
A Message from Our Founder
How many times have you heard students talk about how difficult or boring their job of learning is? As a teacher, I heard these sentiments more than I wanted. I believed that creating a complete creative package of music, art, storytelling, marketing teamwork, and writing for any subject might help students develop a positive mindset. It's hard to believe that 14 years have passed since I became determined to not sit on the sidelines. Our children need to be excited to learn and excited to share their voice. After directing INKspire Creative Camps for 10 summers, we became a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit known as Why We Write. We write because we are in love with life and learning. We are now involved with students during the summer as campers and through workshops during the school year. I could not do this work without support staff who are featured below. Our Board button takes you to read the stories of the Best Board Ever.
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She has a dream...

Dr. Jacqueline Hamilton, Ed.D., is better known to students as Mizz JJ. Her mission focuses on helping students find happiness in listening and creating.
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After graduation from Miami of Ohio, Mizz JJ worked as a journalist in South Carolina and won several state press awards. She wrote a non-fiction short story "The Christmas Chair" that was published in the holiday literary anthology Kentucky's 12 Days of Christmas. Her doctorate research involved effective listening practices.
Her work experiences include: Creative Writing and Dramatic Expression for the Governor's Scholars Program; two Chautauqua characters for Kentucky Humanities Council; and 15 years in the English Department at Eastern Kentucky University.
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Contact her at jacqueline@whywrite.org or (859)935-5153.
Teachers share the dream...
We love the work we do to build creative minds and happy hearts. From left, Angela Schanding, Jenny Strickland, Jacqueline “Mizz JJ” Hamilton, and Jennifer Taylor. Not pictured Alicia Katterheinrich.

Interns share the dream...

Former INKspire campers and newbies to our creative summer camps enjoy working with us during the summer. What great experiences we have shared through the years. During a recent INKspire reunion, we snapped a group photo of these incredibly fun and creative folks. From left, Audrey Kohler; Heiraelle Osborne; Naomi Schanding; Sam Bratten; Skylynn Burnam; Andrew Taylor; and Nathan Taylor. Not pictured: Amy Wright; Meghan Wells; Julia King; Michael Wright; Tirzah Schanding Overbee; Laurie Fogleman; Michael Wolfe; and Josiah Taylor
Tech & design support shares the dream...

Bradley Chem works as a color scientist in Ohio, but once upon a time Mizz JJ was his literature professor at Eastern Kentucky University. Bradley gave countless hours to build the website, design our iconic pencil logo, and finish countless other projects, including fantastic videos. He continues to serve around his professional life.
Naomi Schanding was an INKspire camper for many years, and finished a summer-long internship with Why We Write in 2026. A senior in art (major) and creative writing (major) at Asbury University, Naomi has taught painting at the camps and worked on publications, such as our new Story Report and our workshop handbooks.

