Meet the Oyster Pointer staff and writers

Sylvia Weinstein Craft, as publisher and editor, has been cutting her teeth on printer’s ink for 35 years and enjoying every issue of it. What began as an 8½ x 11 quarterly has grown to a 24-plus page tabloid with a monthly distribution of 9,000 in almost 200 Peninsula locations. Sylvia is most proud of her dedicated designers, writers, photographers and other important team members who make this industry fun. Most of all, she is quick to express her appreciation to the advertisers and readers who make it possible for her to love her work.

Kelli Caplan is mother of three children and a friend to all who know her. She use to spend a lot of time in her SUV, driving to schools and pediatricians, but her children have graduated from high schools. Now she can be found at WalMart and Harris Teeter, playing pickleball or cycling. She loves to try new recipes and new authors’ books. Her favorite foods are green (lettuce, broccoli, pickles). A former crime reporter for the Daily Press, Kelli has been affiliated with Oyster Pointer as long as she has been able to hold a pencil.

Brian J. DePrinzio, a resident of Newport News, is the husband of Jennifer DePrinzio and the father of Ava Rose, Ellina Grace, and Raven Elodie. Raised in Hampton Roads, he is a graduate of Hampton High School's inaugural International Baccalaureate class, a graduate of Thomas Nelson Community College with an Associate's degree in liberal arts and a graduate of Christopher Newport University with a Bachelor's degree in English with a writing concentration. Brian is also a 12th Grade Honors English Teacher and National Honor Society Faculty Advisor with Newport News Public Schools. He most enjoys spending his free time with his family, reading, writing and pondering philosophy. Brian has been working with Oyster Pointer since 2008.

Sara Sanders is a graphic designer and is one half of SHS Design. She has worked with Sylvia on the Oyster Pointer since 1993.

Stewart Sanders is a graphic designer and web master and is the other half of SHS Design. He has worked on the print version of the Oyster Pointer for many years and also developed and manages the web site.

Ginny Hunter, originally a Yorktown native, is a Christopher Newport University (CNU) alumni and English major. Nowadays, she adores her coastal life across the bridge in Virginia Beach. In her free time, Ginny is an avid music lover who spends her days enjoying video games and books, watching movies, cuddling her dog and spending time with those she holds dear.

Kelli Caplan is mother of three children and a friend to all who know her. She use to spend a lot of time in her SUV, driving to schools and pediatricians, but her children have graduated from high schools. Now she can be found at WalMart and Harris Teeter, playing pickleball or cycling. She loves to try new recipes and new authors’ books. Her favorite foods are green (lettuce, broccoli, pickles). A former crime reporter for the Daily Press, Kelli has been affiliated with Oyster Pointer as long as she has been able to hold a pencil.

Originally from Fredericksburg, VA, Breanna "Bre" Dorrian is currently studying at Christopher Newport University where she majors in political science and communications with a minor in journalism. Last year, she served as news editor for The Captain's Log, her student newspaper. She is currently its editor-in-chief. Bre enjoys covering ice hockey games and politics for the paper.

Dr. Terilyn J. Goins is a motivational speaker/vocalist, trainer and coach. She offers a wide variety of training and motivational music programs. Goins creates programs that educate, inspire and challenge participants. Visit www.terilyngoins.com or reach her at 757-303-7807 or by email at terilyngoins@cox.net.

Noelle Riddle is from Fairfax County, Virginia, and earned her degree in English with a double minor in both Leadership Studies and Communications Studies from Christopher Newport University. Growing up, it was always her dream to pursue a career that involved writing or creative expression. She is currently a full-time writer with US News. When Noelle is not writing, she enjoys walking her dog, playing volleyball or trying new and unique foods to review on her food blog.

Cathy Welch is a Hampton Roads-based writer, photographer and book editor. She says her life is an eclectic mix of career and FAMILY. She earned our Bachelors degree in business administration at Christopher Newport University, minoring in Spanish. Her career has been full- and part-time as an administrator, an engineering assistant, a bookseller, a merchandiser, a naval photography layout assistant, an office manager, a grant writer and a human resource manager, all giving her experiences that feed her writing. She fosters pups and does what she can to bless those who are in need, whether human or canine. She can be reached at 757-870-0768 or at cathywelch25@gmail.com.

