Selection Advisory Committee

Katelyn Granger (she/her)

Katelyn (she/her) grew up in libraries, from avid storytime go-er to holding many different library positions since high school. Katelyn is currently the Manager of Youth Services at Hamilton Public Library. Prior to joining Team HPL, Katelyn spent six years working as a children and youth librarian (after a brief time dabbling in academic libraries – she missed picture books too much!). She has a passion for sharing the magic and power of children’s books, fostering the love of stories in all ages and building community connections.

Brynley Eckhart (she/her)

Brynley Eckhart (she/her) is the Digital Resource and Collections Librarian at Burlington Public Library. She maintains and grows the Library’s digital and physical collections to meet the evolving needs of the Burlington community. With 10 years’ experience in the library field, Brynley finds passion in librarianship and loves working in a place that encourages people to gather and connect. Brynley loves dahlia gardening and spending time outdoors. Her ultimate day would be reading a great book by the water, with a coffee in hand. Being a part of Telling Tales 2024 has renewed Brynley’s love for children’s literature.  

George Zeng (he/him)

Hey everyone! My name is George Zeng, my pronouns are he/him, and I am a Grade 11 student from Westmount Secondary School, Hamilton ON.

As part of our Telling Tales SAC (Selection Advisory Committee) this year, I hope to bring my passion for reading along with my experience in student leadership to this year’s Telling Tales Festival – together, let’s turn the page to a storybook journey of your imagination!

When I’m not trying to get into a good book (AKA this year’s selections), you might catch me lending a hand through volunteering or stuck in a different kind of book (textbooks).

I’m really excited to embark on this “novel” journey with everyone!

ig: @curious_george.z

Khadeeja Maklad (she/her)

Khadeeja Maklad is an Egyptian-Canadian engineering student, musician, and artist. She has a passion for writing in many different genres and forms, as well as learning about different cultures and identities through literature. Khadeeja has been involved with Telling Tales for 5 years through volunteering and is looking forward to this year’s book selection!

Colleen Macfarlane (she/her)

Colleen Macfarlane is an elementary teacher in Hamilton, Ontario, who’s passionate about fostering a love of reading and learning in children. With years of experience in education, she understands the transformative power of literature in shaping young minds and sparking imagination. Colleen actively integrates children’s books into her teaching, using stories to encourage curiosity, empathy, and critical thinking. Her commitment to literacy extends beyond the classroom. As a lifelong reader, Colleen is especially drawn to young adult literature, with a particular love for fantasy, dystopian worlds and spooky tales that challenge perspectives and ignite creativity. She believes that diversity and representation in literature is integral to empowering children’s dreams while also opening windows to new experiences and ideas.

Outside of teaching, Colleen enjoys hiking and exploring nature, finding inspiration in the outdoors and the sense of adventure it brings—much like the journeys found in her favorite books. She is excited to bring her enthusiasm for storytelling and her educational expertise to the selection committee for Telling Tales and is looking forward to contributing to an event that champions the power of books to connect, inspire, and empower young readers.

Macklin Loosley-Millman (she/her)

Macklin Loosley-Millman (she/her) is an avid reader of children’s books, mostly graphic novels. She got her Masters of Research in Children’s Literature at the University of Reading, studying themes of colonialism in middle grade portal fantasy. Since 2022, Macklin has been a bookseller with Another Story Bookshop in Toronto. She works in their education department, selling titles concerning equity, diversity, and social justice to schools and libraries across Southern Ontario and beyond. 

Bex Lawlor (they/them)

Bex Lawlor is a queer, neurodiverse, and disabled editor, writer, and book lover who’s worked at Penguin Random House Canada (Tundra Book Group), Dundurn Press, and The Ampersand Review. A recent graduate of the Honours Bachelor of Creative Writing & Publishing program at Sheridan College, they spend their time reading and attending literary and bookish events within the community. Throughout their studies and career, their passion for quality representation within children’s literature has been a guiding principle whenever they pick up a new manuscript or book.

Alethea Hindra (she/her)

My name is Alethea Hindra and I use she/her pronouns.  I am a first year music education student at the University of Toronto who is an avid reader, reading anything from romantasy to murder mystery. I have participated in multiple short story writing contests, most of which were the Power of the Pen contests hosted by Telling Tales. I won 4 of the contests, as well as one honourable mention. I also enjoy singing and playing several instruments. I love to write my own original music and am currently pursuing a career in teaching music. The only thing I enjoy as much as reading and music is discussing books, so I look forward to being a part of this year’s SAC! I hope to focus on literature that exposes a unique perspective on different cultures and places through an exciting narrative.

Javeria Hashmi (she/her)

Hey readers! I’m Javeria Hashmi, a lifelong book lover with a soft spot for fantasy adventures and classic literature, the kind that makes you forget what time it is and stay up for “just one more chapter.” I’m currently a second-year Life Sciences student at McMaster University, with a minor in Accounting to keep things interesting (and to prove I enjoy both microscopes and spreadsheets).

