Contributors
Seven years ago, Haley Vannatta began as the creative force behind the YVW design. In 2007 she and husband Jeremy purchased the magazine and now it keeps her busy managing all aspects of the operations. Though her roots are still on the family farm in Powell, WY, Haley and Jeremy have made Billings home for their family. Though Haley's three active boys take a majority of her time, she still loves to entertain, cook up something in the kitchen and spend time with friends. p: 406.254.1394 e: publisher@yellowstonevalleywoman.com
YVW Editor Julie Koerber is an award-winning broadcast journalist who left the anchor desk behind to be a work-at-home mom. Her love of writing landed her on YVW’s pages. When she’s not putting together the best women’s magazine in the region, she loves to cultivate her “crafty” side and looks forward to time with her family. p: 406.254.1394 e: julie@yellowstonevalleywoman.com
Montana native Jeremy Vannatta stays busy at Big Sky Economic Development doing business recruitment and marketing. In his off hours, he works closely with all aspects of they magazine operations. His career began as a reporter for KTVQ while still in college. Though his career took him out of the news industry, he has never lost his passion for journalism. During Jeremy's spare time he stays active with his kids and enjoys spending time with his family and friends. p: 406.254.1394 e: jeremy@yellowstonevalleywoman.com
Shortly after YVW started in 2001, Terry Perkins joined the team to help grow the magazine to what it is today. Her belief in YVW has enabled the magazine to consistently grow in staff and page numbers. Terry spends her free time at her home in Roberts, just out of Red Lodge, with her true passion, horses. She is also an avid tennis player.
p: 406-860-3951 e: terry@yellowstonevalleywoman.com
Phil Bell’s vast experience as a photographer in Billings spans four decades. This award-winning commercial photographer has been lending his creative images to the pages of YVW since the magazine began. Phil also enjoys teaching and using his photography skills to help businesses with their marketing and advertising image.
Gregory Miller is a passionate photographer living in Billings, MT. His specialty is senior photography, but he also enjoys commercial and family portraiture. He is a board member of Montana Professional Photographers. He loves coffee, travel, wine, and Pandora radio. When not in his studio, he is most often spending time with his wife, Jillian, and their three teenagers.
Virginia Bryan is a free-lance writer, retired attorney, and soccer and softball mom. She has a special affinity for YVW, as it published her first article. She’s since published articles in state and national magazines. She is a voracious reader and enjoys gardening and downhill skiing.
Kay Erickson is a food connoisseur and gourmet cook. When she’s not with her husband, Ron, or their dogs, she’s in her kitchen baking goodies to send to daughter Lindsay at U of M, on the airwaves at KEMC, or at a local sports event.
Trish Erbe Scozzari is a Montana native with two decades of media experience. She started her career as a reporter for the Livingston Enterprise. Good stories intrigue her! When she’s not tapping away on her computer keyboard, you can find her reading, quilting, four-wheeling or just spending time with family.
Stella Fong enjoys writing about people and food. She recently received her Certified Wine Professional certification from the Culinary Institute of America. Her articles have appeared in a handful of regional magazines including Big Sky Journal, and Western Art and Architecture. Stella recently co-chaired the ever-popular 2009 MSUB Wine & Food festival.
Jennifer Molk is a freelance writer who grew up in Huntley. After several years in New York, she returned home to Montana State University Billings where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. After 5 years of broadcast writing, she is thrilled to return to her first love of print journalism.
Laura Tode
is a freelance writer living in Red Lodge. After almost a decade writing for daily newspapers in Helena and Billings, she took a leap of faith and launched a full-time freelance career. Laura balances writing deadlines with excursions into the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness and fishing and floating trips on nearby rivers and streams. Her favorite pastimes include photography, creative journaling and bookbinding.
Jackie Swiesz is a human resources professional by day. Although her job is demanding, she is determined to advance from “closet writer” to published author. Her passion for writing has found its voice from the business arena to club newsletters and now in YVW. When she’s not coaching employees or writing, she can be found enjoying outdoor activities on the rivers or in the mountains of Montana.
Jamie Besel received her master’s degree in nursing, working in various nursing positions such as education and intensive care. After the birth of her third child she switched gears. Although always busy with the joys of motherhood, Jamie finds time to combine her love for writing and nursing, working as an editor and consultant. Most importantly, Jamie spends as much time as possible with her husband and three amazing children.