FOUNDER

award-winning professor, writer, editor, counselor, publisher, podcaster, speaker, graphic designer, photographer, & founder of The Way Back to Ourselves

Kimberly Phinney has been published in Christianity Today, Ekstasis, Fathom, Humana Obscura, The Dewdrop, and more. In 2024, she became a Pushcart Prize nominated poet with “Exalted Ground” from The Dewdrop Literary Journal. Her poem “An Ode to Hard, Dark Nights” also won the Audience Choice Award in the Bright Wings Poetry Contest with Ekstasis Magazine in 2024. In 2023, her small poetry collection, “Of Wings and Dirt” won runner-up in Fathom Magazine’s poetry contest.

A doctoral candidate in Community Care and Counseling, Kimberly holds a B.S. in English Education, an M.Ed. in English, and studied at Goddard’s Creative Writing MFA program. Kimberly would love to come beside you as your creative counselor, assisting your as you accomplish your writerly goals or as a trustworthy guide and Christian counselor as you take your next steps toward healing.

Kimberly was featured on Good Morning America for a national educator award and teaching her students through critical illness in 2023. Her debut poetry collection, Of Wings and Dirt, debuted as number one in Christian Poetry on the Amazon Charts in 2024. Her second collection, Exalted Ground: Poems of Praise and Lament for the Living, debuted as a bestseller in April 2025. She is at work on her next big project, a nonfiction book on her life’s work. She’s glad you’re here.

NONFICTION CONSULTANT

traditionally published author, podcast host, writer, editor, slow-living advocate, & consultant

Jodi H. Grubbs is the author of Live Slowly: A Gentle Invitation to Exhale, with IV Press and the host of Our Island in the City Podcast. In her free time, Jodi loves to write blessings and benedictions as well as deep dive into formational soul care work. She is an avid reader, always with a cup of coffee nearby. It's Jodi's honor as a slow-living guide, to come alongside those who are longing for a more sustainable pace. She enjoys accompanying others on their own writing and publishing journey, offering her lived experience from within the non-fiction writing world. Jodi lives outside of Raleigh, NC.

SENIOR EDITOR AND CONSULTANT

editor, poetry, & publishing consultant

Sarah Steele is a spoken word performer, poetry mentor, and senior editor for The Way Back to Ourselves. She has successfully published three poetry books—including An Ocean Without, an Amazon bestseller—and has sold thousands of copies, both online and through her vibrant local community. With a gift for turning emotion into art and art into connection, Sarah knows what it takes to shape a manuscript into a meaningful, cohesive book—and to share it in a way that resonates.

Sarah now works with writers as they develop their own poetry collections, offering thoughtful guidance on everything from concept to structure to the fine details that make a book shine. She cares deeply about the integrity of others’ work and brings a sharp editorial eye and a deep well of encouragement to every project she takes on.

When she’s not editing, writing, or performing, Sarah teaches students of all ages—including her four spirited redheads, who make sure her life in Michigan is full of noise, questions, and wonder. You can learn more or subscribe to her newsletter at bysarahsteele.com. If you’re working on a poetry book of your own, she would love to walk alongside you.

PODCAST CONSULTANT, EDITOR, AND PRODUCER

podcaster, poet, and publisher

Edward Holmes is a writer on a mission to spread hope into hearts through the written (and often spoken) word. He is an avid podcaster, as host and producer of Life Lines Positive Poetry and The Way Back’s Poetry Corner. He is also co-producer of The Way Back Podcast. Edward wants to help you develop or produce your own podcast, so reach out today!

In addition, Edward has written children's books, devotionals, and poetry collections. His writing is hopeful, humorous, and honest—all fueled by black coffee and dark chocolate.

Edward has an affinity with practical theology and biblical apologetics, previously serving as an evangelist and youth minister for seven years in Missouri. He currently resides in Illinois with his wife and kids, living every day with three reasons to keep hope alive.

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

spiritual director, speaker, and writer

Matt is a writer, spiritual director, and former missionary in Rwanda with his doctorate in Transformational Leadership, and he would love to come beside you to assist you in your spiritual growth, healing, and formation.

Matt has been published in Good Words for the Young: A Children’s Devotional, which is centered around the writings of George MacDonald. He is working on his first book, The Joy of Disruption, which will be published in 2025. Matt spent almost 30 years as a pastor and church planting trainer and recently founded Kardia Community, which provides soul care and spiritual formation for people. Matt has written for Church Planter Magazine and is a current ambassador and writer for Ekstasis Magazine. Matt lives with his wife Jeana and their daughter in San Diego and enjoys reading, traveling, and getting out to nature as much as he can living in the city.

EDITING AND NONFICTION BOOK PROPOSAL CONSULTANT

writer, poet, editor, speaker, podcaster, educator

Deidre Braley is a freelance writer and editor, specializing in nonfiction book proposals, and she would love to help you write yours, find a literary agent, and get published, as she has for so many.

Deidre lives in Maine with her husband, Ethan, and their children, Theodore, Vivian, and Alden. She is author of The Second Cup, a weekly blog on Substack that encourages women to blow past the small talk and get to the good stuff. Deidre serves as the Editorial Content Director at The Truly Co., and has been published in their publication, along with The Joyful Life Magazine, Aletheia Today, The Way Back to Ourselves, and others. Her debut chapbook, The Shape I Take, is out now with Bottlecap Press.