Alums Who Are Authors

“Unchosen Bonds,” by the late Mary Iovino ’02

Submitted by Jana Farris ’02

My roommate in Gaige Hall, Mary (Maggio) Iovino ’02, was diagnosed with cancer and sadly lost the battle in 2021. Her book “Unchosen Bonds” was published posthumously by her husband.

During Mary’s struggle with cancer, she met and befriended Sue. Mary wrote about this life-changing relationship as she battled cancer, and her husband of 17 years, Brian, published her work.

Amazon’s description of “Unchosen Bonds” is “A shared journey through challenges inspires selfless giving, showcasing the strength of compassion and unity. Mary, a woman with a heart of gold, decides to help a stranger she meets through a church in Lancaster. Sue, a refugee from the Congo, moves into Mary’s family’s house, and Mary’s husband and daughters unselfishly welcome her. Mary guides Sue through the many intricacies of being successful in the United States. Sue provides Mary with the love she needs when Mary is given a heart-wrenching health diagnosis. Their lives intertwine at a time when they need each other to survive the difficulties thrust upon them. These women inspire those around them to give of themselves and to stand up for those in need.”

Mary’s obituary included the following: “Mary graduated from Interboro High School and Millersville University, where she earned her master’s degree in educational leadership and attained her principal certification. She taught seventh- and eighth-grade math for several years in the Penn Manor School District until 2009, when she became a full-time stay-at-home mom. She was an amazing wife, mother, daughter and sister and will be profoundly missed by those who knew and loved her.”

Teacher Helps Tackle the Vet

By Devin Marino

Millersville University alumna Sara Fitzpatrick has taken her passion for education beyond the classroom, crafting a children’s book that tackles social and emotional learning. Graduating with her bachelor’s degree in middle-level education in 2016 and her master’s in assessment, curriculum and teaching with an endorsement in STEM in 2018, Fitzpatrick has since become a dedicated fifth-grade teacher at Ephrata Intermediate School in the Ephrata Area School District. But her impact doesn’t stop there; she also works part-time as an associate wedding coordinator for Alisa Marie Co.

Her debut book, “Hudson and Evie Conquer the Vet,” was inspired by her beloved pets, a dog named Hudson and a cat named Evie. The story follows the duo as they navigate their fears of visiting the vet, providing young readers with relatable characters who face and overcome anxiety.

The inspiration for the book’s storyline came from Fitzpatrick’s experiences as a teacher. “Social and emotional learning is crucial, especially at the upper elementary and middle school levels,” she explains. “As teachers, we’re often tasked with helping students understand their emotions, but we don’t always have the resources to teach them how to manage their feelings.”

Her book serves as a tool to bridge that gap, helping students address their fears and anxieties through the pets’ point of view.

Although balancing life as a toddler mom and educator leaves little time for new projects, Fitzpatrick has plans to continue writing stories that focus on social and emotional learning. For now, she’s content with the impact her first book is making, but readers can look forward to more stories that resonate with young minds and hearts.

The book can be found here: Hudson and Evie Conquer
the Vet.

From Shades of Brown to Children’s Books

By Devin Marino

Millersville University alum Todd Mealy has taken the education world by storm since graduating in 2001 with a degree in secondary education, specializing in social studies. Now a high school teacher at J. P. McCaskey High School in Lancaster, an adjunct professor in the history department at Dickinson College and the executive director of the National Institute for Customizing Education, Mealy wears many hats, all while making significant strides as a writer.

Inspired by the ongoing debates about prejudicial tendencies in public schools across the country, Mealy authored “Shades of Brown,” a book aimed at deepening the understanding of these critical issues. But the passion for storytelling doesn’t stop there. Drawing from personal experiences with his children, Carter and Adeline, Mealy penned a children’s book that reflects on their lives, capturing moments that resonate with young readers.

And there’s more to come. Currently, Mealy is delving into the life of Muhammad Ali, working on a book that chronicles the last nine years of Ali’s boxing career through the lens of his training camp, Fighter’s Heaven, in Deer Lake, Pa. This unique perspective is set to be published by Penn State University Press under the tentative title “Fighter’s Heaven: A Biography of Muhammad Ali’s Training Camp,” with a release date expected in 2025.

In addition to these projects, Mealy is collaborating with his children on another children’s book, showcasing his commitment to blending personal experiences with broader societal themes. With an already impressive career, Mealy continues to inspire both in the classroom and through his writing, making a lasting impact on education and literature.

You can find Mealy’s books here: Todd Mealy Books.

Alums Who Are Authors with a Sprinkling of Faculty and Staff

Giles Wagner ’75 recently wrote and illustrated a children’s book titled “AntBee Saves the World.”

Dr. Theresa Dozier-Daniel ’77 has written five books and four anthologies. Her books include “Unstoppable Leaders: Audacious First Steps to Live the Life You Want” and “The Hidden Hand of God: The Sovereignty of God.”

