About

Inspiring Creativity Across the Blue Ridge Mountains
We are a collaborative, inclusive nonprofit dedicated to empowering writers of all skill levels through education, accountability, and authentic expression. By offering retreats, conferences, contests, youth outreach, administrative writing services, and goal tracking; we advance literacy, build community, foster economic development, and honor the history in Buena Vista, Lexington, Rockbridge County, and surrounding areas. Together, we build momentum for writers to learn their craft, flourish creatively, publish their work, and connect through the power of words.
Empowering Writers Across the Blue Ridge Mountains
Meet the passionate individuals dedicated to nurturing creativity and community.

Ian Haver
President president@wordbridgecollective.org
An English and writing professor at Southern Virginia University, Ian is passionate about poetry.

Mary Jolley
Vice President
vicepresident@wordbridgecollective.org
An English and writing professor at Southern Virginia University, Mary is a multi-talented writer currently finishing a self-published middle-grade trilogy.

Jen Carpenter
Member of the Board
jen@wordbridgecollective.org
Jen is a movement maker and all-around powerhouse at getting things done. A self-published author and bookstore owner, Jen loves all things rom-com.

Miranda Johnson
Treasurer
treasurer@wordbridgecollective.org
Miranda is a recent college graduate and aspiring therapist who finds joy in creating worlds and characters through text.