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

Ed Kemmick, Copy Editor

Ed Kemmick has been a newspaper editor and reporter in Montana for more than 35 years. He worked for 25 years at the Billings Gazette and from 2014 to 2018 he ran Last Best News, an online newspaper based in Billings. He just published "Montana: The Lay of the Land," a collection of Last Best News stories. 

Amy Grisak, Writer

Amy Grisak balances her life between the mountains and the prairie looking for stories that catch her interest. This award-winning writer shares what she loves with readers, whether it's finding gorgeous hikes in Glacier National Park or how to push the gardening envelope in our challenging Montana climate. Her two sons, Samuel and John, are her sidekicks in the field, and her husband, Grant, raises honey bees to assist in the effort.

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. 

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. 

Charlie Denison, Writer

Charlie Denison is a free-lance writer, musician and award winning journalist. He lives with his wife and their Weimaraner in Lewistown where is senior reporter at the News-Argus. Originally from Indiana, Charlie is grateful to live in Big Sky Country and enjoys sharing stories of the many interesting people and places throughout the Last Best Place. 

Kelli Maxwell, Marketing Director 

Kelli Maxwell is a local marketer, influencer, podcaster and entrepreneur. A Billings native, Kelli grew several successful businesses in her twenties, before moving on to open her own marketing agency and start a podcast show monetized with its own coffee company. Kelli specializes in all things content creation, branding and social media marketing for her and her client's businesses.