Jayne Johnson-Morris ’78 has written a few short stories for publication
and one book with two editions, “Be A Strong Tree?”

Dr. Rob McKenzie ’84 wrote “Rounding Some Corners – Observing Life’s Oddball Ironies.” It is a book of columns he wrote for the Pocono Record newspaper while he was a professor and Chairperson of Communication at East Stroudsburg University.

Edward Whitelock ’88, ’90M graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English. He wrote “Apocalypse Jukebox,” available through Penguin Random House.

Dr. Myava Hillery Clark ’93 has written several books, including “HELP! Support for Parents of Children with Learning and Thinking Differences to Feel Confident, Capable, and Fulfilled.” You can read more about her book here.

Ron Martiello ’97 recently coauthored a book for teachers and administrators. “My passion for teaching started in my MU classes 32 years ago. I hope this book helps teachers working so hard in the classrooms and ultimately the students in their care,” says Martiello.

In “Conquering Math Myths with Universal Design: An Inclusive Instructional Approach for Grades K-8,” Jenna Mancini Rufo and Ron Martiello set out to dispel each of these myths, illuminating the path toward more inclusive and accessible math instruction that empowers students to learn, understand and appreciate the value of mathematics in everyday life.

Christian Bensing ’99 wrote a wholesome, hilarious, heartwarming children’s book series about the crazy antics of real-life rescue pets, “Lap Cat Deluxe.” The series includes

“The Bone War,” “The Bath War” and “The Bed War.” You can read more about his books here.

Alex Kaufman ’99 has authored and edited several books on Robin Hood, Jack Cade and outlaws (medieval to modern). You can read more about his books here.

Jana Farris ’02 wrote “The Chicken on the Moon.” The book shows readers the power of perseverance in a playful, sweet way. Tag along for the journey of one little chicken who dreams of going to outer space. Kids will be over the moon for it!

Dr. Nikole Hollins-Sims ’02, ’04M wrote “Creating Equitable Practices in PBIS” with two other authors.

Colleen Donahue ’04 recently published a children’s book about a pig named Scarlet who doesn’t act like she’s supposed to. Instead of forcing her to act like she was expected to, her owners embraced the pig she was and found a way to let her shine just as she was! “Scarlet the Pig is NOT Supposed to Dig!” is available on Amazon.

Katie Ann Bean ’05 wrote a memoir titled “Fragile Thoughts: A Healing Memoir.” Bean says, “The book shares some of the tough stuff I’ve been through but focuses on how I overcame it using writing, yoga and vulnerable storytelling in the community – among other things. There are journal prompts and yoga-based activities at the end of each chapter to help the reader find healing too.” Millersville University is highlighted in two chapters of Bean’s memoir.

Dan Good ’06 has written books of his own and has ghostwritten dozens more for other authors. His book “Playing Through the Pain: Ken Caminiti and the Steroids Confession That Changed Baseball Forever” was published in 2022 by Abrams Press. It received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and was nominated for a Casey Award as one of the year’s best baseball books. Good says, “The book tells the story of Caminiti, the 1996 NL MVP, who rose to the top of the baseball world but struggled with addiction and died far too young, in 2004, at the age
of 41.

Douglas Madenford ’08M has authored multiple books, all dealing with the Pennsylvania Dutch language and culture. The publications range from textbooks to children’s books to translations of 19th-century Pennsylvania Dutch prose and literature. You can read more about his books here.

Gerald L. Jackson ’10 joined the Army National Guard, served two tours and concurrently attended Millersville University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in social work. Jackson wrote and published two children’s books, “A Father’s Message” and “A Father’s Love.” More information on the books and Jackson is available here.

Tyler Barton ’13 has written two books, “Eternal Night at the Nature Museum” and “The Quiet Part Loud.” “Eternal Night” is a short story collection, while “The Quiet Part Loud” is a flash fiction collection. More information on his books can be found here.

Ginger Berndt ’13 coauthored “Body Art (Arts for Health),” published by Emerald Books in 2023. “In our book, we explore body art as an underappreciated yet accessible source for mental and physical well-being,” says Berndt.

Erik Ballard ’15, ’21M self-published a horror anthology titled “Between Light and Shadow.” The book consists of eight twisted tales ranging from an amnesiac who discovers that the most dangerous mind might be his own to a lovestruck teen who discovers the horrors that occur during Amish rumspringa. Ballard says “Between Light and Shadow” is a nightmare like no other.

Kate Kelchner ’15 wrote a children’s book about genetics, working with a biology professor at Bloomsburg University and a genetic counselor. “Our goal was to make an accessible and lighthearted way for kids to understand genetic variants and how genetic counseling works,” says Kelchner. “The process of collaborating and creating the book was an absolute delight, and I’m really happy with how it turned out!”
The book, “Helix’s Marvelous Muffins” is available here.

