Dan Bar-el is a celebrated Canadian author whose work spans picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade fiction. His award-nominated book Audrey (Cow) was a finalist for the Governor General’s Award in 2015, and his other popular titles include Things Are Looking Up, Jack, Alphabetter, and Such a Prince. Before becoming a full-time children’s writer, Dan trained in theatre at Ryerson Theatre School and worked as an actor, comedian, and poet. He later became a licensed Early Childhood Educator and spent years creating storytelling and media projects with children—an experience that continues to shape his writing today. Dan now tours schools across Canada as both an author and a storyteller, engaging young audiences with humor, imagination, and heart. With his rich background in performance, education, and literature, he brings a unique and inspiring perspective as a judge.

Gregory Brown is a passionate creative writing instructor and accomplished writer with years of experience mentoring young storytellers across North America. He has taught at the University of Virginia’s Young Writers Workshop, the Doris Henderson Newcomers School, and the University of North Carolina – Greensboro, where he earned his MFA in Creative Writing. Greg’s work has been published in Postscript, Paragon, Lenses: Perspectives on Literature, and Tate Street, where he also serves as contributing book reviews editor. He frequently appears on the In the Margins literary podcast and remains active in the arts community as a coordinator for the Vancouver Island Short Film Festival and a consultant for CCS in New Westminster. Greg is dedicated to helping young writers find their voice and embrace the creative risks that lead to authentic storytelling.

K.A. Wiggins is a Vancouver-based author of young adult and speculative fiction whose work has earned international acclaim, including a feature in Barnes & Noble Press's 20 Favorite Indie Books of 2018. A UBC graduate, she honed her craft through editorial and children’s publishing workshops with Tradewinds Books before launching a successful career in marketing and strategy. Since returning to fiction, Kaie has published multiple acclaimed works, including Blind the Eyes and Letter From the End of the World, and has presented internationally, including at Mumbai’s Orchids Children’s Literature Fest. She is a registered speaker and executive committee member of the Children’s Writers and Illustrators of British Columbia Society, where she champions the next generation of storytellers. Beyond writing, Kaie co-leads the Creative Collective marketing un-agency, collaborates with Integrity Leadership, and performs with local bands—bringing creativity to everything she does.

Known to students as “Mr. Wiz,” Lee Edward Födi is a celebrated author, illustrator, and creative writing mentor with a passion for unlocking children’s imaginations. He is the author of acclaimed middle-grade books including Spell Sweeper, The Secret of Zoone, and the Chronicles of Kendra Kandlestar series, and has illustrated several bestselling picture books such as The Chocolatier’s Apprentice. As a co-founder of CWC and executive board member of CWILL BC, Lee has taught creative programs across Canada, the U.S., Korea, China, and Thailand. A frequent speaker at literacy and education conferences, he’s committed to fostering storytelling skills in young creators. Lee holds degrees in English Literature and Fine Arts and has served on the peer assessment committee for Canada’s Governor General’s Literary Awards. Based in North Vancouver, he continues to inspire children through books, art, and storytelling adventures around the world.

Stacey Matson is a celebrated children’s author known for her engaging and humorous novels, including the Total Genius trilogy and Finding Cooper (Scholastic Canada). Originally from Calgary, she holds a BFA in Theatre from the University of Calgary and an MA in Children’s Literature from UBC—where her thesis became her debut novel. Before publishing, Stacey worked in museum education and led national outreach programs on Parliament Hill. She’s also an experienced presenter, having led tours at the Vancouver Aquarium and participated in TD Children’s Book Week and Writer's Trust Berton House residency in Yukon. Now based in Vancouver, Stacey actively mentors youth through the Writers’ Exchange and continues to inspire young readers through school visits, residencies, and storytelling.