Meet Our Team
Anistemi Authors
These authors are the regular contributors that power much of our most visible online presence: from writing content to assistance in web maintenance and publication processes! They're enrolled in Anistemi Authors Academy and gaining experience by doing the work of authors and learning the publishing ropes—as they build a portfolio of published work, online presence, resume experience, and work on longer works for future publication. Visit our bookshop to see what is currently available, and subscribe to our newsletter to learn about updates, author events, pre-order opportunities, new releases, and more.
Addie Ballard
Addie writes for YA readers who enjoy action, adventure, and unexpected realities revealed through story. Explore challenging themes that reveal eternal truth shown through action!
A.D. Merci
A.D. writes with families in mind, offering hope-filled, fun fantasy adventure, worldbuilding built for exploration, & likeable characters. Escape reality to reconnect with meaning!
Bekah Byrk
Bekah writes for middle grade & YA readers who want beautiful stories fueled by lyrical prose, imaginative style, sincerity, and natural storytelling! Find wonder in the everyday!
Ellie Ballard
Ellie writes for YA readers who desire fiction that shows biblical principals in action, clearly, and with timeless quality. Be edified, encouraged, and uplifted through meaningful story!
Jordan Foster
Jordan writes for YA readers who crave entertaining action, relatable characters, and enjoyment that Christian readers can guiltlessly enjoy. Indulge in engagement that uplifts!
Katherine Ballard
Katherine writes for YA and adult readers who want worthy content that doesn't avoid life's challenges. Boldly introspective, honest, & imaginative, her voice invites readers to linger and reflect on inner life!
Ruth Partridge
Ruth writes for young readers Her engaging stories take inspiration from scripture, and her impressively mature style has been honed by oral storytelling for her younger siblings!
Award-Winning Short Stories & Flash Fiction
1st Place - 2025 Fall Publishing Contest
Explores the Theme of Redemption
"The Final Lap"
by Katie Klinedinst
Meet "Chevy," a Formula 1 racer with a reckless reputation that leaves him questioning his purpose—and position on his new team. Follow this high-speeds, high-stakes story to discover what Chevy will do when faced with a split-second decision: Will he fall into his old pattern of pride and recklessness?
Expect layers of complexity of theme: By layering internal and external conflict, we experience—through Chevy—how God can redeem even our worst mistakes to pull us into his ongoing redemptive work in and through us. Chevy emerges as a true everyman hero that believers can love; we glimpse his guilt, his questions, and... well, we won't give away the ending!
2nd Place - 2025 Fall Publishing Contest
Explores the Theme of Redemption
"More Than a Child"
by Ruth Partridge
Meet Nella, a humble servant girl who has been taken from her home and family to serve the enemy. Follow her unexpected journey to a moment of autonomous power: Will she choose love in the face of hatred and danger? And what does her example reveal about characters who serve as redeemers? Nella's example reminds readers that Christ, Our Redeemer, came as a humble servant child—and that his power is made perfect in our weakness.
We love the complexity of the characters, the sophisticated backstory that shines through without much retelling, and the strong agency given the main character; her voice is distinct from the author's and narrator's.
3rd Place - 2025 Fall Publishing Contest
Explores the Theme of Redemption
"Guilty"
by Kathryn Turley
"Guilty" offers a tangible picture of redemption that every reader can personally relate to. How should we respond to such an undeserved gift?
"Guilty" is a masterful example of Christian allegory presented in short story form. This level of allegory also demonstrates advanced care: every symbol remains faithful to the true gospel—acknowledging the weighty realities of guilt, dread, and judgement while delicately and deeply offering readers rest through the reality of Christ's love and sacrifice.
Anistemi Admin, Mentors, & Collaborators
These members of the team are the professional powerhouses that produce our educational products and fill administrative roles. Though less visible to the public, they're the most visible to the authors and creators they support. They each bring needed skillsets and experiences to Anistemi Authors—strategically selected to equip our authors for creating excellent content.
Janie Barbosa
Founder & CEO
Steffanie Schweikert
Editor in Chief
Devon Kelly
Arts Program Director
Carlos Barbosa
Director of Operations
Ian Nobel
Audio Production Manager
John Partridge
Collaborator: LogosTeach
Upcoming Events
Spring Publication Contest
DEADLINE: Friday, February 20th, 2026
Submission Details
Submission Guidelines
What to Expect
Copyright Protection
FAQs
Early Bird Academy Enrollment Opens April 24th!
Sign Up to Receive:
Live Class Calendar (Self-Paced available)
Cohort Schedule (Seats Limited to 30)
Outline of How Enrollment Works
Early Bird Registration Access
Sneak Peeks into the Course
FREE - Summer Publishing Workshop Opens May 24th
Focus on Authoring
Six Week Self-Paced Sprint Course
Five Optional Live Workshops (Wks. 2-6)
Learn the Difference Between Authoring & Writing
Get to the Heart of Storytelling
Experience Publishing with Anistemi
READY TO join?
Become an Anistemi Author
We'll send you a welcome series that explains how we help students strategically build professional presence and a published portfolio while still in high school. You'll also get our yearly calendar, an overview of our application process for the live cohorts, live schedule, and sneak peeks into the courses.