Sara Fitzpatrick ’16 wrote a children’s book, “Hudson and Evie Conquer the Vet.”

Monica Williams ’16 has written four books. “How I Loved GOD and Her” and “The Unveiling” are her two independent books. You can read more about Williams and her journey here.

Troy Diffenderfer ’17 wrote a collection of short horror stories inspired by classic and modern rock and roll songs. “White Noise” is available on Amazon.

Jessica Betancourt Perez ’17 wrote a picture book for young children, “A Thousand White Butterflies.”
As if being new to the United States wasn’t hard enough, Isabella’s first day of school was canceled due to snow! It’s available here.

Angela Prendergast Pucetas ’17 had her collection of poems “Overthought Thoughts of a 21-Year-Old” published in 2017. “My book is a poetry collection of 140 prose poems from my first year at Millersville to my last. The poems outline the trials of youth – love, loss and identity,” says Pucetas.

Jenna Martorana ’18 wrote two books. “Pearl’s Purpose” is about how one little girl learned it’s okay not to be okay. The book takes us on Pearl’s mental health journey. “Pearl’s Person” deals with losing someone close to them.

Brittany Schenck ’18 is a contributing author in the book “Dear Migraine.” The book was part of a migraine advocacy initiative that started in 2021. The nonprofit Miles for Migraine published the book. It is a collection of works from those with migraines, family members and caregivers.

Lauren Burke Grove ’20 wrote the play “Come Celebrate the Holidays with the Silver Belles.” The ladies who reside at Silver Meadows Retirement Home are preparing for what may be their last Christmas together. Mr. Johnson, the owner of Silver Meadows, has sold the home to local mogul Frank Davenport. Frank sends his son Nick to survey the building and begin converting Silver Meadows into a luxury hotel. Nick soon discovers that Kate, his former high school flame, manages the retirement home. Nick finds himself caught between his father and his conscience as he comes to care for these wise, witty, wonderful women. Will Kate and the Belles convince Nick to save Silver Meadows? Silver Belles is a hilarious and heartbreaking story about love, loss and the magic of Christmas.

Jan Javier-Worley ’20 recently published a young adult fiction book, “Wish You the Best,” which is available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon and Amazon Kindle.

Sierra Bedwell Bowers ’21 has published five books. Three are poetry: “Sonder,” “Moments in Time” and “Tell Me the Truth.” She also wrote two fiction books; “The Prophecy” is fantasy, and “The Maniacs” is dystopian. Her author page can be found here. Bowers says she published three of these during her time at Millersville. “College greatly influenced my writing and taught me how to write more academically. I would love to write a nonfiction book or participate in a research journal one day!”

Sarah Burns ’21 wrote two books that are now available on Amazon and Amazon Kindle. “Polo on Sunday” is available here, and “Earthly” is available here.

Riley Morton ’22 has written two self-published books. She published her first book, “Sorcerers,” when she was 14 and her second book, “Discovered,” when she was 15. Both can be found here.

Faculty

Dr. Dennis Denenberg, professor emeritus of education, has coauthored several books and recently released

“Toto’s Memoir” – a look at “The Wizard of Oz” through the eyes of Dorothy’s dog, Toto

“Toto’s Memoir,” https://totomemoir.org/, 2024

“60 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet,” 2022, by Denenberg and Lorraine Roscoe

“50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet,” by Denenberg and Roscoe, 2016

“Hooray for Heroes!: Books and Activities Kids Want to Share with Their Parents and Teachers,” hardcover, 1994

Dr. Timothy R. Mayers, associate professor of English and World Languages, wrote “(Re)Writing Craft.” Mayers says “(Re)Writing Craft” is an analysis of disciplinary history and pedagogy focused on an argument that composition and creative writing teachers and scholars should attempt to overcome their differences and reshape the field. If creative writing and composition studies are brought together in productive dialogue, they can, in his view, succeed in inverting the common hierarchy in English departments that privileges the interpretation of literature over the teaching of writing.

Staff

Barry Kornhauser, assistant director of Campus and Community Engagement, has written 14 books/plays.

“A Child’s Garden of Verses” – a playful play

“A Christmas Carol” – musical

“Balloonacy” – has won multiple awards

“Bert & Ernie, Goodnight!” – included in the anthology “Igniting Wonder: Plays for Preschoolers”

“Better Angels”

“Corduroy” – was performed in Chicago this summer

“Cyrano”

“Last Minute” – included in the anthology “10 by 10:
Ten Short Plays for Teens about Ethics & Values”

“Madeline Joins the Circus” – included in the anthology “KEY CHANGE: New Musicals for Young Audiences

“Nobody Nose” – included in the anthology
“The Bully Plays.”

“Recipe for Disaster”

“Reeling”

“The Ten-Ton Accordion” included in the anthology “DUDE: Stories and Stuff for Boys ”

“This is not a Pipe Dream”

Many of Kornhauser’s books can be found on Amazon.