Members as of January 2010
additions/corrections made monthly as needed
In order to help combat email spam, we have replaced the @ symbol in email addresses with [at]. Please replace with the @ symbol when sending an email.
Fred Berchtold
16 Hickory Rd.; Oakwood Hills IL 60013
Phone: 847-516-1440
Evening: 847-529-1725
Email: godslovestories[at]comcast.net
Like storytellers and bards of old, Fred shares stories of the divine, the human, and the world in which we live; of joy and sadness, laughter and tears, faith and folly. He is the president of the Chicagoland Puppetry Guild and frequently uses puppets in his storytelling.
Sue Black
2433 Waupaca Ct.; Naperville IL 60564
Phone: 630-983-1329
Email: sue[at]sue-black.com
Website: www.sue-black.com
Creative! Warm! Engaging! Fun!
Listeners of all ages are captivated by Sue's enthusiastic storytelling. Whether Sue is telling original or traditional tales, don't be surprised if you want to move, chant, sing, think, imagine and dream. Recipient of the Prairie Area Reading Council Literacy Award, Sue combines her passion for storytelling with her delight in teaching students and their teachers to tell and write stories. It's an awesome combination! Her work includes taking students from page to stage in residencies and as the sponsor of student storytelling clubs.
Anita Blake
14 S. May St.; Aurora IL 60506
Phone: 312-461-3454
Email: anitanruth[at]comcast.net
Camille Born
1404 S. Buckthorn Ln.; Mahomet IL 61853
Phone: 217-493-3675
Email: cbwstories[at]gmail.com
Website: www.couldbeworsestories.com
Camille enjoys telling multicultural tales to all ages; original historical stories about the Underground Railroad, WWII, and other US history eras suitable for middle school students and adults; personal stories for adults.
Margaret Burk
746 S Highland; Oak Park IL 60304
Phone: 708-386-2480
Email: margaretburk[at]hotmail.com
Website: www.margaretburk.com
Lynne Clayton
222 Towanda; Park Forest IL 60466
Phone: 708-534-3075
Evening: 708-503-1332
Email: storywizard13[at]aol.com
Website: www.storytelling.org/Clayton
With both song and story, Lynne brings a freshness and vitality to her tales of wonder and fantasy. Her programs are suitable for adults and children of all ages.
Leah R. Danoff
5209 Keene Ln.; Hanover Park IL 60133
Phone: 630-289-6228
Email: leahtrek@sbcglobal.net
Website: www.leahtrek.com
Strange things happen to Leah - they always do. Hear a whirling kaleidoscope of tales of laughter and terror. Hear the Grumpy Frog, Do It Yourself Werewolf story and The Time Machine stories, and much more. These stories enchant children of all ages from Kindergarten to senior citizens.
Jim & Karen Decker
227 S. 2nd Ave.; Libertyville IL 60048
Phone: 847-367-0182
Email: doubledeckers8[at]sbcglobal.net
Website: www.storytelling.org/DoubleDeckers
Jim and Karen, the Double Deckers are a husband-wife team. They are known for their boisterous bantering stories as well as their gentle touching tales. They deliver twice the fun and two times the magic in their smooth integrated style of telling in tandem.
Donna Dettman
1032 Towne Ave.; Batavia IL 60510
Phone: 630-879-6891
Email: donna[at]donnadettman.com
Website: www.donnadettman.com
Donna is a speaker, storyteller, and a healing artist. She has been wowing audiences since 1990 with her tales of life, love and laughter. After fighting breast cancer Donna wrote “A Bend in the Road: One Woman’s Journey through Breast Cancer”. Dare to find joy in your life!
Michelle Evans
1905 Conway Ln.; Aurora IL 60503
Phone: 630-244-5952
Email: mevans115[at]hotmail.com
Beverly Frett
1341 Winchester Ct.; Naperville IL 60563
Phone: 630-428-6067
Evening: 630-420-8039
Email: beverly_frett[at]ipsd.org
Website: http://clow.ipsd.org/lmc_storytellers.html
Beverly Frett is in her 21st year as the library media center director of the Robert Clow Elementary School in Naperville, IL. Bev’s goal of making student storytelling a viable part of the Clow School culture is a reality as a result of an extremely rewarding University of Illinois graduate class in storytelling, combined with a close personal and professional relationship with Sue Black, Storyteller in Residence at Clow School. Her strengths are those of story listening and coaching, bringing storytelling to the web, and serving as facilitator and advocate of the Clow Student Storytelling Club.
