Michael Collie and his wife Elspeth worked for sixteen years with Christian book publisher Certeza Argentina. Both their daughters were born in Buenos Aires. As National Director of SparkLit, Michael is currently doing globally what he was doing locally in Latin America: nurturing emerging indigenous Christian publishers in difficult places. Michael trained as a graphic designer and was a founding director of Wild magazine. Michael loves books, mountaineering and birdwatching.
Valerie has a background in finance and experience in a range of roles in personal and corporate banking. She left Westpac to care for her young family, and work as a swimming instructor; helping people not to drown in the local pool. Her favourite book is The Screwtape Letters by C S Lewis.
Roslyn Schnerring is a certified practising accountant (CPA). She currently works for a local accounting firm where she specialises in personal financial planning advice. Prior to this she worked in corporate reporting, treasury management and auditing. Roslyn is married to Dirk. They have three children and have attended St Alfred’s Anglican Church in Blackburn North, Victoria, since 1991.
After graduating from Moore Theological College, Paul and his wife Helen worked in the interior of China where they served the local community, trained doctors, and discipled local believers. They appreciate the importance of literature for the church, both in China and around the world. Paul works as a GP at MyLocalDoc Buderim on the Sunshine Coast, and at Medical Santo in Vanuatu. Together with their five children they attend Palmview Presbyterian Church.
Simon Woodley has worked in the book industry for over twenty years and is currently the Managing Director of ALS Library Services, an Adelaide-based business supplying public libraries throughout Australia. He has a Bachelor of Theology degree and serves in the leadership of a local Vineyard fellowship. Simon is married to Melinda. They have four school-aged children.
Elspeth is the Marketing and Communications Manager with Anglican Overseas Aid. She was editor of The Melbourne Anglican, and previously a journalist with the Bendigo Advertiser and Braidwood Times. Elspeth studied history at Monash University, where she was involved with the Christian Union. She co-directed Balnarring SUFM for three summers and has also been involved in Children’s Ministry at St Thomas’ Anglican Church in Burwood, Melbourne, and Braidwood Uniting Church in country NSW.
Chris Porter is a theologian and pastor. He was ordained as a priest in the Anglican Church and is currently a post-doctoral research fellow at Trinity College, University of Divinity, Melbourne. Chris trained in psychology at ANU and brings social science to the consideration of the biblical text and Christian identity. Chris and his wife Gillian have a long-term interest in education and mission in the majority world.
Sarah is a school chaplain with Korus Connect and currently supports staff, students and their families at two primary schools in Melbourne. When she is not reading up on best practise in pastoral care and parenting, and how to truly live for Jesus, she loves biographies and historical fiction. Sarah and her husband James have three adult sons and attend St Alfred’s Anglican Church, Blackburn North.