Our Team
Meet the awesome crew behind the scenes here at Cardinal Rule Press. We pride ourselves on having a diverse team of exceptional talent from all across the world.
Founder, Publisher & Author
Maria Dismondy
Maria uses her experiences as an award-winning author for over a decade to work with writers on getting their messages into the world. She takes pride in mentoring CRP authors & offering a customized marketing campaign that the CRP team coordinates and implements.
Adam Blackman
Acquisitions Editor
Adam has worked in nonprofit management for over 15 years. As a writer, educator, and father, he loves picture books of all stripes (and spots) and is eager to find stories that will help children grow into kind, empathetic adults.
Abelart Saquilayan
Administrative Assistant
As an Administrative Assistant at CRP, Art helps out in various tasks such as email and schedule management, analytics, data entry and blog implementation.
Allison Foley
Web Developer
Allison has been designing & developing websites for Maria since 2011. She loves collaborating with heartfelt brands, and one of her greatest joys is helping entrepreneurs get their innovative products out into the world.
Andrea Gronkowski
Analyst
Bringing twenty+ years of experience in the trenches of big name companies and rapidly growing online businesses. Drea enjoys implementing best practices to maximize sales and bring back more time to creative companies. When not thinking about profitably, you can find her talking about, hiking with, and biking with her dog Chezzy.
Camille DeChavez
Publicity & Sales
Camille is responsible for getting the word out on all of our campaigns and events, from sending press releases before an author release date to organizing book signings events or other public appearances as needed by team members who will be attending those engagements with her assistance. She loves being a part of the CRP team and she’s not afraid to show it.
Elizabeth Mundt
Educational Consultant
Elizabeth is thrilled to put her background as a teacher, mom, and "kids' bookstagrammer" to good use as an educational consultant at CRP. Elizabeth loves picture books (especially ones with valuable social-emotional learning lessons), hand lettering, fall festivals, and going for walks with her family.
Gladys Appleton
Educational Consultant
Gladys is a believer, bookworm, coffee junkie, and blessed mommy of 4. She’s a pick-up drivin’, high heel wearin’, lip gloss lovin’ Texas girl. She loves reading, creating resources, and teaching.
Janice Pollard
Copy Editor
Janice Pollard provides proofreading & editing services for CRP. Editing often takes place during a final book review after all illustrations are complete and the book has been designed. She says it’s a pleasure to work with Maria and her team!
Liza May Saquilayan
Operations Director
Liza May has been with Cardinal Rule Press from the very beginning. She manages the workflow of the team and all things to do with systems. Liza May supports CRP customer relations and scheduling as well.
Maggie Spurgeon
Book Designer
Maggie began her time with CRP as a graphic designer who brought ideas and concepts to a visual conclusion. She transitioned to focusing on book design and now helps our authors and illustrators bring their stories to print
Maggie Villaume
Book Designer
Maggie creates book cover & interior designs that amplify our author’s stories with the partnership of our illustrator’s amazing creations. She believes children’s books are an essential piece in learning many important life lessons and enjoys being able to have a part in creating this impactful work.
Mallory Rex
Graphic Designer
Mallory has worked as a graphic designer since 2011. Her background includes branding, event and package design, collateral design, and more. When she was little, her favorite book was Angelina Ballerina, and she loves sharing the passion of reading with her son and daughter. In her free-time, she loves spending time outdoors with her family and crafting.
Malory Dean
Accountant
Although she began her career in accounting, Malory has spent the past several years building a successful real estate practice in Coffeyville, Kansas. She brings a unique perspective, an air of professionalism and an impeccable work ethic to the Reveal team! She loves working with small business owners (and is one herself). They bring a passion for their field and their business, and that passion is contagious. Helping them succeed is Malory’s favorite part of working for Reveal. She enjoys accounting because it’s like a puzzle – each piece or transaction is unique. She loves putting each piece together and then stepping back to see the picture as a whole.
Malory lives on a farm with her high school sweetheart husband and their young daughter. They have two horses, a donkey and an Alaskan Malamute. She spends her free time doing needlework, reading, gardening and cooking. She’s also writing a children’s cookbook! She loves coffee and going all out celebrating and decorating for every holiday.
Nilmarí Santini-Santiago
Marketing Manager
Motivated by a commitment to Latina Women's empowerment and self-expression, Nilmarí showcased her dedication to the marketing field by being awarded Woman Entrepreneur of the Year in 2021. Her marketing prowess has been highlighted in prestigious publications such as Fierce by Mitú, WAPA TV, El Vocero, Caribbean Business, and Metro.
In her role at Cardinal Rule Press, Nilmarí is committed to overseeing and orchestrating impactful marketing campaigns that resonate with the target audience, leading to increased traction and sustained brand loyalty.
Rosa Kwick
Spanish Translator
Rosa Kwick has been a translator, editor, proofreader, and writer in Spanish for more than 20 years and resides in Southern California.
She has studied English since age 15 back in Mexico City where she was born. She has also wide experience in the Spanish language and all its nuances and grammatical rules and is aware of the frequent changes in the language through the Royal Spanish Academy and for the English Language through the Chicago Manual of Style.In her spare time, she loves to share time with her husband and two beloved dogs, Matilda and Guille.
Sam Lowenburg
Videographer
Sam Lowenburg is a filmmaker and freelance video editor living in Brooklyn, NY. He's always had a passion for storytelling and bringing impactful stories to others.
Sujin Gilmore
Advertising Director
Sujin uses her online marketing skills to reach future CRP fans and readers. As a mother of two children, Sujin loves CRP’s mission of educating while entertaining young readers.
IPG - Independent Publishers Group
Distributor
Independent Publishers Group (IPG) is a leading provider of economical services and solutions to book publishers and content creators, with a robust worldwide reach to all trade and other book markets. IPG's services include full-service sales and distribution, book manufacturing and inventory management, and third-party logistics.
Turnaround Publisher Services
Distributor (UK)
Turnaround Publisher Services is Britain's leading independent book distributor. Since 1984 they have been working with some of the most interesting, innovative, and important publishers from around the globe to get their books into readers' hands.
Varnum LLP
Law Firm
Varnum is a leading Michigan law firm providing business and personal legal services to meet the complex needs of its clients.