Meet the Board
President - Mary Witwer
I love everything about quilting. I love the fabrics, colors, patterns, designs, machines, tools, and modalities as all are fascinating to me. I enjoy seeing what other people have made, and sharing my knowledge with others. As a member of TQG since 2018, I continue to be inspired by other members and the many educational opportunities provided by this guild. Sewing and crafting has been part of my life since I was very young thanks to being exposed to my mother’s multiple talents. Soon after graduating from University of South Carolina with a degree in Elementary Education, I taught 4th grade in my hometown, Columbia, SC and North Charleston. After my husband, Rich, joined the Navy, I enjoyed every new adventure, especially meeting new people and expanding my sewing and crafting. Sewing for my young son and daughter, I took my skills of French hand sewing and English smocking to the Boston area. While teaching classes at various shops, I also helped begin a chapter of The Smocking Arts Guild. Eventually, all things fabric related led to a fascination with quilting. On the professional side, as an LCSW I worked for the City of Virginia Beach for 30 years, and retired from Mental Health Emergency Services as the program manager. Needless to say, sewing was, and still is, my primary de-stressor. However, being among so many creative, positive and energetic quilters in TQG is by far a rewarding way to maintain positive mental health.
I love everything about quilting. I love the fabrics, colors, patterns, designs, machines, tools, and modalities as all are fascinating to me. I enjoy seeing what other people have made, and sharing my knowledge with others. As a member of TQG since 2018, I continue to be inspired by other members and the many educational opportunities provided by this guild. Sewing and crafting has been part of my life since I was very young thanks to being exposed to my mother’s multiple talents. Soon after graduating from University of South Carolina with a degree in Elementary Education, I taught 4th grade in my hometown, Columbia, SC and North Charleston. After my husband, Rich, joined the Navy, I enjoyed every new adventure, especially meeting new people and expanding my sewing and crafting. Sewing for my young son and daughter, I took my skills of French hand sewing and English smocking to the Boston area. While teaching classes at various shops, I also helped begin a chapter of The Smocking Arts Guild. Eventually, all things fabric related led to a fascination with quilting. On the professional side, as an LCSW I worked for the City of Virginia Beach for 30 years, and retired from Mental Health Emergency Services as the program manager. Needless to say, sewing was, and still is, my primary de-stressor. However, being among so many creative, positive and energetic quilters in TQG is by far a rewarding way to maintain positive mental health.
First Vice President - Lee Green
I came to quilting in a circuitous route. At an early age I ran ramped through the crafting world. At the pentacle of my crewel work phase I sewed my project to my skirt. Even after that I continued onto cross stitch and needlepoint. Then onto wood: refinishing furniture, designing and building furniture. When I learned seniors could audit TCC classes at no charge, I took several glass fusing and glass blowing classes. I still have several cool pieces from this phase mostly paperweights and bud vases. I have been dabbling in quilting throughout the years but these days quilting is my niche. I mostly quilt projects with others in mind. I really enjoy the entire quilting process, design, piecing and the free motion quilting part. There is so much to learn, and I find that fun. I have recently taken a wood turning class and made several quilting tools.
I came to quilting in a circuitous route. At an early age I ran ramped through the crafting world. At the pentacle of my crewel work phase I sewed my project to my skirt. Even after that I continued onto cross stitch and needlepoint. Then onto wood: refinishing furniture, designing and building furniture. When I learned seniors could audit TCC classes at no charge, I took several glass fusing and glass blowing classes. I still have several cool pieces from this phase mostly paperweights and bud vases. I have been dabbling in quilting throughout the years but these days quilting is my niche. I mostly quilt projects with others in mind. I really enjoy the entire quilting process, design, piecing and the free motion quilting part. There is so much to learn, and I find that fun. I have recently taken a wood turning class and made several quilting tools.
Second Vice President – Heather Kojan
I've been sewing since my teens and quilting for more than 25 years. My first quilt was an Eleanor Burns Quilt in a Day. Since I had a king-sized bed, it made sense to me to make a king sized quilt. Go big or go home, right? That quilt was in shades of mauve and dusty blue (hello mid '80's!) Let's just say my fabric tastes have changed since then!
I consider myself a modern quilter, with traditional roots. I'm the founder of the Baltimore Modern Quilt Guild and love speaking to different groups and sharing the modern aesthetic. You can often find me teaching at quilt guilds and quilt shows around the country.
I'm a contributing author to the book Classic Modern Quilts and a featured quilter in The Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters by Sherri Lynn Wood, and 50 Little Gifts published by Lucky Spool. You can frequently find my work in Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Magazine, Modern Patchwork Magazine, Quiltmaker Magazine, Curated Quilts Magazine and QuiltCon Magazine, Let's connect! You can find me on my blog: www.heatherkojan.com or on Instagram @heatherkojan.
I've been sewing since my teens and quilting for more than 25 years. My first quilt was an Eleanor Burns Quilt in a Day. Since I had a king-sized bed, it made sense to me to make a king sized quilt. Go big or go home, right? That quilt was in shades of mauve and dusty blue (hello mid '80's!) Let's just say my fabric tastes have changed since then!
I consider myself a modern quilter, with traditional roots. I'm the founder of the Baltimore Modern Quilt Guild and love speaking to different groups and sharing the modern aesthetic. You can often find me teaching at quilt guilds and quilt shows around the country.
