Jeff Creswell is an experienced classroom teacher and staff developer who has been working with the Storyline method since it was first brought to the United States in 1989. He is the author of Creating Worlds, Constructing Meaning: The Scottish Storyline Method, published by Heinemann Books. He has trained teachers throughout the United States and Europe, is a member of the Golden Circle, and is on the leadership team for Storyline International. Jeff recently retired from classroom teaching after 32 years. In addition to his work with Storyline Design, he is a facilitator for the Center for Courage and Renewal, an organization founded by Parker Palmer, working with educators and other people in the helping professions.

J.J Howard has been teaching elementary students for over twenty years. He graduated from Western Oregon University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and interdisciplinary studies. He has been a Storyliner since 1997. J.J. attended the International Storyline Conference in Glasgow, Scotland in 2006 and presented at the 2009 and 2015 conferences. J.J. currently teaches a 2nd and 3rd grade blend at Highland School, a Storyline magnet school in Bend, Oregon (www.bend.k12.or.us/highland). When he is not teaching, J.J. enjoys running, science fiction, travel and family.

Misha Therrian has been using the Storyline method to teach elementary students for over 15 years. She attended Oregon State University, Charles Sturt University in Bathurst, Australia, and holds a Masters degree from Eastern Oregon University in elementary education. Misha has been a presenter at the International Storyline Conferences. She and JJ Howard have worked collaboratively to provide Storyline workshops for teachers in the Bend LaPine School District. Misha previously taught at Highland Elementary, a Storyline magnet school, in Bend, Oregon. She is currently teaching 4th grade at Benjamin Franklin International School in Barcelona, Spain.

Helen Crandell is an educator in Portland with over 30 years experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Oregon State University and master’s degree in Educational Administration from Portland State University. Helen has been a Storyline instructor since 1994. She has facilitated staff development workshops in Oregon, Ohio and Tennessee. Helen was a presenter at the 2000 and 2003 International Storyline Conferences in Denmark, the 2008 Nordic Storyline Conference in Sweden, and the 2015 International Storyline Conference in Glasgow. Helen currently supervises student teachers at Concordia University.

Maggie Byrkit has been an educator in Portland Public Schools for 17 years, and in 2024 she took over management of Storyline Design. Over the past 15 years, she has written many original Storyline topics, each with unique goals, such as engaging students in real-world scientific work, illuminating the plight of migrants, self-expression through poetry, and designing schools of the future. She is a regular presenter at International Storyline Conferences. Maggie currently teaches at ACCESS Academy, where she uses Storyline to help students grow in their interpersonal skills and critical thinking.

Jeremy Thomas has been teaching in Portland Public Schools since 2004. He has worked with grades 3rd through 7th. Jeremy currently teaches 4th grade at Sunnyside Environmental School in Portland. During his time at Sunnyside, he has written and taught several Storylines dealing with Indigenous people, urban planning, and the City of Portland. When not teaching, Jeremy enjoys spending as much time as possible outdoors with family and friends.