Suzie Garfield
PO Box 303; Wilmette IL 60091
Phone: 847-830-9284
Evening: 847-831-4523
Email: suzie_garfield[at]ameritech.net
Brian Geddes
4504 Sunnyside Ave., #2R; Brookfield IL 60513
Phone: 630-209-1148
Email: geds81[at]gmail.com
Linda Gorham
PO Box 6644; Aurora IL 60598-06440
Phone: 630-851-9415
Email: linda[at]lindagorham.com
Website: www.LindaGorham.com
Linda's stories are fun, full of energy, and often include the audience. She tells folktales, fairy tales, inspirational stories, fables, "RESPECT" stories, hero stories, and, of course spooky stories. She also has a series of programs that depict the stories of heroes such as Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges and The Little Rock Nine.
Marcia Gutiérrez
9N901 Beckman Tr.; Elgin IL 60123
Phone: 847-841-7749
Email: quiltedtales[at]aol.com
Website: www.storytelling.org/Gutierrez
Bilingual storyteller Marcia Gutiérrez combines her love for storytelling and her knowledge of folklore, character development, and intercultural experiences to create folktales, stories and personal tales that are full of wisdom, courage, life and just good old fashion fun for all ages.
Judith Heineman
5020 S. Lake Shore Dr. #1214-16; Chicago IL 60615
Phone: 773-288-7217
Email: JuHeStories[at]aol.com
Website: www.storytelling.org/Heineman
Judith Heineman is an Illinois Humanities Council "Road Scholar," performing regularly with musician Dan Marcotte. Recently they toured 60 Chicago Public Libraries with "The Magic Carpet: Songs and Stories from Ancient Egypt" and "A Taste of Chicago in Song and Story." "Grimm's Grimmest: The Darker Side of Traditional Fairytales" is another popular show. She received an IL Governor's Grant to go on a Storytelling Delegation to China, April 2008, where she told at a Beijing school. Judith is also an Illinois Arts Council Roster Artist, Residency Artist, producer of Tellabration in Chicago, founder of the Chicago Storytelling Guild, the Los Angeles Women's Theatre Festival, The Mohegan Colony Storytelling and Music Festival, NY. She teaches an Adult Stortyelling Workshop for the University of Chicago's Graham School and was a co-chair of the National Storytelling 2003 Conference. Judith's "beautiful use of her voice" draws audiences into her lively, humorous and interactive world tales. Numerous museums have commissioned original programs including the Oriental Institute, The Chicago Historical Society and the Museum of Science and Industry. She has appeared at the Illinois Storytelling Festival, Chinquapin, Sterling, Clearwater in NY, colleges, schools, on radio, TV, and in theatres in NY and LA.
Carol Holding
107 E. Conover Ave.; Eureka IL 61530
Phone: 309-694-5247
Evening: 309-467-2488
Email: cholding[at]verizon.net
Beth Horner
P.O. Box 540; Wilmette IL 60091
Phone: 888-443-3816
Email: BethHorner[at]earthlink.net
Website: www.bethhorner.com
Nationally acclaimed storyteller whose vivacious, traditional storytelling style enhanced with music creates a performance that critics have called "Dynamite!" Stories of raucous laughter and tender courage. Has performed for National Geographic Society, American Library Assoc., and National Storytelling Festival. 5 recordings.
Phyllis Hostmeyer
375 N. 8th St.; Breese IL 62230
Phone: 618-972-3380
Evening: 618-526-4894
Email: phostmeyer[at]charter.net
Website: phylsquill.com
Writing much of her own material, Phyllis entertains her audiences with fairy tales and fables that she turns into rap, country, or jazz songs. She also tells a variety of traditional tales. Which tales are her favorites? Stories about life's lessons gained from marriage and raising three daughters in the Midwest. Phyllis and Marilyn Kinsella are co-authors for Libraries Unlimited – their as yet untitled book will provide stories and lessons that embed QAR reading comprehension skills into storytelling activities.
