.

Karen Grosz, Writer

Growing up in the shadow of Mt. Rushmore gave Karen an appreciation of high ideals. Living in Alaska for 25 years gave her a frontier spirit. Life in Montana finds her building community. A self-described "multipotentialitie," she loves coaching others with her business, Canvas Creek Team Building.