Authors at Hex 24 Press
Dr. Meryl Faulkner is the CEO and Founder of Hex 24 Press, a publishing company she established in 2024 to empower educator-authors to create resources that nurture creativity, advance equity, and spark new possibilities. A dedicated single mom and passionate leader in public education, she currently serves as the Director of the Gifted and Talented department in Denver Public Schools.
Dr. Meryl also hosts the Exceptionally Speaking podcast, where she explores how to support exceptional learners through conversations with educators, parents, and experts.
As a partner of the Thinkering Collective, Dr. Meryl is a teacher fellowship mentor, helping educators explore their passion projects and serving as a thought partner as they design creative, meaningful work that impacts their classrooms and communities. Drawing on her doctorate in Gifted Curriculum and Instruction, and her experiences as a parent, educator and leader, she translates educational rights and best practices into clear, actionable insights that inspire change.
For gifted education consultations, contact meryl@hex24press.com or connect on LinkedIn.
As Co-Founder, Editor-in-Chief, and Lead Graphic Designer at Hex 24 Press, Jacob Tucker blends his love of language and his creative spark to make each book he works on come to life. He was raised by a teacher who spent almost three decades in the classroom, and that influence runs deep. Jacob has always been drawn to learning and to the quiet magic that happens when ideas connect. He’s tutored students, supported writers, and currently serves as a charter school administrator, staying rooted in both education and art. Through his work at Hex 24 Press, Jacob aims to lift up educator-authors and storytellers, guided by his belief that every good idea deserves thoughtful design and genuine heart.
Kelsey has spent more than 25 years walking alongside students, teachers, and families in public education. She has served as a classroom teacher, gifted cluster teacher, instructional and social-emotional coach, and now as a gifted itinerant teacher. Through every role, her passion has remained constant: helping students, especially those who are gifted, feel seen, supported, and challenged. Kelsey brings warmth, reflection, and joy to her work, guided by the belief that learning should spark both the mind and the heart. For her, gifted education, social-emotional learning, and student engagement are more than areas of expertise—they are lifelong passions.
Torrye Parker is an educator, consultant, and mom who has spent her career helping families and schools work together to raise thriving kids. A former middle and high school teacher, she has spent her career working alongside schools and nonprofits to create student-centered learning, equitable school environments, and stronger family engagement. She is the author of The Digital Toolbox for Families: Practical Strategies for Raising Tweens and Teens in a Screen-Filled World, a guide designed to help families set healthy boundaries while staying connected in the digital age. Drawing on her experiences as both an educator and a parent, her work offers practical strategies and compassionate insights to help parents and caregivers stay connected with their tweens and teens while setting healthy boundaries.
With a unique teaching background as a gardening and sustainability teacher, Jilli specializes in hands-on, experiential learning in outdoor classroom settings. Her educational approach integrates core academic subjects with practical life skills and socio-emotional learning. By guiding students through gardening projects, she emphasizes sustainability and environmental stewardship while applying classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. Jilli is passionate about outdoor classroom learning because it builds teamwork, curiosity, and resilience while developing a deeper appreciation for nature. Along with garden education, she has extensive experience leading cooking classes, inspiring students of all ages to enhance their culinary skills by transforming fresh garden harvests into nutritious meals.
Alesandra Rodríguez is a Bilingual Early Childhood Adjunct Professor at Front Range Community College and Mesa State University. She holds a master's degree in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education with a specialization in Special Education. She is actively involved in the community, collaborating and presenting at conferences on gifted and talented students, and serves on the board of directors of YBNeuro. Alesandra has over ten years of teaching experience in early childhood, early elementary, gifted and talented, and bilingual education. She is passionate, dedicated, and committed to advocating for the identification and development of programs for gifted and talented students, as well as students with multiple exceptionalities.
David Hawk is an author, producer, and podcaster from Denver, CO, where he lives with his son and rescue dog, Bruno. Inspired by the novels passed down from his mother, Mr. Hawk’s writing reflects a lifelong love of storytelling. He is the author of a macabre collection of short stories titled Holidays of Horror, and his debut novel, Caldera, was released in September 2025. He will soon release the first book in his kid-centered sci-fi series, The Race Through Space. When he’s not writing, Mr. Hawk produces and hosts podcasts for his network, Truckee Pacific Productions. The network’s podcast High Tea with Felicia & Philip was nominated for a Signal Award in 2024.
Education has played an important role in Mr. Hawk’s life. His love of reading and writing was nurtured by many wonderful teachers over the years, and his sister is currently an elementary school teacher in Thornton, CO. Mr. Hawk has shared his passion for creative writing and science with numerous elementary school classes throughout the Denver Metro area.
Larry Flores lives in Texas with his incredible husband of many years, where he balances his love of books, nature, and science. Their bookshelves are filled with science fiction, history, and horror—stories that stretch the imagination and explore what it means to be human. Beyond fiction, Larry is passionate about sharing real science—whether explaining how the natural world works or highlighting the importance of conservation.
He believes knowledge should feel approachable and inspiring, not intimidating. Just as nature thrives in diversity, Larry wants people to feel free to be themselves openly, without fear or pretense. Curiosity, creativity, and authenticity guide him in everything he does, and he hopes to spark that same sense of wonder in others. Whether through words, art, conversations, or community, Larry aims to encourage people to explore the unknown, celebrate what makes them unique, and help protect the world we all share.
Danner Keen teaches by trade and writes by compulsion. As a high school substitute teacher and father, he’s developed a sharp wit, a patient soul, and the ability to detect gum-chewing at fifty feet. Danner's writing deftly blends his background in teaching with his love of comedy, perfectly capturing the same mix of absurdity and insight that defines a day in education: thoughtful, unpredictable, and laugh-out-loud funny.
Originally from New Zealand, Andrew Wilson brings over 15 years of diverse teaching experience to his role as an elementary teacher in Fitzroy Harbour, Ontario, Canada. He is deeply committed to fostering meaningful learning that extends beyond the classroom, encouraging students to engage with their communities and the wider world. Through entrepreneurial projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Andrew guides students to think critically and act compassionately—caring for others, supporting those in need, and contributing to a more sustainable future through an Indigenous-informed perspective.
Want to become a Hex 24 author?
📝 📚 ✨
Want to become a Hex 24 author? 📝 📚 ✨
At Hex 24 Press, we believe in the transformative power of stories and ideas to create a more just and imaginative world. Our mission is to publish works that inspire critical thought, creativity, and positive change—while amplifying voices that reflect the diversity of our communities.
We are proudly committed to equity, inclusion, and human rights. We stand firmly anti-racist, pro-LGBTQ+, pro-women, and in support of all communities that have been historically marginalized. We believe representation matters—both on the page and behind it—and we seek educator-authors who share our values of respect, authenticity, and social responsibility. If your work aligns with these principles and you’re passionate about creating books that make an impact, we’d love to hear from you.