Karen Simmers-Nartker graduated from Kent State University with a bachelor of science degree in nursing. She has been employed as a nurse in telemetry step-down and in medical, surgical, and neurological intensive care. She is currently employed as a shift coordinator in an open-heart intensive care unit. She has obtained certification from the Emergency Nurses Association for the Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) and from the American Heart Association for Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). In her current position as charge nurse in an ICU, she coordinates patient care and staff assignments; manages interpersonal conflicts among staff and/or patients and family members; is responsible for ensuring quality care to meet the diverse needs of patients and/or family; actively participates in in-services to evaluate new equipment, medications, hospital services and supplies; and teaches and mentors newly employed nurses.

Sharon Simmers-Kobelak graduated from Miami University (Ohio) with a bachelor of business administration degree. She is currently employed in the educational publishing industry as an integrated solutions specialist. In this position, she assists instructors at private career schools in finding appropriate print and digital materials for classroom instruction. Sharon also provides in-service training for instructors on using digital assets and instructor and student resources. She achieved President's Club status for two years, number-one representative status for one year, and has repeatedly achieved quota in her 20 years in the educational publishing industry.