Our Development Team
Michael Nelson (Founder)
After graduating from the University of Mississippi, Michael worked for IBM for eight years and then went on to a career in technology leasing and banking. Since retiring, he has written two books: Good Choices Good Life and Living by Choice. These books were intended to help readers think about the importance of the choices they make. The Good Choice Library is an effort to move that message online and make it accessible to more people. Michael and his wife, Betty, have two grown children, both with MBA’s and very successful in their own right, and three up-and-coming grandchildren who seem to be making some good choices of their own.
Chris Pepple (Planning, Writing and Editing)
Chris is a mother, author, and editor. As a published author, her works include Looking, Seeing (2018), Without a Voice (2017), Two Frontiers (2016), Writing Your Faith Journey (2016), and Look to See Me: A Collection of Reflections (2006). Chris has a BA in English from the University of Memphis and a Master of Divinity from Emory University. She speaks to diverse groups on a variety of topics including how to find your own creative voice, and to churches and nonprofit organizations on a variety of motivational and spiritual topics.
Jane Schneider (Writing and Topic Development)
For 17 years, Jane was editor of the popular monthly parenting magazine Memphis Parent. She is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 25 years of media and communications experience. Her work has appeared in a number of national online, print and broadcast outlets. She writes on parenting issues, the environment, and is a regular contributor to Memphis magazine. She holds a Master’s degree in journalism from the University of Memphis where she has also served as an adjunct instructor.
John Riddle (Writing and Technology Topic Development)
John has authored a number of books including his successful Careers with Character series. He is the Founder of I Love To Write Day, a grassroots campaign he launched in 2002 to have people of all ages practice writing every November 15. Over 20,000 schools all across the United States have held special I Love To Write Day events and activities. John is a frequent speaker at both Christian and secular conferences, and recently appeared at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
Jacqueline Jones (Graphics, Editing and Helpful Suggestions)
Jackie is the youngest member of our development team. She is a graduate of Chicago's Whitney Young Magnet High School. There she participated in Future Business Leaders of America, the National Honors Society, Habitat for Humanity, and iD Tech’s STEM Camp. She is currently an honors student at the Baptist College of Health Sciences. She brings a young person’s perspective to her role of reviewing and editing our lessons. Her plans (“choices”) for the future include completing her Masters degree and starting a nonprofit transition housing project for those in need.