Meet the Board Members!

Mary Whalen, President

I look to WyoPoets for help and inspiration to develop my interest in writing. Meeting writers from across Wyoming has opened doors to new friendships and perspectives. At this point in time, writing and art are my hobbies. Writing groups, Annual Poetry Workshops, and Conferences allow me to delve into the literary form of poetry. I retired after 40 years of teaching in elementary schools in Cheyenne and find myself promoting the arts and building relationships that encourage people in Wyoming. I participate in community events, art shows, photo contests, poetry events, and classes. As a Wyoming native, I feel right at home sharing my interests in the state's history.

Deb Nelson, Vice President

Deb Nelson is a Casper Native.  She is currently teaching at Kelly Walsh High School.  She is an active member in her theater community and volunteers on the Stage III Community Theater board. She is extremely proud of her 3 grown sons and loves being in her new Gramma era.  She is excited to work with WyoPoets and build connections.

Tom Spence, Secretary

Tom Spence: born in Sheridan, the son of an itinerant chemist. In temporal order, he lived in Laramie, Bolivia, SA, Fort Collins, Laramie again. Two degrees from UWyo, then North Carolina, New York City, New Jersey, and ended up back in Buffalo, Wyoming, after retiring from the New York City subway system. Built and ran Tom’s Main St. Diner in Buffalo. Retired again. Writes poetry, fiction. Married. Has three grown children, three grandchildren. Has served as president of WyoWriters and WyoPoets. Currently the Secretary of WyoPoets.

Christina Kamnikar, Treasurer

Christina Kamnikar has been a Rocky Mountains resident for 45 years, an engineer, an instructor, a social worker, and a poet. She has also traveled as much as she could and looked for poems on all the roads she's been on.

Mandie Hines, Past President

Mandie Hines is an award-winning, bestselling author who explores themes of grief, hope, and healing in her writing. Her poetry collections, Arms Against the Sea (2026) and Origami Stars and Hot Air Moon (2020), offer poignant reflections, while her thriller/horror novel, The Lost Always Take Off Their Shoes (2022), delves into the supernatural.

Beyond her own writing, Mandie is deeply committed to nurturing a thriving literary community. She connects writers and champions artists' voices, having volunteered with WyoPoets since 2019, including serving on the board from 2019-2023 and 2025-present. She also created the Facebook group Cheyenne Writers Community, connecting over 500 writers in and around Cheyenne, WY.