Storytellers
Katie Engelmeyer
Storyteller
Katie Engelmeyer grew up in the small town of Quincy, IL. She came to STL to go to school at Washington University, where she finally felt free to explore her creative side. She received a Bachelor of Arts in architecture with a second major in archaeology. Katie realized during this time that her true love is art. After graduating, she stayed in STL to be around the community she built while in school and to continue exploring her interest in art. She works at both the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum and at the Saint Louis Art Museum and spends her free time pursuing her own art practice. She hopes to go to grad school within the next few years to study art history and perhaps museum education with the goal of bringing art to those who wouldn’t otherwise have access to it.
Grace Pettit
Storyteller
Grace Luttrell Pettit grew up in St. Louis and after living in New Orleans made the conscious choice to move back to her hometown, nurturing and deepening her roots in family and community. Armed with a graphic communications degree, Grace found success and financial security in the corporate world. Over time Grace questioned her path and its numbing effect on her spirit and creativity. At Steven’s invitation, Grace decided to take the storytelling class which coincided with her quest to be authentic, true, and honest in the world. Currently, Grace is designing how she wants to show up in the world by leaving her corporate job, growing her freelance business as well as working with children in a trauma-informed yoga studio. She is excited about her journey, embracing the mystery and trusting her path as it unfolds into her future.
Nokie Rae
Storyteller
Nokie Rae is a self-described bookworm hailing from the cities and farmlands of Indiana. They currently work in the tech industry, but hope to leave it behind some day to get a Masters of Social Work. In Nokie’s free time they like to write, play boardgames, and kayak the waters of Missouri. Nokie believes that “story has always been about allowing yourself to explore what’s possible. You can change your life and the lives of others by imagining a better future.”
Lizzie Warner
Storyteller
Lizzie Warner, a St. Louis native, grew up as a middle child with the personality of the oldest. She attended Truman State University, where she studied Psychology and Spanish. After living in Austin, TX for a year, she returned to St. Louis and has worked as both a community educator and an English instructor for adult immigrants and refugees. In her spare time, she likes to bake with Millie, her sourdough starter. She does her best to create a welcoming space for everyone she meets.
Notable Audience Affirmations
For Katie
Katie, Thank you for painting a beautiful picture of a magnificent place, overwhelming experience & finding a moment of clarity. Such a lovely story!! CONGRATULATIONS on landing your dream job!
For Grace
Your vulnerability and honesty about something so personal and painful is inspiring! Thank you for sharing your story.
For Nokie
Nokie, THANK YOU for sharing your story!! The feeling of walking into a social event and seeing that the table is full is such a familiar feeling. “She swears she wasn’t flirting” was SUCH a great line to kick off with. I feel Emilia’s presence and energy through the computer screen.
For Lizzie
Lizzie, Wow, your description of landing in a foreign country and feeling like a young child again is beautiful and visceral. THank you for sharing a beautiful story about searching for home, solutions and clarity.