When I’m not buried in textbooks or novels, you’ll probably find me in the kitchen cooking or baking, testing new recipes, and occasionally convincing friends and family to be my taste testers. I love keeping busy with creative hobbies like painting and knitting, especially when I’m in the mood to unplug and try something new. I’m also a regular at the gym, where I challenge myself, stay active, and clear my head.

Whether I’m curled up in a library corner or reading in a random spot at home, books have always been a constant in my life. I’m thrilled to be part of Telling Tales and to help spark curiosity, imagination, and a lifelong love of reading in young minds.

Nicole Clarke

Nicole is a Jamaican-Chinese Australian storyteller and dedicated cat mom. Her favourite book is To Kill A Mockingbird by Lee Harper and her favourite movie is Cool Runnings. Nicole fell in love with reading when she was a child, she would borrow books constantly and won “Best Borrower” at elementary school for four years running and begrudgingly relinquished the title when she graduated. She got started in Los Angeles as a Script Intern for Conan O’ Brien on TBS and has worked in film and television for seven years on productions for Amazon Prime, Netflix and Dreamworks. She currently resides in Burlington as a freelance writer and is currently working on a picture book and one-person production. Off the page, Nicole is a proud UCB graduate who enjoys travelling to perform improv and just being a clown in general. Nicole is thrilled to be a part of this lovely team, gushing over books and talking in the third person.

Sarah B (she/they)

Sarah B, is a Black biracial, queer, neurodiverse, disabled, independent parent and the primary dreamer behind Fruit Salad. Sarah also has a background in fashion and display styling, is a maker at My Dad and Me Everyday Ornaments, a mindful movement teacher and the founder of Mixed in Hamilton, a space for mixed race folks to share their unique stories. Sarah is committed to noticing who or what is missing when creating space and community and is passionate about using her intersecting identities to create a bridge of knowledge and understanding across all of their platforms.

Emilie Page

Emilie grew up in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, lived in France, moved to St.-Félicien, QC in 2013, then in the GTA in 2017. She lived a year in Minnesota USA as an exchange student when she was 16, a year where she thrived meeting people from around the
world, played competitive hockey, baseball, and swimming.

She is a mom of two passionate girls, both avid readers, who had books in their bedroom before they were born. Books still make up over 80% of their Christmas list. Emilie loves books so much that she still has the baby books of her oldest, who is now 20!

She is also a registered yoga/meditation teacher and teaches in both French and English. She used to be a lifeguard/swim instructor for kids and babies.

She thrives in helping others, is passionate about mental health, neurodiversity, and the happiness and well being of humans.

In her spare time, Emilie can be found at her desk putting together yet another puzzle, walking her favourite fur baby Habsy. She also loves to sew, cook, bike and read. She mostly reads meaningful books that teaches positive messages, focuses on positive psychology, mindfulness and philosophy. She loves to travel, learn about other cultures, and spend time in nature.

Emilie has been a project manager with the Francophone Center of Hamilton since 2023, she is in charge of the school activities and the Senior Active Living Center. She is excited to join the Telling Tales Teams to help them make this wonderful festival more attractive and accessible for the French speaking community. And she is honored to join the selection committee.

Emilie a grandi en Suisse Romande, a vécu en France, à St-Félicien au Québec et a déménagé dans le GTA en 2017. A l’âge de 16 ans, elle a aussi passé 1 an dans le Minnesota au USA en tant qu’étudiante d’échange. Durant cette année, elle a adoré rencontrer des gens du monde entier, fait du hockey, du baseball et de la natation au niveau compétitif.

Elle est maman de deux grandes filles passionnées de lecture, qui avaient des livres avant même d’être nées. Les livres représentent encore plus de 80% de leur liste de Noël. Emilie aime tellement les livres qu’elle a encore les livres de bébé de sa plus grande qui a maintenant 20 ans!

Elle est aussi une professeure agréée de yoga/méditation et enseigne en français et en anglais. Dans le passé, elle a été sauveteuse et enseignante de natation pour les enfants et les bébés.

Elle adore aider les autres, est passionnée par la santé mentale, la neurodiversité et le bonheur et bien-être des humains.

Dans son temps libre, Emilie aime faire des puzzles, promener son chien adoré Habsy. Elle adore cuisiner, faire du vélo et lire.
Elle adore lire des livres qui transmettent un message positif, qui parle de pleine conscience, psychologie positive, et philosophie. Elle adore voyager, découvrir de nouvelles cultures et passer du temps dans la nature.

Emilie est cheffe de projet pour le Centre Francophone de Hamilton depuis 2023, elle est chargée des activités dans les écoles et du Centre de Vie Active pour les aînés. Elle est très heureuse de joindre l’équipe de Telling Tales pour les aider à rendre le Festival plus accueillant et accessible pour la communauté Francophone et c’est un grande honneur pour elle de joindre le comité de sélection.