Dave Hunt was born in Hampton Roads, where he lived before moving with his wife Liz to Nelson County in 2017. A recent graduate of the University of Virginia, Dave, he wife Liz and their young daughter have returned to Hampton Roads, living in Hampton. In addition to school, Dave has worked and continues to work in various public speaking venues. He has narrated tours, weddings, parades and even a music festival. He is fond of saying – and knows Liz is tired of hearing – that there are few things on this Earth that he enjoys more than standing and talking in front of an audience, and one of those things is the sound of his voice.

Kayla Brundick is a 2022 Cum Laude graduate of Christopher Newport University and , an aspiring writer who is passionate about advancing her career in marketing. She enjoys journaling, photography, videography, traveling and spending time with friends and family.

Anna Dorl grew up all over the United States as a military brat, and she now calls Virginia home. She is a graduate of Christopher Newport University with a degree in communication studies, with minors in writing and film studies. Since graduation, she’s worked in journalism and education. When she’s not writing, Anna can be found hanging out with her dog, Stella, and watching spooky movies.

Yasmin Kettani is a graduate of Christopher Newport University (CNU) where she studies political science and Journalism. From an early age, Yasmin has always had a passion for advocacy and writing, and hopes to pursue a career in political journalism. Although a native of Northern Virginia, during her time at CNU, she found a love for Coastal Virginia. In her free time, Yasmin enjoys reading about pop culture, going on walks with her labradoodle and spending a little too much money at the mall with her girls.

Caroline is a writer and editor from Virginia Beach. She graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science degree in professional and technical writing. She works for the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast as a grant writer and practices freelance writing on the side.

With more than 30 years of experience, Patti Moonis is a writer, editor, journalist, giant slayer and a mother to seven children. She is a published author and blogger, writing about slaying two giants - leukemia and breast cancer.

Wendy’s most important roles are being a wife, mother and grandmother with four children and 11 grandchildren. She is one of the original writers of The Main Sail, CNU’s former online newsletter. Wendy attended the U.S. Army Engineer School, has an Associate of Arts degree in general studies, a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy and religious studies and is midway through her master’s degree in history. Originally from Atlanta and prior to retiring in Hampton Roads, she and her husband traveled throughout the U.S. and Europe with the U.S. Army. Her most exciting adventure was skydiving with her youngest daughter!

Nancy B. Alligood, CTC is general manager/owner of Warwick Travel Service, Inc.and can be reached at 757-599-3011 or at n_alligood@warwicktravel.com.

Rebecca Shwayder Aman is a partner with the law firm of Carney Patterson Meade PLC and focuses her practice on Wills, Trusts, and Estates, Tax Planning and Business Law. She can be reached at (757) 873-8050 or raman@cpmplawplc.com.

Trevor Anderson is an attorney with the firm of Riddle & Hanna in Newport News. He regularly represents clients in complex criminal and family law matters throughout Hampton Roads. He can be reached at tanderson@rhvalaw.com or 757-586-5380.

In addition to being the business recycling coordinator for the City of Newport News, Dan Baxter is a retired paramedic/firefighter and a member of the Center Faculty for the Tidewater Center for Life Support where he teaches First Aid and CPR courses for instructors and the public. He can be reached at 757-886-7612 or 757-592-5387.

John Brooks is a Realtor® with Howard Hanna William E. Wood at its Port Warwick office. He can be contacted at 757-813-0160 or by email at jbrooks@howardhanna.com.

Ron A. Campana, Jr. is an associate broker with Campana Waltz Commercial Real Estate West. He is former chair of the Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance and received the 2022 Platinum Broker Award from Crexi, recognizing the highest performing brokers (top 1%) in the United States. Ron Campana can be reached at ron@cwcrew.net or at 757-209-2990.

Lisa Candella, CPA, partner of the certified public accounting firm of Moore Candella & Associates, CPAs, can be reached at 757-224-1174 or lisa@moorecandellacpas.com. The firm’s web address is www.moorecandellacpas.com.

Robert W. Carmines, MST, PFS, CPA (retired) was a partner in the certified public accounting firm of Carmines, Robbins & Company, PLC.

Ron J. Clark, MPP is a partner with LEADwell LLC. He can be reached at info@leadwell.agency or 757-873-1610.