Joe Jekot
5255 N. River’s Edge Terrace; Chicago IL 60630
Phone: 847-894-3336
Email: jjekot[at]loy.org
Website: www.storytelling.org/Jekot
For fifteen years, Joe Jekot has been fully engaged in the craft of loving, learning and healing all that is human in the lives of young people and adults. In his vocation as a teacher, youth minister, addictions counselor, and certified parent effectiveness trainer, Joe has discovered the profound educational and healing power of storytelling.
Carol Johnson
709 W. South Forest Trail; Peoria IL 61615
Phone: 309-691-0508
Email: storytellercc[at]aol.com
From Civil War heroines to multicultural stories, Carol unlocks the magic of imagination for all ages as she catches humans being human with thoughtful to rib-tickling stories.
Doris Kampfe
2384 Arnold Ave; Rockford IL 61108
Phone: 815-226-4326
Email: doriskampfe[at]aol.com
Storyteller/solo folk artist, Iowa Arts Council, since 1986. Very Special Arts since 1992. Script writer and storyteller for KWWL Blackhawk Broadcasting, Pen Women, Inc., has received awards in fiction and poetry. Delta Steamboat Cruise Line "Teller" since 1990. Drama, sings, improvisation. Workshops for Special People. American Folklore. Who's Who of American Women 1999-2000. Who's Who in America 2002-2004. Who's Who In the World 2003, Great Minds of the 21st Century, American Bio. Institute, and Marquis Who’s Who in American 2010.
Carol Kerman
1321 Hillside Rd.; Northbrook IL 60062
Phone: 847-272-5405
Email: carolkerman[at]juno.com
Carol likes to tell folk and personal tales that express truth dressed in humor.
Marilyn Kinsella
645 Pleasant Ridge; Fairview Heights IL 62208
Phone: 618-397-1377
Email: markinsella19[at]hotmail.com
Website: www.marilynkinsella.org
Taleypo the Storyteller tells from nursery schools to nursing home. She tells with a lively style and creative word imaging. She travels where stories lead her. She has been telling since 1981. For a listing of programs plus the schools, festivals, and special events featuring Taleypo, please visit her web page.
Mary Kroening
5S 391 Allister; Naperville IL 60563
Phone: 630-420-2611
Email: catchingdreams[at]wowway.com
Website: www.storytelling.org/kroening
Jennifer Lachica
875 N. Paulina #3; Chicago IL 60622
Phone: 312-480-6350
Email: jlachica[at]mac.com
Greg Leifel
400 Golfview Dr.; Crystal Lake IL 60014
Phone: 815-479-9302
Email: gleifel[at]aol.com
Website: www.ahhhfinally.com
Gregory Leifel is an author who tells original stories for mature audiences. His stories range from the humorous, obsessive side of human nature to inspirational experimentation with life.
Lainie Levin
1421 Sycamore Ln.; Northbrook IL 60062
Phone: 847-636-8971
Evening: 847-509-1463
Email: lainlev[at]yahoo.com
Website: www.storytelling.org/Levin
Lainie Levin’s been a storyteller since the ripe old age of ten. Audiences enjoy her energetic performance of stories and music from America to the world beyond. Her whimsical characterizations and poignant lessons will “tickle the funny bone and touch the heart.”
Michael Lockett
1401 Heritage Road, West; Normal IL 61761
Phone: 309-454-2300
Email: mike[at]mikelockett.com
Website: www.mikelockett.com
Dr. Mike Lockett is a teller of traditional tales. He has given more than 1200 programs across the USA and travels as “The Normal Storyteller.” Dr. Lockett is a regular presenter for schools, churches and libraries, and a keynote speaker for organizations. He is known for his audience participation tales and his use of dialects in stories.
