.Jerry Troxel and his wife Pamela live in Noblesville, retired after long careers in IT at AT&T. Jerry sings in the Circle City Sound
Barbershop Chorus and the choir at his church. This is Jerry’s
first storyteller event and is proud to support his daughter, Jess
Heck, who will also be telling one her stories today.

Rosaleen Crowley, Irish-born poet and educator, holds degrees in English and Psychology. She owns Roscro and Co, leads writing groups, and has authored six poetry books. Passionate about
community and place, she presents workshops, reads nationally, and strives to inspire through poetry, storytelling, and lifelong
learning.

Leondra is an educator, published researcher, activist for student rights, storyteller, and a dabbler in most things creative. She currently serves on the board of Storytelling Arts of Indiana. She was raised in Indianapolis but is an avid globetrotter. Her love of travel has taken her across six of the seven continents. As soon as she can conquer her disdain for cold weather, she will round out the seventh and make it to Antarctica.

Jessica is a wife, mother of four, and an avid traveller. She recently quit her teaching job and embarked on a nine-monthtrip around the world with her family. Fifteen countries and no regrets later, she started telling stories as a way to process her experiences abroad and transition back to normal life. She’sbeen a regular at VoiceBox since August and is thrilled to be part of LTYM, her second live storytelling collaboration.

Tracey Middlebrooks Wynn studied Speech & Theatre atTennessee State University. Now living in Indianapolis with her husband of 41 years, Andre, she’s a proudmother of four. Her acting background led her to co-develop Soulful Journeys of Women, celebrating historical women of color. Storytelling is her passion, fueled by family, friends, and audience connection.

Neeta is thrilled to share her own story at Listen to Your Mother2025. She’s a mother, primary care doc, and educator who is grateful for all of the women in her life who have supported her as a mother – most importantly her own mom, Rajani.

A later middle-aged man married to the love of his life, he enjoys cooking, writing, and dressing up for renaissance faires. From play testing D&D in college to living openly gay in West Virginia, he’s still here—author of A Quilt Is Meant to Keep You Warm and the blog My Life in BadFood. Now in Indianapolis with his husband and three furry kids.

 Melissa is a vocal coach and special education instructionalassistant in Avon, Indiana. With over 20 years in musiceducation, she teaches voice, works with students with disabilities, and performs with the Indianapolis OperaChorus. A mother of three, Melissa finds joy in family, music,and creating meaningful connections through educationand the arts.

Rev. Sheila P. Spencer is an award-winning educator, spiritual director, published author, and spoken wordpoet passionate about healing and inspiration. Her latest journal, Affirmations In Bloom, nurtures self-care andgrowth. Explore her Custom Made Inspirations—books, journals, and more at www.sheilapspencer.com/shop-1-1-1.

 Maureen Brustkern, PhD became a poet after retiring from a career as an early educator and a professor of early childhood education in the United States and the Middle East. She recently retired to Indiana to be near her grandchildren and pursues poetry through local and national groups and
classes. Her poems have been published in the Last Stanza Poetry Journal,
Carmel Creative Writers’ Anthology, Poetry Society of Indiana Father
Poems, Gals Guide Anthology, All Your Poems, Thursday Poems, Polk
Street Review and Highland Park Poetry.