Instructors & Presenters

Meet Our 2022 Instructors & Presenters!

**Additional presenters and instructors will be added in the coming weeks. Be sure to check back frequently!

Michele Akkerman is a 30-yr veteran history teacher specializing in European and 19th century American cultural history. She is also a living historian at Renaissance faires and Civil War reenactments, and credits her Greek grandmother for inspiring her to study history and folklore.

Michael Arocho and Monique Little – Michael and Monique are a husband and wife team that created Steampunk Public as a way to share their love of Science Fiction, costuming and history! In his spare time, Micheal enjoys painting, making new prop art, and creating new Steampunk medals. Monique likes to spend her time making new gadgets, thinking up backstories for their adventures and coming up with new costume and persona ideas. They also have a small pack of canines that they sometimes incorporate into their Steampunk adventures!

Dee Astell co-founded and co-runs the Arizona Penny Dreadfuls. She’s also the Fashion Manager for Wild Wild West Steampunk Convention, ran the steampunk track at Phoenix Comicon, and has been Steampunk Coordinator for many others. She hosts maker workshops across the southwest. She chaired Westercon 70 as well as several other conventions, and is the lead programmer and Chair for CoKoCon 2023.

Hal C. F. Astell is a critic, author, publisher and film festival director who runs the Apocalypse Later Empire from his lair in Phoenix, AZ. He has six books in print through Apocalypse Later Press. Apocalypse Later Reviews will celebrate its fifteenth anniversary in 2022. The Apocalypse Later International Fantastic Film Festival (ALIFFF) is in its sixth year. He brings quality films to new eyeballs at conventions across the southwest through the Apocalypse Later Roadshow. His website is apocalypselaterempire.com.

Valerie Bailey-Denton, together with her husband James, have been going to Gaslight for many years. Being a historical photographer helps when doing many historical costumed events from the 1700’s – to the mid 1900’s. She sews, designs and helps make many of the costumes we use at events. Accessories are always a welcome addition to any costume and we would like to share or expertise to add to others costumes.

Nicole Baker and Brian Teifer are local costumers who are very enthusiastic about detailed makeup looks and pop culture. Brian holds a degree in Film and Television from USC while Nicole is a Special Effects Makeup Artist who delights in glueing odd things to people’s faces.

Bex and Red Cosplay = Matt and Rebecca Eusey. Together they have been costuming, designing original characters, and creating reproductions for over 18 years with a focus on community building and inclusion. They are award-winning costumers with work recognized by San Diego Comic-Con for Excellence. Bex won Grand Prize at 2021 Comic Con Revolution and IronCosplay winner at Coslosseum 2018. They founded the SCA branch in Iceland and led the branch in Naples, Italy. Together, they are active members of the San Diego Steampunk scene, Sci-Fi Coalition, 501st Star Wars costuming club, and Twin Mask LARP.

Bill Bodden has been writing professionally since 2003, and has an extensive catalog of work in the tabletop gaming field, including contributions to Vampire: The Masquerade 20 th Anniversary series, Achtung! Cthulhu (a World War Two/Cthulhu Mythos mash-up), and Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay. Bill has also had a number of short stories published, most recently the Wily Writers Presents series of horror anthologies. Bill makes his home in Wisconsin with his wife, two cats, and an avalanche waiting to happen of books and games. Check out his website where he blogs irregularly: www.billbodden.com

David Boop is an author, editor, screenwriter and award-winning essayist. His debut novel was the sci-fi/noir, She Murdered Me with Science from WordFire Press. His follow-up, The Soul Changers from Outland Entertainment, is a Victorian Dark Fantasy based on the RPG, Rippers Resurrected.. Wolfpack Publishing will release his weird western mosaic novel, The Drowned Horse Chronicle – Volume One in 2022. David edited the bestselling weird western anthology trilogy beginning with Straight Outta Tombstone, and recently released the first in a series of space western anthologies, Gunfight on Europa Station. David writes short fiction including a flash fiction mystery series, The Trace Walker Temporary Mysteries for Gumshoereview.com. He’s worked with characters such as Predator, The Green Hornet, Kolchak, the Black Bat, and Veronica Mars. Find out more at Davidboop.com, Facebook.com/dboop.updates, Twitter @david_boop, or www.longshot-productions.net.