Margaret Macdonald
30043 N. Waukegan Rd. #109; Lake Bluff IL 60044
Phone: 847-604-8426
Email: macesterl[at]aol.com
Retired Navy officer, now working part time in local park districts with public programs. Storytelling is an increasing part of those activities.
Jim May
P.O. Box 1012; Woodstock IL 60098
Phone: 815-648-2039
Email: maystory[at]earthlink.net
Website: www.storytelling.org/JimMay
An Emmy award winning storyteller and author, Jim believes in storytelling as an art form ideal not only for entertainment but for the grounding and healing needed in complex, modern times.
Karalynn McDermott
801 Ellen Way; Libertyville IL 60068
Phone: 847-224-4249
Email: karriemcd[at]wildmtn.com
Holly Nagel
25735 Lehmann Blvd.; Lake Villa IL 60046
Phone: 847-356-8029
Email: holly@hollynagel.com
Website: www.hollynagel.com
Holly Nagel has been performing professionally for over 20 years. Let her bubbly personality surprise you as she shares stories using balloons, gourds and whatever tickles her fancy. She has a multicultural background and is an entrepreneur, so she loves to share stories that are diverse, empowering and heartfelt.
Darlene Neumann
39440 Castleford Ln.; Beach Park IL 60083
Phone: 847-831-9152
Evening: 847-775-0095
Email: LDNeu[at]comcast.net
Darlene Neumann is a storyteller and library media specialist. With her clear, pleasing voice and her engaging facial expressions, she paints compelling pictures, inviting children and adults to laugh and cry and revel in the joy of stories. Darlene tells world folktales and shares bittersweet stories about growing up on a Southern Illinois farm. She has told at festivals, international schools, public libraries, and has conducted storytelling workshops at library conferences, educational conferences, and universities. She coordinates an annual storytelling festival at her school in which each 4th and 5th grader, and some younger students, tells a story. Darlene helps the students choose, learn and tell their stories. She is an adjunct professor in storytelling at National-Louis University in Evanston, IL. Darlene and her husband Larry tell in tandem as “Two Voices.”
Larry Neumann
39440 Castleford Ln.; Beach Park IL 60083
Phone: 708-246-3210
Evening: 847-775-0095
Email: LDNeu[at]comcast.net
Larry Neumann is a teacher gifted students at Pleasantdale Middle School in Burr Ridge, Illinois. He has worked extensively on stories about the Wright brothers and works with storytelling in the middle school classrooms. He has written several musicals, and produces an annual musical at his school. He conducts storytelling workshops, and performs at festivals, schools, and a variety of other venues. Larry and his wife Darlene ttell in tandem as “Two Voices.”
Eddie Richter
2444 E. Bonnie Brook Ln.; Waukegan IL 60087
Phone: 847-662-7620
Email: gerichter[at]aol.com
Eddie is a native son of Waukegan, IL, with Jack Benny, Ray Bradbury, and Jerry Orbach. This area breeds entertainers and storytellers. Eddie's stories stretch your imagination, he takes his adult audiences on a roller coaster ride filled with laughter and inspiration, leaves his children's audiences bright eyed, asking for more.
Marie Ringenberg
3S 058 Sequoia Dr.; Glen Ellyn IL 60137
Phone: 630-858-6003
Email: mtringen[at]juno.com
Website: www.storytelling.org/Ringenberg
Marie's creativity, energy and wonderful sense of playfulness draw her audience into the magical realm of the imagination. Each performance is designed to entertain and educate her listeners with her humorous, participatory style with stories geared to unlock the imagination and celebrate the love of story!
