​​Get to know the Committee members!

Rev. Nicholas W. Inman

Chairman
Rev. Nicholas Inman is the Executive Director of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum and a charter member of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Children's Literature Festival Committee (which he founded). He serves as a board member of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home Association. He is a published author and playwright and has dedicated much of his life to the preservation of American History through writing and speaking. He is the chairman of the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival in Marshfield, Missouri and the Senior Pastor of the Elkland Independent Methodist Church in Elkland, Missouri. ​​

Vicki Johnston

​Communications Coordinator
Vicki has been with the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum since 2009.  She has been the Museum Supervisor since 2014. She handles the daily operations of the Wilder Home as well as Guest Services.  In 2016 she earned a Credly Badge from the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works. She is heavily involved in marketing for the Wilder Home and Museum, taking care of social media post, television and radio promotions, as well as graphic design. She loves being a costumed historian and has portrayed Margaret Tobin Brown on several occasions. She is the Communications Coordinator for the literature festival committee.

Teri Myers

Treasurer
​Teri Myers is a Charter Member of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Children's Literature Festival Committee and the former Director of the Seymour Community Library. With a career spanning over 34 years in service to the State of Missouri, Teri has also held positions on numerous community boards and committees. Now retired, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, as well as life on her farm.

Charlotte Karr

Secretary
​My name is Charlotte Karr. I am a retired teacher who lives and taught in Springfield, MO. I taught for thirty one years. Twenty eight of those years were spent teaching third grade at Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary. After retiring I began volunteering at my former school, our church, the public library, and other organizations in Springfield. My husband and I enjoy traveling and spending time with our family,  including our two sons, our daughter-in-law, and  two grandsons. It is an honor to be on the Laura Ingalls Wilder Literature Festival Committee in Mansfield because watching children meeting authors and being exposed to books can be a life-changing experience.

​Rae Lynne Swopes

​Rae Lynne encourages young people in her tutoring classes to read about U.S. History, famous inventors, authors, and things of interest.  She is also an active member of the Cabool Church of Christ and has a mission which includes visiting and the delivery of floral arrangements to the sick and shut-ins.  Rae Lynne taught pre-school through first grade for 34 years.  In 2002 she was elected as “Missouri Teacher of the Year” by the Republican Ladies Committee.  She enjoys time with her “grand-angels”, family and friends. Her many interest include; reading, sewing, embroidery, gardening, and fishing.  She hopes to tour and visit several National Parks and famous historical sites in the future. Rae Lynne has worked at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum since May of 2018 as a docent and can be found most days in the front desk/reception area.

​Belva Tarrant

No one walks the journey of life alone. Along the way, we encounter fellow travelers, family, mentors, and even strangers who leave indelible marks on our hearts. Connections give life its richness.  I find that being a part of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Literature council has expanded my mind by introducing me to new adventures in the mind of the authors and the excitement of the children as the authors read to them. We are never too old to expand our mind.

​Darlene Sorensen

I was invited to become a part of the Laura Ingalls Literature Festival in the fall of 2021 after having volunteered for several years as a tour guide at the Laura Ingalls Home and Museum.
I have served on many committees over the years, with many organizations, but I continually tell my husband how fulfilling it is to be a part of this committee.  The cohesiveness, comradery, friendships, and joy this committee brings as we work together towards our goals to reach children and foster their love and joy that can be found in the pages of a good book are priceless! 
I have been honored to serve as director of volunteers over the years for our committee and also love reaching out to possible future authors and illustrators for involvement in our future festivals.   

Kim Ward

​Kim Ward is a charter member of the LIWCLF committee. She is a published children's author, and long time employee of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum. Kim was born and raised in Mansfield, where she resides today. 

​Marie Bristol

​Marie Bristol is a retired business teacher of 31 years. She is active in her Ava community by serving in Kiwanis, Douglas/Ozark Counties Retired School Personnel, Ava Alumni Association, and DOCO Sheltered Workshop Board. As a docent at the Wilder Homes and Museum she loves sharing the history of Laura, Almanzo, and Rose.

​Gayla Hancock

Bio to come