Our Team
Janet McHenry
RPU Writing
Joy Wendling
RPU Community
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Managing Editor
Angela Driskell
Website
Our Ambassadors
Christina Custodio
BJ Garrett
Becky Antkowiak
Christina England
Liz Holtzman
Vicky Wedel
Debbie Ashley
Gayle T. Taylor
Team Bios
Athena Dean Holtz
Something unique about yourself: I love Vizlas (Hungarian Pointers), Mini-Coopers (cute little cars) and the mountain when she's out and the sun is shining! (Mt Rainier)
What does God's redemption mean to you? The truth that He redeems everything in my life, no matter how messy, painful, or how bad my decision was, He rescues, redeems, and restores us. He gave His best (Jesus) to wipe out our worst.
Favorite Bible verse: Romans 8:28 – "And we know that in ALL THINGS God works for the good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes."
I have been the recipient of this truth in some really hard things. He continues to be faithful to work for the good and for His glory!
What do you enjoy about your job?: Helping authors polish the story God has allowed them to live and see it take wings, opening doors for the author and providing comfort and redemption for the readers.
Ross Holtz
Something unique about yourself? When you look up the word average on Wikipedia, you will see my picture. There is not much that is unique about me, well, maybe that I am more comfortable while I’m preaching than anywhere else. I can remember things better, I think more clearly, and I am most relaxed while on stage. I’m often told how people are scared to death to speak in public; hmmm, that’s when I feel most alive.
What does God’s redemption mean to you? Redeemed, bought out of slavery to sin, forgiven of all my offenses against God, and ‘adopted’ into His family.
What is your favorite Bible verse? Philippians 1:6 “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (NIV).
What do you enjoy about your job? I particularly like doing cooperative rewrites. I enjoy getting to know authors while working with them to get their manuscript ready for publication. Writers are people who use their mind and heart attempting to put on paper something helpful, or entertaining, for the reader. I especially appreciate working with Christian authors as they attempt to convey to others a message God has given to them.
Carol Tetzlaff
Something unique about yourself: I received a full scholarship for college by playing the piano for a singing group that traveled the U.S. and promoted the school. I also have gone to the same church for my entire life.
What does God's redemption mean to you? Grateful! Oh, how I love Him! God didn’t just bring redemption through Jesus so that bad people could become good, but so that dead people could become alive! And the life He has offered to me brings me to the place where I do all things for His glory alone so that the world can see Jesus through me.
Favorite Bible verse: Jeremiah 9:23-24 Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not he mighty man boast in his might, let no the rich man boast in his riches but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, says the Lord.
What do you enjoy about your job?: I love working with authors - coaching and training, hearing their passions and dreams, and partnering with them to see their message reach the world. I also love traveling and meeting authors all over the United States.
Kelley Tetzlaff
Something unique about yourself: The best and most important, I am a Jesus follower! Second, I am blessed to be married to "Yellow girl"! Third, blessed with 4 great kids and 11 grandkids, 9 of which live within 10 minutes of our house. Funny story however is that I have 2 middle names, after my two grandfathers "Richard" and "John". I was supposed to be named "Richard John Tetzlaff", but a short time before I was born... or so the story goes... my mom watched Alfred Hitchcock movie where the villain (a mentally deranged and a killer) was named Kelley! So that is my namesake and why I have two middle names.
What does God's redemption mean to you? That He is an amazing and merciful God that he would even pay attention to me, yet alone send His only Son to die for my sins. I look forward to spending eternity in His house!
Favorite Bible verse: Oh , so many! If I have to pick, I would choose the whole of the Old Testament!
What do you enjoy about your job?: I am invoking the 5th Amendment since I work for my wife at RP! But I love talking to authors on how to be "successful" in their business side of being an author and encouraging and motivating them to go on and do bigger and better things with their message and calling.
Shelly Brown
Something unique about yourself: Fall is my favorite season, and I love rainy and dreary days, especially thunderstorms. The only thing better than a rainy and dreary day is a COLD, rainy and dreary day. My favorite outfit to wear is jeans, boots, a sweater and a scarf. And … with God’s sense of humor, years ago, He transplanted me to the sunshine state: Orlando, Florida.
What does God's redemption mean to you? To me, His redemption is a “divine exchange” of life for death, freedom for bondage, beauty for ashes, oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. (re: Isaiah 61:1-3)
Favorite Bible verse: THIS is a difficult one! How in the world do I pick just one? Now that I can officially get a “senior” discount at most restaurants, and each day I realize more and more how desperately I need Him, Isaiah 46:3-4 brings great encouragement and comfort to me. Listen to Me … You whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will deliver you.
What do you enjoy about your job?: Helping our authors expand their reach and get their book(s) out to the world gives me the greatest of joys!
Jennifer Fedler
Something unique about yourself: I'm a 2-time award-winning cupcake baker who loves to travel with my family. We love to camp in our 5th wheel, go on cruises, travel by plane and by car...we're up for it all! I worked in the Christian film industry for 15 years before coming to Redemption Press.
What does God's redemption mean to you? God's redemption invites me to live a life of freedom in Christ, with an understanding of my dependence on Him, which fuels my desire for sanctification.
Favorite Bible verse: "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2-4 (NKJV)
What do you enjoy about your job? I am incredibly blessed to work with a team that is passionate about their work, each other, and Jesus. Every day presents new opportunities for growth and learning thanks to working with authors who have unique projects. Being able to use my strengths and skills in this environment is so rewarding! My favorite thing to do as a Project Manager is send authors a proof copy of their book because it represents the journey we've been on together and it's so fun to celebrate the milestone with them!