Brian Cole is owner of Personal Training Associates with studios in Oyster Point and Port Warwick. He is a regional, national and international award-winning columnist. Cole can be reached by email at Brian5995999@msn.com, at 757-599-5999 or on his website at www.briancoleandassociates.net.

Ruby Conn, Realtor®, is affiliated with Liz Moore & Associates. Formerly with Berkshire-Hathaway, Conn has more than 44 years of experience in residential sales. Conn is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and has certifications in relocation, military relocation, luxury home. She is a member of the Residential Real Estate Council.

Donna Croushore is owner/manager of Creative Travel & Cruise, located in Port Warwick. She can be reached at 757-898-4006 or visit the website at www.creativetravelandcruise.com.

Jayne Di Vincenzo, AIF®, CEP®, has more than 20 years of experience as a financial advisor and wealth consultant. She holds her registrations and licenses including the 24 General Securities Principal, 53 Municipal Principal, Series 7, 63, 65, 31 with Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. Jayne owns Family CFO Services and Fiduciary EDGE Advisors LLC. Reach Jayne at 757-236-5505 or Jayne@FamilyCFOSvs.com.

Frank A. Edgar Jr. is an attorney with the law firm of Goldstein, Edgar & Reagan in Newport News. He can be reached at faedgarjr@ibglaw.com or 757-873-8773.

Shannon Edwards is principal broker and co-owner of RE/MAX Connect. Shannon’s team, The Coastal VA Real Estate Team, is one of the highest producing teams in the Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS® and focuses on residential sales and property management. Edwards can be reached at 757-876-9621 or by visiting www.SellingCoVA.com.

Jimmy Fay is president of Jimmy Fay Insurance Agency, Inc., a State Farm Agency, 11817 Canon Blvd., Suite 606 Newport News VA 23606. He can be reached at Owner@JimmyFay.com, 757-874-8900, or www.JimmyFay.com.

Sharyn Fox is an associate in the municipal engineering department of AH Environmental. She is a recipient for the 2022 Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities Humanitarian Award. An avid reader, Sharyn loves sharing reviews of her favorite books.

Douglas Fry (retired) was executive director of Association of Community Publishers, representing free publications throughout North America.

Rev. Becky Glass, LMFT, LPC is executive director of Peninsula Pastoral Counseling Center, located at 707 Gum Rock Court, Newport News, VA 23606. She can be reached by phone at 757-873-2273 or by email at beglass@peninsulapastoral.org. Website is peninsulapastoral.org.26th

Dr. Terilyn J. Goins is a motivational speaker/vocalist, trainer and coach. She offers a wide variety of training and motivational music programs. Goins creates programs that educate, inspire and challenge participants. Visit www.terilyngoins.com or reach her at 757-303-7807 or by email at terilyngoins@cox.net.

Dr. Aaron Hayes has been practicing dentistry since 2008. He is co-owner of City Center Dental Care and can be reached at 757-873-3001 or on the practice's website at citycenterdentalcare.com.

Dr. W. J. Heisler was professor of human resource management and director of the MSHRM program at Troy University. He worked for more than 20 years in management and executive positions in human resources at Newport News Shipbuilding.

Gee Horton, NMLS ID #415191, is a licensed loan officer with Tidewater Home Funding, LLC. She can be reached at ghorton@tidewaterhomefunding.com or 757-268-1426.

Hope C. Hutchinson, Esquire is owner of Hutchinson Law Center located in Yorktown. Her Law Center specializes in Divorce and Family Law. She can be contacted by phone at: 757-367-8888. Website Inquiries at hutchinsonlawcenter.com

Peter Johns is a licensed insurance agent and risk advisor with Sparkman Insurance 7 Financial Services. He was formerly with Empower Information Systems, Inc.

Eric Kauders is president of Towne Trust. He can be reached at eric.kauders@townetrust.com or at 757-728-1893.

John Kennedy was general manager of Art Newsome, Inc.

Elise Campana Lahneman is associate broker with Campana Waltz Commercial Real Estate West, which specializes in sales & leasing, property management, real estate investment, development and consulting. Lahneman can be reached at 757.209.2990 or by email at Elise@cwcrew.net.

Keith Lane is owner of United Pest Control, serving the Hampton Roads area for more than 33 years. Lane can be reached at 757-838-0118 or by email at keith@unitedpestva.com. Website is www.unitedpestva.com.