Ben Rosenfield
1236 Blakely St.; Woodstock IL 60098
Phone: 815-337-0126
Email: ben[at]thefrogguy.com
Website: www.thefrogguy.com
Dr. Ben Rosenfield (aka Dr. Frog), also known throughout the Midwest as "The Frog Guy," shares tales from his childhood growing up in the Appalachian foothills of Ohio, as well as stories of his own creation. A veteran educator with over 30 years in elementary and middle schools, both as a teacher and principal, Ben's stories celebrate life as well as educate. He helped write and clarify the Language Arts Standards for Excellence in Illinois schools. "Storytelling enhances imagination, creativity, literacy and comprehension like nothing else can. Imagine it, write it, tell it, and you'll learn it!" Featured at festivals, on TV, and radio, Ben tells original stories, ghost stories, family and folk tales, multi-cultural stories, country yarns and more. Ben is the creator and artistic director of the highly popular and well-known Halloween extravaganza, "Scare on the Square," in Woodstock, Illinois, and has long hosted the Liar's Contest at the Illinois Storytelling Festival in Spring Grove. Ben’s literacy workshops in Reading, Writing and Storytelling enhance student performance and school achievement. Registered Illinois CPDU provider.
Kim Sheahan
504 W. Market St.; Farmer City IL 61842
Phone: 309-928-9452
Email: ksheahan[at]uiuc.edu
Anne Shimojima
6620 Foster Street; Morton Grove IL 60053
Phone: 847-967-2361
Email: ashimojima[at]comcast.net
Website: www.anneshimojima.com
Anne Shimojima has delighted youth and adult audiences of all sizes with her graceful and spirited tellings of folktales from her Asian heritage and around the world. In 2001 she performed in the Exchange Place at the National Storytelling Festival. A school library media specialist for over thirty years, Anne gives workshops on the use of storytelling in the classroom and media center. She has taught storytelling for National-Louis University and for six years served on the Board of Directors of the Wild Onion Storytelling Celebration.
Jennifer Slaney
102 W. 3rd St.; Sterling IL 61081
Phone: 815-625-1370
Email: librybear[at]aol.com
Website: http://ci.sterling.il.us/main/library/storytellers
Mike Speller
1711 Highland Ave.; Crest Hill IL 60403
Phone: 815-727-2529
Email: nicknameproductions[at]earthlink.net
Website: www.storytelling.org/Speller
Mike Speller is “Going Places.” This energetic storyteller may take you Around the World with multi-cultural tales, escort you Into the Shadows for frightful fun, or share life lessons From A to Z. You’ll be a true “traveling companion” as Mike invites audience participation. No passports necessary.
Jane Stenson
1241 Judson; Evanston IL 60202
Phone: 847-866-7627
Email: jstenson[at]bakerdemschool.org
Website: www.storytelling.org/Stenson
Storyteller and teacher at Baker Demonstration School, 201 Sheridan Road, Wilmeete IL 60091. Jane tells stories from the world folklore, from her Connecticut woods
background, her current life - such as it is - and the environment. Jane co-authored, co-edited “The Storytelling Classroom: Applications Across the Curriculum” from Greenwood Press. A new book, “Literacy Development in the Storytelling Classroom”, also from Greenwood Press, will be available June 2009.
Andy Talley
3800 Northwest Hwy; Crystal Lake IL 60014
Phone: 847-639-2982
Email: andre1750[at]msn.com
Barbara Wolf Terao
2759 Prairie Avenue; Evanston IL 60201-1482
Phone: 847-733-0288
Email: bwterao[at]gmail.com
Janet Thompson
4146 N. California; Chicago IL 60618
Phone: 312-746-5132
Evening: 773-463-1950
Email: jsthomps[at]gmail.com
John Walsh
3209 Dorset Ct.; Bloomington IL 61704
Phone: 309-663-0022
Evening: 309-663-2223
Email: jwalsh[at]ChristianStorytelling.com
Website: www.christianstorytelling.com
John is the author of “The Art of Storytelling” published by Moody Press, and a series of books on BibleTelling published by International Learning Solutions. His seminars include Making Stories Unforgettable, BibleTelling for an Oral Society, and Developing Presentation Skills.
Greg Weiss
PO Box 983; Homewood IL 60430
Phone: 708-799-8230
Email: gjweiss[at]earthlink.net
Greg tells stories and presents workshops around the Midwest, and beyond. The sources for his stories include world folklore, poetry, his large family, and an overactive imagination. His performance background also includes theatre and rock & roll. In his spare time, he teaches middle school. For his efforts, Greg received the Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award from the Illinois Humanities Council.