About the Illustrators

Ann Marie graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Arts in Medical Illustration and is studying for her MBA at Southern New Hampshire University. She is employed as the Senior Medical Illustrator and Animator at Boston Children's Hospital. 

When Ann Marie and author Tamra Werner met, they immediately visualized the essence of Koli's character and brought him to life in the first book of the series Koli, The Great White Shark. Ann Marie and Tamra accomplished their bucket-list dreams of producing a children's book.

Alan Gesek is an Adjunct Professor of Art and Design at the College of Art and Design at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Rochester, NY. He teaches foundation art, design, and multi-disciplinary courses focusing on his diverse background. Alan holds an Associate in Graphic Design, a Bachelor's in Illustration, and a Master of Fine Arts in Medical Illustration, all from RIT.