Mari Gonzales
Something unique about yourself: I love to sing! My husband and I lead a worship team along with two of our closest friends. We get to travel a bit and lead worship for events year-round and put on youth camps!
What does God's redemption mean to you? Wow, what a big question. The word that comes to mind is freedom. Jesus' act of redemption through his sacrifice on the cross has saved me from a life of bondage, and into His arms. His arms are where true freedom is found!
Favorite Bible verse: Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing."
What do you enjoy about your job? I love the flexibility that this job provides and the gracious, lovely team of individuals and authors I get to work with every day! I have told people this job is an answer to a prayer that I never knew I needed, but one that God gifted.
Tracy Wren
Something unique about yourself: I love to box! I competed at a Karate tournament in NYC and won first place. Shortly after, my spine was completely reconstructed at the age of 13 due to a severe case of scoliosis. I had to re-learn how to sit, stand, walk, and box all over again.
What does God's redemption mean to you? That I am FREE. I am no longer a slave to sin.
Favorite Bible verse: John 14:16 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me
What do you enjoy about your job?: I love knowing that the content we produce positively impacts readers' lives by sharing messages of faith. Every day, I feel a sense of purpose knowing that my work contributes to a greater mission of sharing God's Word and inspiring others on their faith and Jesus journey.
Sara Cormany
Something unique about yourself: I've lived with chronic illness for 20+ years.
What does God's redemption mean to you? He takes all that might threaten to defeat us and uses it for the sake of eternity. We may see that redemption here on earth or we may see it on the other side of heaven. But we can trust He is always about the task of working things for our good.
Favorite Verse: II Corinthians 12:9 - But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
What do you enjoy about your job? I have always loved equipping others with what they need to tell their stories well. My role at Redemption has met that love and then some.
Micah Juntunen
Something unique about yourself: I am an avid mountain biker and spend a lot of time talking to God while I am biking through His cool forests and mountains.
What does God's redemption mean to you? He came to rescue me from my slavery to sin by paying the cost for me to back in a relationship with God which heals me and teaches me to live His way.
Favorite Bible verse: For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— Eph 1:4-5
What do you enjoy about your job?: I really love helping authors with their marketing services and encouraging them just before their book is coming out. I remember how scary of a time that was for me and I needed some encouragement, so I love providing that.
Heather Rider
Something unique about yourself: We are an Air Force family. When we moved into our current house, it was our 10th house in 13 years. We’ve now lived here for over 14 years. My husband and I have had the opportunity to lead worship together in a variety of places alongside some amazing musicians for over 30 years. Now we have the blessing of watching all three of our kids be involved in worship ministry, too.
What does God's redemption mean to you? The idea that a loving God, who knows all the pieces of me, would make the ultimate sacrifice for me and desire relationship with me is something that I'm not sure I can ever wrap my brain around. But He did. And He does. And I am forever thankful.
Favorite Bible verse: Hebrews 12:1–2 (CSB): Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
What do you enjoy about your job?: I LOVE meeting and talking with our authors! And it brings me incredible joy to have the privilege to serve and walk alongside each of them. My favorite words to hear are, “That makes so much more sense now!”
Sandi Cook
Something unique about yourself: I am an advocate for children’s rights and happiness. I love my family, gardening, organizing and reading.
What does God's redemption mean to you? God’s redemption is overwhelming. That He would give His son, that Jesus would give His life for me is hard to comprehend and the magnitude of that gift is immense.
Favorite Bible verse: My favorite Bible verse varies (there are so many). Right now, it is Psalm 63:7-8 – In the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me.
What do you enjoy about your job?: I love accounting; the checks and balances, the structure. It is a passion. Since reading is also a passion of mine, combining accounting with publishing is a joy to be a part of. Getting a glimpse of our authors seeing their dream come true and getting their message out to others is truly an honor to watch.
Debbie Bruner
Something unique about yourself: I play the flute and have a turtle that is over 30 years old. I enjoy the beach, gardening and all kinds of music. I love hanging out with my family and going on adventures exploring new places.
What does God's redemption mean to you? God is everything! Without him I would be nothing.
Favorite Bible verse: Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
What do you enjoy about your job?: I enjoy being part of an awesome team that puts God first in everything that we do. I love sharing our authors and all of their redemption stories with our bookstore customers and our community.
Shelley Picard
Something unique about yourself: Hmm – unique about myself? Recently, a young man (and new father) sent me a note of thanks for a baby gift. At the close of his note, he wrote, ‘and I love how you see people’. When I think of it – he’s right. I do. It’s a gift from God . . . When I greet someone, I look them in the eye – take a moment and invest myself in them. No matter what the age . . . or life situation. . .or status or anything. In that moment – with that person, I have joy because I see them.
What does God's redemption mean to you? Well, despite my stupidity and my stubbornness and my failures at living life . . . I know I always have hope. I always have love. I can wake up each day, take a deep breath and have assurance that when I fall down (and I know I will), my Father is ready to get me up, brush me off and encourage me on.
Favorite Bible verse: Right now it’s Matthew 7: 13-14 "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destructions, and those who enter it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."
What do you enjoy about your job?: Job and enjoy aren’t 2 words that most people use together. It’s easy to affirm that statement, in what I am doing here at Redemption Press. Best job ever – I get to encourage – affirm – build up – inform – pray – give testimony – and get paid for it. It doesn’t get much better than that. Thank you Jesus!