Professor and Lady Brandywine, Adventurers and Chrononaughts, Travel the many timelines aboard the Airship Hyperbole, to bring new and interesting tales and treasures to all.

Alestra Burdick and Tommy Dodd – have been a part of the Steam Punk community for over 5 years and have been attending and volunteering for fandom based conventions for over a decade.  They are bringing the music and need you to bring the funk!

Andy Cameron – Steampunk Maker and Theatrical Designer – As Lighting Director and Resident Designer of The San Diego Repertory Theatre, Andy spent much of his fifteen year tenure adapting older technologies to suit modern automation needs as a cost-saving measure. After leaving the Rep, he used that talent to bring high-tech lighting and automation to such ventures as parade floats, private parties, concerts, and displays for museums, and conventions. Steampunk design reflects Andy’s love of recycling older, recognizable objects and shapes into new creations.

Andy’s prolific creation of interactive Halloween displays has turned Trick-or-Treat on Maryland Street into a half-mile long neighborhood celebration that attracts over 5,000 trick-or-treaters each Halloween.

Barbara & Joe Cluck – We are Found object cosplay and have been cosplaying now for over 9 years.  Together we emphasize sourcing our cosplays from found and used items and promote family cosplay, Steampunk being our favorite but not only genre. We also do cartoon super hero, anime, and pop culture cosplays.

Jim Coffee – Automatist Jim Coffee has been designing and creating automata since 2016. A ‘full time passion’ for Jim, his automatons are each unique…designed by Jim. Created using wood, metal, leather, plastic, sculpting putty, and etc., Jim’s hand cranked and/or electrically powered automata provide entertainment, display products, and educate.

Commodore Brittain is a renowned pirate huntsman who has been decorated by queens, kings, heads of state, and captains of industry. The former master of the H.M.S. Ardent, Ship of the Line, Third Class, the commodore is currently on detached duty in the Sandwich Islands.

Seanara Coyote is a professional Tarot reader who learned to read the cards at age 12 and has been reading professionally for several decades. She has a background in clinical social work, Peruvian-based core shamanic techniques, and Earth-centered spirituality. Seanara has been teaching and presenting workshops for several decades. She uses a transpersonal, paycho-spiritual, participatory approach to help you gain insight into your life’s challenges (possibly including past lives), envision your options, and make informed, constructive choices through wisdom, intuition, and supportive guidance.

Shawn Crosby has been creating Steampunk designs decades before it had a catchy name, artist/actor Shawn Crosby has made art for Griffith Observatory, props for Star Trek, toys for Mattel and Playmates, models for Disney and videogames for Vivendi/Universal. He’s currently mouthing-off in the field of voice-acting and as a host on Scifi.Radio, and has appeared as himself on ABC-TV sitcoms: The Goldbergs and Schooled.

In his alter-ego as “Obi-Shawn,” Jedi and owner of the Star Wars G-Wing carfighter, Shawn supports up to 160 charity and community events a year in costume portraying characters from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Steampunk and other creative realms. creating Steampunk designs decades before it had a catchy name, artist/actor Shawn Crosby has made art for Griffith Observatory, props for Star Trek, toys for Mattel and Playmates, models for Disney and videogames for Vivendi/Universal.

He’s currently mouthing-off in the field of voice-acting and as a host on Scifi.Radio, and has appeared as himself on ABC-TV sitcoms “The Goldbergs” and “Schooled.”  In his alter-ego as “Obi-Shawn,” Jedi and owner of the Star Wars “G-Wing” carfighter, Shawn supports up to 160 charity and community events a year in costume portraying characters from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Steampunk and other creative realms.

Dawn Devine ~ Davina Dawn Devine, aka Davina, is a noted speaker on costume history, design, and construction. She’s been a part of the steampunk scene for years, but you just can’t get her out of her belly dance attire! Her books are available on Amazon – you can learn more on her website www.davina.us

Keisha Dorsey, aka Purple Tinkerer. Her general philosophy is that “tinkering is a way of life.” She is an artisan, engineer and geek that believes that almost anything can be made better if you add purple.

Jeff Engbrecht works for the San Diego Unified School District and has been crafting with leather since 2018.

Matt Eusey – Veteran and owner of Red Baron Leather is a San Diego based leatherworking studio. Red is Matt Eusey, member of the steampunk community, and historical re-enactor for over 20 years. Recognized for patient and kind teaching style.