Joe Lieberman is president and owner of Peninsula Data Service Center. He can be reached at 757-873-2132 or by email at joe@pdsc.hrcoxmail.com.

Addy Manriquez is founder of Addy Manriquez Coaching & Consulting, offering empowerment coaching for all individuals, specializing in families with exceptional needs. She also serves as a consultant, trainer and speaker, providing expertise in special education for parents, school divisions and corporate teams. Visit addymanriquez.com, by email at connect@addymanriquez.com or by phone or text at (351) 333-5161.

Sharon Martin is senior vice president/ private banking officer with TowneBank. She can be reached at 757-325-6108 or by email at Sharon.Martin@townebank.net.

Beverly McLean, CTC, is affiliated with Covington Travel and can be reached at 757-286-5233 or e-mail BeverlyM@covtrav.com.

Kaéra Mims is a success coach and associate broker with Abbitt Realty in the Oyster Point office and can be reached at 757-223-7478 or Kaera@abbitt.com.

Dr. Michele Mitchell is superintendent of Newport News Public Schools. She can be reached at michele.mitchell@nn.k12.va.us

Beth W. Moore, CPA, former partner of the certified public accounting firm of Moore Candella & Associates, CPAs, retired in June 2024. She can be reached by email at beth@bluewaterstudiosva.com.

Sister David Ann Niski is executive director of the Bernadine Franciscan Sisters Foundation. A strong advocate and supporter of the Virginia Peninsula not-for-profit agencies, she can be reached at 757-886-6025 or by e-mail at david_niski@bshsi.org.

Geneva Perry is a partner in the law firm of Promise Law, located in Newport News. Her areas of expertise include estate planning. She offers FREE, weekly, virtual workshops where she explains estate planning issues and concepts. To register, call 757-690-2470 or visit www.PromiseLaw.com.

Timothy A. Queen, MD is a board certified otolaryngologist and a fellowship trained otolaryngic allergist. He owns Advanced ENT & Allergy, in Oyster Point of Newport News. Please call 757-873-0338 for an appointment. You can also visit online at www.entallergy1.com.

Dr Lisa Marie Samaha has maintained a cosmetic, reconstructive periodontally focused dental practice in coastal Virginia. She is certified in Oral Systemic Functional Medicine and committed to the philosophy of total health dentistry for her patients from pediatrics to geriatrics. She maintains a holistic, biological and functional medicine dental practice. As an award-winning artist and dentist, Samaha has maintained a cosmetic dentistry aspect to her practice for more than four decades. For additional information, visit www.PWDentalArts.com or call 757.223.9270.

David Seeley, CPA, tax director of the certified public accounting firm of Moore Candella & Associates, CPAs, can be reached at 757-224-1174 or by email at david@moorecandellacpas.com. The firm’s web address is www.moorecandellacpas.com.

Michael Shapiro is director of commercial sales and leasing for Drucker + Falk, a Newport News company for 80 years with more than 3,000,000 square feet of commercial space and more than 34,000 apartment units in nine states under leasing and management.

Debbie Stoddard is senior vice president and commercial services sales manager with Old Point National Bank. She can be reached by email at dstoddard@oldpoint.com or phone at 757-728-1772.

Alexis Swann serves as TowneBank president for the Peninsula and Williamsburg regions. She is responsible for providing financial solutions and extending a culture of care to all TowneBank members. With more than three decades of banking experience, she holds an MBA from the College of William and Mary and a BBA in marketing from Howard University. She can be reached at TowneBank.com/AlexisSwann.

Dr. Sonia Tao-Yi is one of the owners of City Center Dental Care. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California at Berkeley, followed by dental school at the University of Detroit-Mercy. She can be reached at 757-873- 3001 or on the practice’s website at www.dentalcare4u.com.

Eric E. Thompson, CEPA, is retired senior vice president-wealth management, senior portfolio manager and wealth advisor with Thompson Singor Cimmino of UBS Financial Services, Inc.

Joe Verser is a partner in the law firm of Heath Verser PLC (https://www.hovplc.com/). He regularly represents both commercial and residential contractors in disputes, as well as homeowners and project owners. He can be reached at jverser@hovplc.com or at 757-599-0734.

Dr. Watson has a cosmetic and restorative dental practice in Oyster Point and is a fellow in the Dental Organization of Conscious Sedation. He can be reached at drwatson@dr-watson.com.