OUR TEAM
Vana Nespor, EdD, MFA, MS, MA, MEd
Partner, Editor, Author
Vana Nespor has a passion for learning, creating, and empowering others. As an academic leader at Bay Path University, she created innovative degree programs between 1999 and 2017 helping thousands of students complete their college degree. As she was preparing to retire, Vana took a publishing internship with Bellastoria Press and fell in love with its Partners, Linda Cardillo and Ann DeFee and their process of bringing great historic fiction to bookshelves everywhere.
As soon as she retired, Vana joined Bellastoria as a partner and had an exciting five years editing, nurturing talent, and launching novels. When the partnership ended with the sad passing of Ann, Vana looked for something that would make a difference. Concerned about the number of projects that were languishing because larger publishers didn’t think they would sell enough copies, she decided to create a unique small publishing company that focused on a select group of first time authors helping them publish high quality products. Thus, Park Edge Creative, LLC was launched with her dear friend and colleague Haabiba Rothenberg-Whitney.
Vana adores this exciting new venture, as well as her forever home in Springfield, MA, her amazing husband Al, and her two very fluffy cats.
Haabiba Rothenberg-Whitney
Partner, Editor, Author/Illustrator, Speaker
Haabiba Rothenberg-Whitney creates warm and caring connections between young and old, neurotypical and neurodiverse, and the shy and outgoing. She often sees herself in her young students, especially the ones who sometimes struggle with big feelings. That inspired her to write stories that incorporate self-care strategies for children (and their parents and caregivers).
With a Bachelor's degree in Human Services and over 30 years of experience working with children and families, she's committed to making a difference in the lives of others. Her professional journey includes teaching English Language Arts, and a decade with the Boys & Girls Clubs Movement, where she thrived as a Director of Membership and Marketing at a local Club, and later as an Implementation Specialist for the National Organization, BGCA.
Even though she is a busy educator, speaker, artist, writer, and technology professional, she remains passionate about her faith, service to others, and her beautiful, diverse family.
Associates
Natalie Fielding
Contributing Artist, Photographer
Natalie Fielding started telling stories through photography when the first camera landed in her hands at 8 years old. Documenting every social, athletic, and family event, she instinctively looked for that moment when an expression told a powerful story. She spent summers capturing the light on the creek behind her Arkansas home. Her pictures brought tears, laughter, and joy. She was hooked.
Earning her bachelor’s degree in theater heightened her sense of set and light and the impact they have on audiences. Yet, it was her year at the Chicago School of Photography that honed her skills.
Currently, living in Springfield, MA, she is raising four adorable small boys, running her photography business, and teaching.
Park Edge Creative LLC is a selective Hybrid Press
We accept a small number of projects each year based on their quality, how well they fit our mission, and our capacity.