Our Authors

Jennifer O’Connell

Bachelorette #1, Jennifer’s bestselling debut novel, was called a “poolside page turner” by Cosmopolitan and declared “chick-lit at its most fun” by the Denver Post. Dress Rehearsal, Jennifer’s second book, was selected as a “hot book pick” by US Weekly, hailed as a “sassy novel” by LIFE Magazine and dubbed “perfect” by The Boston Herald. Her third book, Off the Record, will be available September 2005, and Plan B, Jennifer’s first teen chick-lit book, will be published by MTV Books in April 2006. Jennifer received her B.A. from Smith College and her M.B.A. from the University of Chicago. She can be contacted via www.jenniferoconnell.com.

Sten Odenwald

Sten Odenwald received his Ph.D. in astronomy from Harvard University in 1982, and has since been employed by the Space Sciences Division of the Naval Research Laboratory (1982-1990), BDM International (1991-1992), the Applied Research Corporation (1993-1996) and most recently Raytheon (1996-2000+), all located in the greater Washington, D.C. area. He has turned his creative energies toward public education, writing for magazines such as Astronomy and Sky and Telescope. He has won a number of awards from NASA, Raytheon and the American Astronomical Society for his education work. He is the author of four books, The Astronomy Cafe (1998), The 23rd Cycle: Learning to Live with a Stormy Star (2000), Patterns in the Void: Why Nothing is Important (2002) and Back to the Astronomy Cafe (2003). His award-winning Web site the Astronomy Cafe (www.astronomycafe.net) is a great place to visit for information on space and astronomy from A to Z. Dr. Odenwald currently works with NASA as Education and Public Outreach Manager for the IMAGE satellite project and is involved with the NASA Office of Space Science’s “Sun-Earth Connection Education Form,” where he develops new NASA resources in solar-terrestrial science education, and works with teachers at national conventions and workshops across the country. He received NASA’s “Excellence in Outreach” award in 1999 from the Goddard Space Flight Center.

Lamar Odom

Lamar Odom is a two-time NBA champion and 13-year veteran. He was a regular cast member on E!’s worldwide sensation Keeping Up with the Kardashians, the highest rated reality show in history. He also starred in the wildly popular spinoff Khloe & Lamar, which documented one of the most covered marriages in recent Hollywood memory.

Books by Lamar Odom

Ashley Oerman

Ashley Oerman is a reporter, writer, and editor with a focus on health, wellness, and lifestyle content at brands like Cosmopolitan, where she was the brand’s lifestyle director. During her nearly five years at Cosmopolitan, Ashley’s work was nominated for a National Magazine Award for personal service. She’s also held editorial positions at Women’s Health magazine and Parents.

Now, as the deputy editor at Wondermind, a mental health-centered media company founded by Selena Gomez and Mandy Teefey, she edits and writes deeply helpful, easy-to-understand mental health content and develops the brand’s editorial strategy. Since 2012, her work has reached millions of eyes across the US and internationally.

Books by Ashley Oerman

Toni Okamoto

Toni Okamoto is the founder of Plant-Based on a Budget, the popular website and meal plan that shows you how to save dough by eating veggies. She’s also the author of the Plant-Based on a Budget Cookbook, and the co-host of The Plant-Powered People Podcast. Okamoto’s work has been profiled by NPR, NBC News, Parade Magazine, and she’s a regular presence on local and national morning shows across the country, where she teaches viewers how to break their meat habit without breaking their budget. She was also featured in the popular documentary What the Health. When she’s not cooking up a plant-based storm, she’s spending time with her husband and their rescued dog in Sacramento, CA.

Ryan Scott Oliver

Ryan Scott Oliver is a Kleban Prize, Rodgers, and Larson Award-winning composer and lyricist. He was called “the future of Broadway . . . a major new voice in musical theatre” (Entertainment Weekly) and is “shaking up musical theater with his dark, twisted and genius work . . . [Oliver] could very well be musical theater’s answer to an auteur filmmaker or a gothic novelist” (Huffington Post). He wrote the music and lyrics for Jasper in Deadland35mm: A Musical ExhibitionTomorrow, the Island DiesDarlingMrs. SharpWe Foxes; and more. He is also the winner of New Musicals Awards from Weston Playhouse, Pace University, the recipient of numerous fellowships, residencies, and ASCAP awards, and commissions from Disney Theatricals, Universal Theatricals, Broadway Across America, and more. Find writings, videos, tweets, and more of his morbidly optimistic musings @RyanScottOliver on all platforms.

Andrea Olson

Andrea Olson is a strategist, speaker, author, and customer-centricity expert. As the CEO at Pragmadik, she helps organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to Fortune 500, and has served as an outside consultant for EY and McKinsey. Andrea is the author of The Customer Mission: Why it’s time to cut the sh*t and get back to the business of understanding and No Disruptions: The future for mid-market manufacturing. She is a 4-time ADDY® award winner and host of the popular Customer Mission podcast. Andrea is also a contributing author for Entrepreneur Magazine, The Financial Brand, Chief Executive Magazine, and Customer Experience Magazine.

A sought-after keynote speaker at conferences and corporate events, Andrea is a visiting lecturer at the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business and head of their Startup Business Incubator (JPEC Founders Club), a TEDx presenter, and a TEDx speaker coach. She is also a mentor at the University of Iowa Venture School. Andrea lives with her husband in Davenport, Iowa. More information about Andrea can be found at thecustomermission.com.

Books by Andrea Olson

Bella Olson

Bella Olson is the 11-year-old founder of Avocado Awesomeness, a YouTube channel dedicated to all things fun, creative, and just a little bit extra. Bella is a SLAY Brazilian-American fluent in both Portuguese and English. A musical theater enthusiast, she has brought characters to life in The Lion KingDescendantsMatilda, and many more—and she can perform the Hamilton soundtrack start to finish without missing a beat

Books by Bella Olson

Nate Ortiz

Overcoming a tough past of homelessness and struggles, Nate Ortiz turned his life around and is now a renowned writer, celebrity life and health coach, and social media influencer. Known as the lifestyle coach for those ready for change, Nate uses his past experiences and reengineered mindset to help people create their dream life. Growing up in a turbulent family with addiction and incarceration, Nate faced numerous hardships, but learned the power of exercise and positive communication when his stepfather returned from jail transformed and inspired him to shift his life.

Turning pain into power, Nate became a motivator and an influencer. Today, with a bachelor of science in movement science, and certifications in nutrition, personal training, holistic lifestyle, and integrative health coaching, he’s made a name for himself. As a speaker, he captivates audiences with his inspiring journey, from school groups to TV audiences. Influencing lives across various platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and his podcast, Nate is a beacon of inspiration. By sharing his story and expertise, he not only lives his dream life but empowers others to reach their goals, too.

Books by Nate Ortiz