Alex Ferruzca, better known as Neverlanderguy, is a costume creator, artist and expert in Mexican and Latino culture. He has been an altar maker at the Noche de Altares night for 7 years. His expertise in creating as well as developing amazing altars have given him recognition within the community of altar makers. Alex is also a. Great fan of Steampunk culture and was a featured artist at the SanDiego automotive museum with his creations and costumes. An avid cosplayer and Dapper outfit creator.

Laura Folmer – Laura and her family have been a part of the Steampunk community for over a decade. From serving tea to giving book recommendations to tossing her husband across the room for martial demonstrations, she can do a little bit of everything.

The Grand Arbiter – is the authority on compliments, wit, and Tea-based Justice. Not only is the Grand Arbiter an enthusiast for the fine art of Tea Duelling and the splendors of Splendid Teapot Racing, but he is also a proponent for extraordinary waistcoats paired with the perfect coiffure. He is also a Chaotic demi-god, but one rarely mentions that at a proper tea. With his penchant for entropy, tumult, and cunning, it can be no surprise that the Grand Arbiter spends some portion of his time away from the tea table creating table games.

Matt Greenberg is a San Diego native, who works as an R&D machinist. He has over 15 years in machining and manufacturing experience, and over a decade of experience in 3D printing, which he loves to share, along with his passion for all things nerdy.

Margaret S.Hagar is a designer of costumes, millinery, jewelry, accessories, & crafts professionally for over 35 yrs. She has created for theater, opera, re-creation, historical, sci-fi, fantasy, & steampunk. Margaret is the Co-President of the San Diego Costume Guild, a Trustee for IATSE Local 905 Wardrobe Union, & a former costume workmanship judge for Comic-Con & Anime LA. is a designer of costumes, millinery, jewelry, accessories, & crafts professionally for over 35 yrs. She has created for theater, opera, re-creation, historical, sci-fi, fantasy, & steampunk. Margaret is the Co-President of the San Diego Costume Guild, a Trustee for IATSE Local 905 Wardrobe Union, & a former costume workmanship judge for Comic-Con & Anime LA.

Madeleine Holly-Rosing is the writer/creator of the steampunk supernatural prose, graphic novel, and audio drama series, Boston Metaphysical Society. She was also the winner of the Sloan Fellowship for screenwriting, and the Gold Aurora and Bronze Telly for a PSA produced by Women In Film as well as having won numerous awards while completing the UCLA MFA Program in Screenwriting. Originally self-published, Source Point Press re-published the first six issues, the trade paperback of Boston Metaphysical Society, plus the four sequels. Madeleine has recently been hired to write a story for the popular graphic novel series, Lady Mechanika.

Jonathan Michael Henry is an award-winning filmmaker, multidisciplinary artist, and ancient astronaut theorist who earned his BA in Visual and Performing Arts (video production) and a Minor in Film Studies from Cal State University San Marcos. His films have been screened in festivals around the world. His research project, “3D Praxinoscope,” was featured at the Southern California Conferences for Undergraduate Research 2019 and the Gaslight Steampunk Expo 2021. He uses his art to explore his other interests of history, mythology, and science.

Janet Herchenroeder began her Steampunk Journey at Nova Albion in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2013. Next she time-traveled for several years to Clockwork Alchemy in San Jose, she began offering workshops to create Steampunk journals, lecture on Edgar Allen Poe’s science fiction writings (that guy had a wicked sense of humor!) and offer swashbuckling Steampunk poetry workshops. As the former owner of a Vintage store, she loves dressing up and collecting old gear for accessories.

Lisa Hu was born in China and came to Mexico with my family at the age of 3! She and her sisters are the first-generation college graduates! Lisa is a special education teacher and loves being able to support and guide students to achieve their academic goals is her long-term goal!

Anastasia Hunter – has been volunteering at conventions since the early 1990s and has been fortunate to give several presentations on Steampunk & Pop Culture at various conventions and events across the Southwest. When she is not busy organizing steampunk events for fellow shenanigators, she occasionally moonlights as an original Tusken Raider at charity events and libraries in the greater San Diego area.

Shelly Jackson – is a buckram and wire milliner out of Reno, NV. She has been sewing since she was a child, but has been making hats for more than 10 years. She welcomes private workshops, custom orders, and all historical costuming chat.

