Becoming JoJo MacBean

Andrew Pignatare is a native and lifelong resident of western Massachusetts. He literally grew up in the pizza shop and variety store family business. Andy started working there before he even turned five, and stayed at it all the way through high school. By nine he already knew he wanted to be a CPA. Although he excelled in math and business courses, he was otherwise an average student. But his passion for business gained him acceptance into Babson College. After graduating, and earning his CPA, he started his own business before turning thirty. While the business continued growing, Andy went on to earn a Masters of Law in Taxation. After a successful Public Accounting career, he retired in May of 2016. All those hours spent watching his grandmother make pizza, as well as other delicious Italian dishes, inspired Andy to try his own hand at Italian cooking, which he enjoys doing now for family and friends. He also loves watching baseball and playing golf. Andy believes it's important to inspire young people to get excited about the world of finance and business, and to begin their career exploration early in life. He speaks to classes and groups of youth when the opportunity arises. Becoming JoJo MacBean is his first novel, and he is currently at work on a young adult book. Andy has a beloved wife, TerryAnn, of thirty years, one son, and two collies.

Kinga Martin is a self-taught watercolor artist specializing in children's book illustration and whimsical botanical works depicting aspects of nature. Originally from Poland, she graduated in the nutritional field. She spent numbers of years living and working in Italy. Martin's art interests are rooted in the exposure to both countries' rich and diverse cultures, as well as her family's creative artistic background. Martin lives in Easthampton MA, with her husband Geoffrey.

Kyla Korytoski is Graphic Design Instructor at LPVEC and Western Chapter Vice President for MVA.