Our Contributors

Meet the talented writers that capture their knack in Knack Magazine and on KnackParenting.com.

Chris Connolly

Chris Connolly, father of Oliver (age 2) and Max (6 months), lives in Wisconsin with his wife, Joy. Chris writes for publications including the New York Times, Men’s Health, and others, and appears as a commentator for the Travel Channel. His second book, about three years he spent playing basketball in Latvia, will be published as soon as someone pays him to write it.

Jen Byers

Jen Byers is a full-time (and then some) mother of six boys and one girl, and wife to her wonderful husband Reynold. She has a B.A. in humanities from BYU. She enjoys writing, reading, composing music, photography and volunteering with the youth in her church. She lives in Gilbert, Ariz., with her family.

Mary Vinzant

Mary Vinzant, a freelancer and PR gal, holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from ASU. When she’s not satisfying her passion for writing, Mary spends time focusing on family, friends and faith. She currently resides in Phoenix.

Anuja Madar

Anuja Madar is based in New York City, where she received her master’s in journalism from NYU. She currently splits her time between her job as an editor at Frommer’s travel guides and figuring out how to wear heels and walk on uneven pavement. Her current obsession is the Middle East and trying to learn Arabic.

Jackie Passos

Jackie Passos is an aesthetician and makeup artist who works in the Phoenix metro area.

Mark Mabry

Mark Mabry’s images have been published in the realm of fine art and commissioned portraits. His most recent book, “Reflections of Christ,” will be available in bookstores and online this Christmas. He resides in Mesa, Ariz., and works throughout the U.S.

Colby Vincent Edwards

Colby Vincent Edwards is a 23-year-old Arizona native. He enjoys traveling the world — exploring diversity in both places and cultures — and documenting it all on film. He also takes pleasure in cameras, art, good food, music, Mexico and low riders.

Rachel Lambert

Rachel Lambert is a wife and courageous mother of four boys under the age of nine. She earned a bachelor degree and teaching certificate from BYU. She enjoys reading, running and spending time with her boys.

Elizabeth Exline

Elizabeth Exline is a freelance writer who frequently covers design and architecture for various publications, although her favorite topic for conversation is her 2-year-old daughter. Her work has appeared in Robb Report, Estates West, weather.com and other media, while the subject of her daughter is usually only foisted on family and close friends.

Christie McCollum

Christie McCollum is only 20, but she has been writing and editing extensively for the last four years. She was born and raised in Phoenix — still her favorite American city — but chose to leave the Valley to study communications and Spanish at UCLA. She loves nature, her family, music and miso soup.

Liz Higley

Liz Higley was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has recently taken her travels to Toledo, Ohio, while her husband, Nathan, attends law school. She is working toward her master’s degree in mental health counseling and getting used to having two new cats in the house. She works at a local travel agency.

Azurdee Jenson

Azurdee Jenson is a graduate of BYU with a degree in family sciences. She lives in Gilbert, Ariz., with her husband and daughter. She loves to run, read, and write, and is passionate about adoption.

Gina Oh

Gina Oh is a dedicated mother of three. She loves photography, especially when the subject is one of her beautiful children.

Daniel Cavanaugh

Daniel Cavanaugh is an undergraduate student at ASU, studying photography and mass communication. Additionally, he is a web designer for Incentive Logic, Inc. and is fascinated with the surge of new media technology today. He focuses the majority of his time designing, writing and photographing.