MJ Kammueller is a steampunk cosplayer, artist, writer, actress, and general enthusiast. She is better known on the aether-webs as ASGARD Automaton, a quirky robot learning about everyday life. MJ delights in encouraging others, and always jumps at the chance to tell fellow creatives to believe in themselves.

Brandon Kennedy is an alumni of CSUSM. Active in the voice-over community, he is the kind of person who can change the atmosphere of a room to a positive one in an instant. The diversity in his many voices has been noticed by several prominent directors and fellow actors. From a tone as low as a basso singer to that of a high-pitched child, to even inhuman sounds, he possesses a multi-octave vocal range rarely seen in the industry nowadays. The talent of mimicry has also manifested itself amongst his vocal talents. The normally challenging task of voice-matching is a walk in the park to him.

Lyndsey Kitchens AKA CuteRedPandora. A cosplayer since 2004, she’s been sewing and crafting ever since. A former pirate now turned to comics and steampunk, she’s happy to discuss all things costuming and nerdy.

Eytan Kollin has written the successful and award-winning Unincorporated Series with his brother, Dani. The first book in the series, The Unincorporated Man won the Prometheus Award. Eytan and Dani have also published a book of short stories called Grim Tales of the Brothers Kollin through WordFire Press. Baen published Benjamin Franklin: Wizard for Hire in June of 2020, co-authored with Peter J. Wacks. His next novel, a Post-Apocalyptic Noir is coming out from 25&Y Publishing in 2023. The writing of, “The Adventures of Rabbi Shlomo Jones and the Half-Baked Kid,” started as a simple conversation about how almost any cultural background found its way into the Wild West. Thus, the story of a Jewish Gunslinger with a Gollum sidekick came to be. Eytan wrote another Shlomo Jones adventure with his father, Rabbi Gilbert Kollin; a man whose knowledge of Judaism and the Wild West proved of great benefit to both the first and second stories.

Laurie Lamson is a professional writer & screenplay/story consultant who loves the sacred art of storytelling and empowering fellow writers. As Author/Editor of three anthologies in the acclaimed Now Write series, she has led creative writing workshops, moderated panels of Now Write! contributors, and served as the International Screenwriters’ Association telecon host for four years. Laurie has created over 100 film, video and audio scripts for education, entertainment and marketing that have been produced. Credits include a dramatic feature film (19 awards), a short metaphysical romance she directed/edited (11 awards), and an environmental video for Levi Strauss (3 awards.)

Mari Lewis (America’s Sultry Senior), aka VampXotica, is a 10+ year devotee in the art of Corsetry and Waist-training (proudly displaying her own 22″ corseted figure) and have appeared in and modeled at many functions and events as an entertainer, educator and inspiration on topics related to this historical art form.

Madame Askew is a time traveling tea aficionada, obsessed with tea, fashion & the proper uses for headgear. She is often the center of tea inspired escapades. The Grand Arbiter is the authority on compliments, wit & Tea-based Justice. He leads a deeply hedonistic lifestyle when not judging matters of honor.

Paige Mattern has been sewing for over 30 years, specializing in plus size costuming, and every outfit has a hat. She loves to create new outfits all year long and loves to share how she made them even more.

Ed Morlan started costuming before he even knew it by designing and sewing his own gear for military training’s and finding his way to an occasional movie set. While on movie sets, he met a group of guys who managed to get him to a real reenactment and ever since he has been very involved in costuming. He runs his own sutler store at reenactments, hand-making items in wood, leather and forging metal. Ed is a civil war reenactor, 13th century longbow archer, Rev War Longhunter, and dabbles in Roman, Greek, WW2 Navy, Steampunk Fantasy and Sci-Fi.

Bob Mogg, The Iron Tailor, is an engineer by training, a historian by education, a teacher by experience, a costumer by preference, and an all-around maker just because that’s what he is good at! Combining all of these talents results in a prolific maker who takes the time to document and teach classes about some of his gadgets and costumes. Since not everyone will fit into a classroom, he makes all of these projects available on his blog: TheIronTailor.blogspot.com.

Mary Nuzum – Mary has been active in the San Diego Steampunk community since 2015. She loves to collect vintage materials to repurpose into costumes, artful decor and jewelry.

