Derrick Gantt, author and publisher, is changing the face of children’s literature.  A native Philadelphian, Gantt launched SONGHAI PRESS CORPORATION.  In less than ten years, his “baby project” has grown into a corporate powerhouse – attracting the attention of learning institutions and a growing list of sponsors.  Currently, thousands of children and families are enjoying his publications such as, “Hey Pop-Pop!” “Eboni and the Dinosaur” and “The Storyteller” Books I & II.  Since 1996, the School District of Philadelphia has purchased a copy of Gantt’s publication, “My First Week of School” for each family with children entering kindergarten in the district.  In addition to Gantt’s publications, he has developed literacy and writing programs for children and families such as “Raising Readers” a workshop designed to help parents make literacy a centerpiece in the home, and “ The Young Publisher’s Program” to help children write, edit, illustrate and publish books.

Jim Borling (M M, MT-BC, FAMI), Professor of Music, Director of Music Therapy at Radford University,  Board Certified Music Therapist and a Fellow of the Association for Music and Imagery. He received his Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana and his Master of Music degree in Music Therapy from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida.  Currently, Jim provides music therapy services for 'Avenues to Recovery', an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for both adults and adolescents recovering from addictions. His professional involvement with the field of music therapy includes positions within the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) as well as extensive work with the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). Along with his wife Nannette, Jim is co-founder of MusicVisions, LLC, where he maintains a clinical private practice in his hometown of Roanoke, Virginia. Through MusicVisions, Jim specializes in the use of Music Evoked Imagery (MEl) as an approach to depth work in the field of Music Therapy. Jim's work with Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) has taken him to Germany, Mexico, and Korea as a visiting professor and trainer in the method.

Dr. Joseph B. Modica is the University Chaplain and Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at Eastern University in St. Davids, PA (www.eastern.edu), where he has served since 1993.  Dr. Modica earned the B.A., Queens College, City University of New York (Psychology); M.Div., Alliance Theological Seminary, Nyack, NY; M.Phil., and Ph.D., Drew University, Madison, New Jersey (New Testament and Early Christianity). He is ordained with the Christian and Missionary Alliance and pastored the Queens Center Alliance Church (Queens, NY) from 1986-1988. Joseph and his wife Marianne have four children: Benjamin (22), Meredith (20), Matthew (15) and Christopher (12). Marianne is an Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education at Valley ForgeChristian College in Phoenixville, PA, where the family resides. Dr. Modica edited a volume of essays honoring Dr. Tony Campolo’s 65^th birthday entitled: The Gospel With Extra Salt: Friends of Tony Campolo Celebrate His Passions for Ministry (Judson Press, 2000). He has also recently co-edited a book of essays with Dr. Scot McKnight from North Park University, entitled Who Do My Opponents Say That I Am? Accusations Against the Historical Jesus, which is to be published by T & T Clark/Continuum in March 2008.