About Us

The Children's Writers of the Hudson Valley is a regional writers’ group devoted to the development, education and professionalism of children’s book authors.

Some of the CWHV team members have over 20 years of conference planning experience and writing workshops among them including day-long events featuring professional children’s book authors, editors and agents; first-pages events; and children’s writing classes.

The CWHV team consists of:

Secretary, Webmaster: Karen Kaufman Orloff, children's author 

Catherine Ciocchi, children's author

Della Ross Ferreri, children's author

 Angie Calabrese, children's author

Tara Knox Cerven, children's author

Michelle Mead, CWHV Ambassador, poet and children's author. As a member of our street team, Michelle helps spread the word about upcoming events. 

In Memoriam

We are saddened by the untimely passing of our good friend and CWHV committee colleague, Valerie (Val) Marchini on June 9th, 2026, after a short illness. Val was a founding member of CWHV and worked with us for many years prior to that as an SCBWI conference committee member. She was a bright light in our lives and we remember her with loving affection and gratitude. Val leaves behind her husband, Tim, three children, Tracy, Brian (B.J.) and Danielle, their spouses, five grandchildren and two sisters.