Brittany Olivieri is an actor, cosplayer, seamstress, artist, and blue ribbon winning crafter. Her many mediums include cake, clay, clothing, jewelry, paper, set pieces, and tablescapes. Brittany specializes in doing things on a tight budget and repurposing/reusing everything she can. Believing making things shouldn’t be expensive, and that there is beauty in what others thought was trash.

RJ Perez – Gaslight’s long time friend, Ralph J. Pérez, or R.J. – as he’s known in our Steampunk and costume community, touts himself an Adventurer – complete with Fedora and shoulder bag! He’s zig-zagged across the U.S. multiple times, visited various countries, and has traveled to places as remote as Antarctica.

Gordon L Permann II -Gordon took a passion for aviation to 31 countries on six continents, serving as an Intel Specialist and Helicopter SAR Swimmer in the US Navy, Paralleling that career, he began a 40_ year association with the San Diego Air & Space Museum, serving a variety of roles. His interests include airships, Pre-Wright aviators, and nightfighters; served as host for squadron reunions for WWII groups in the US and Germany. Proud father, active Wingwalker.

Stephen W. Potts spent 40 years teaching at UCSD and SDSU. During that period he published fiction, parodic verse, editorials, reviews, and much critique on science fiction, fantasy, American literature, and the intersection of science and the humanities. He has been a panelist and presenter at genre gatherings from Comic-Con to WorldCon. Recent publications include, as editor, an anthology of criticism on The Hobbit (Salem Books 2018) and the volume Chasing Shadows (Tor 2017) in collaboration with author David Brin. Soon to be published: an essay on this century’s versions of Sherlock Holmes and another on space travel in film.

Alicia Rabb – I am an easily distracted time traveler, in search of all the newest scientific gadgets, historical works, fashion, tea and swords. Acceptable bribes are Chocolate, Anything with Anise, steel and a good natured sassy debates. When adulting I can be found working as a NYS Licensed Optician.

Charles Spratley – Originally from San Diego, Charles has been working in the history field for over 25 years. Working for the San Diego History Center as a guide and administrator for historical homes as well as working in some of the most interesting house museums in the Southern California area. Charles presented lectures on history at USD as well as the Congress of History and wrote a book on his adventures in the paranormal, “Piercing the Veil: Examining San Diego’s Haunted History”. Charles is the Vice Chair of the Friends of the Villa Montezuma

Carol Taylor {Artist, Maker, Jeweler, Taxidermist} – Carol combines her studies in zoological research and entomology to create original statement jewelry pieces and wearable taxidermy. She combines metal smith and taxidermy craft to create her unique steampunk character in classic macabre style, always emphasizing the Neo Victorian Aesthetic. Owner of the The Brass Planchette, Carol Focuses her business to help those (new or already familiar) enjoy and learn more about steampunk, the Victorian era and Neo Victorian Living- all with an emphasis on the occult, fatal fads of the time, and mediumship craze that came at the turn of the century!

Willa Taylor {Artist, Maker, Demonologist, Folkloristics} – Willa is a long-time researcher of the occult and paranormal, often involving the intricacy of designing talking boards and specialized paranormal research kits (appropriate to Victorian style). Her deep research dives into cross cultural folklore gives fascinating insights into the superstitions and “haunted” activity of today. Willa’s empiric findings from cryptids to spirits beyond the veil often reflect in her steampunk persona and artistic concepts.

Luke Tesluk is passionate about film, writing, and entertainment. As a critic of pop culture, he knows the art of the critique and how to analyze an artifact (i.e. motion pictures and books) with an understanding of the characters, story, and the message of the artist. As a delegate of California’s AD 76, CADEM Voter Service Committee, and SDCDP Central Committee Alternate, he is also passionate about making the world a better place.

Lady Evelyn Upson-Downes travels the world in her hot air balloon on expeditions hunting for artistic inspiration. In reality, I am addicted to making pretty things out of paper or beads and writing murder mystery plots for others’ amusement. I have been offering Steampunk workshops since discovering this fabulous group of adventurers at my first convention in 2013. When I rest from my astral travels, there’s no place like my desert home in Tucson, Arizona.

Kathy Whelan has been a maker her entire life. Starting as a child in her grandparent’s woodworking and ceramics studios. Her mediums include enamel work as well as polymer clay, though her passion is glassblowing. In addition to being a maker, Kathy enjoys sharing her love of making by teaching and facilitating others in their makes.

Updated:September 27, 2022