I'm a contributing author to the book Classic Modern Quilts and a featured quilter in The Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters by Sherri Lynn Wood, and 50 Little Gifts published by Lucky Spool. You can frequently find my work in Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Magazine, Modern Patchwork Magazine, Quiltmaker Magazine, Curated Quilts Magazine and QuiltCon Magazine, Let's connect! You can find me on my blog: www.heatherkojan.com or on Instagram @heatherkojan.
Executive Secretary - Darlene Price
Darlene Price has been around a needle and thread and a sewing machine all her life. After she retired as a Commercial Real Estate Paralegal her goal was to figure out quilting. In 2013, armed with a needle, thread and cardboard templates she embarked on her first quilt. When she got to the binding, she couldn’t figure out how to do that by hand so she bought a machine. Darlene hasn't looked back and is the happiest she has ever been.
Darlene Price has been around a needle and thread and a sewing machine all her life. After she retired as a Commercial Real Estate Paralegal her goal was to figure out quilting. In 2013, armed with a needle, thread and cardboard templates she embarked on her first quilt. When she got to the binding, she couldn’t figure out how to do that by hand so she bought a machine. Darlene hasn't looked back and is the happiest she has ever been.
Treasurer - Lisa Frieman
Lisa learned how to sew at a young age, but was introduced to quilting in 1993 by two of her shipmates in the Navy. She came to a TQG Night Meeting and was hooked. Her first position she volunteered for was as Night Chapter Librarian (back when there were 8 crates of books and we brought all of them to the meetings!). She started out as a quilter who only did everything by hand, but realized her bucket list would not get done if she did not also incorporate some machine work as well. She still loves to hand quilt, as that is relaxing to her, and is currently working on a whole cloth quilt (only during colder months-too hot in summer!). When Lisa is not working or quilting, she and her husband love to ride their motorcycles out on the back roads of Virginia and North Carolina when the weather allows.
Lisa learned how to sew at a young age, but was introduced to quilting in 1993 by two of her shipmates in the Navy. She came to a TQG Night Meeting and was hooked. Her first position she volunteered for was as Night Chapter Librarian (back when there were 8 crates of books and we brought all of them to the meetings!). She started out as a quilter who only did everything by hand, but realized her bucket list would not get done if she did not also incorporate some machine work as well. She still loves to hand quilt, as that is relaxing to her, and is currently working on a whole cloth quilt (only during colder months-too hot in summer!). When Lisa is not working or quilting, she and her husband love to ride their motorcycles out on the back roads of Virginia and North Carolina when the weather allows.
Membership Officer - Maily Roberts-Jacob
By day, Maily Roberts-Jacobs manages rental properties with care and precision—but by night, Maily trades spreadsheets for stitches as she dives headfirst into the colorful world of quilting. A lifelong admirer of the craft, Maily was drawn to quilting in her 20s but never had the opportunity to learn. She was raised in Charleston, SC and as a Southern Girl, grew up to love eating and cooking southern soul food and anything Crocheting, Knitting, Cross Stitching and now Quilting. With needle in hand, a full stomach and a heart full of inspiration, she’s thrilled to finally begin her quilting journey. A new member of the Tidewater Quilters Guild, Maily is eager to learn from others, soak up as much knowledge as possible, and one day create beautiful quilts that reflect her creativity and newfound passion. She’s also excited to be the new Membership Officer and being a part of a community that shares her love for fabric, design, and the art of storytelling through quilting.
By day, Maily Roberts-Jacobs manages rental properties with care and precision—but by night, Maily trades spreadsheets for stitches as she dives headfirst into the colorful world of quilting. A lifelong admirer of the craft, Maily was drawn to quilting in her 20s but never had the opportunity to learn. She was raised in Charleston, SC and as a Southern Girl, grew up to love eating and cooking southern soul food and anything Crocheting, Knitting, Cross Stitching and now Quilting. With needle in hand, a full stomach and a heart full of inspiration, she’s thrilled to finally begin her quilting journey. A new member of the Tidewater Quilters Guild, Maily is eager to learn from others, soak up as much knowledge as possible, and one day create beautiful quilts that reflect her creativity and newfound passion. She’s also excited to be the new Membership Officer and being a part of a community that shares her love for fabric, design, and the art of storytelling through quilting.
Newsletter Editor - Catherine Reilly
Catherine has been a member of TQG since 2020. Catherine grew up on the South Shore of Long Island in New York. As her three boys started to get older, she decided to take up quilting as a hobby. She has been quilting for about 20 years now, and decided that joining TQG was probably the only way to make new friends during a global pandemic. She will tell you that she was correct. She worked for Chase Auto Finance for 33 of her 35 years with the bank. She retired as the Vice President of Leasing in 2019 and decided it was time to move closer to her 4 grandchildren. Catherine is very inspired by the talented members of TQG, and looks forward to growing her skills as a quilter.
Catherine has been a member of TQG since 2020. Catherine grew up on the South Shore of Long Island in New York. As her three boys started to get older, she decided to take up quilting as a hobby. She has been quilting for about 20 years now, and decided that joining TQG was probably the only way to make new friends during a global pandemic. She will tell you that she was correct. She worked for Chase Auto Finance for 33 of her 35 years with the bank. She retired as the Vice President of Leasing in 2019 and decided it was time to move closer to her 4 grandchildren. Catherine is very inspired by the talented members of TQG, and looks forward to growing her skills as a quilter.
Day Chapter Coordinator - Susan Newsom
Hello fellow quilters, I am Susan Sponaugle Newsom, your new Day Chapter Coordinator.
I have been sewing since junior year at Western Branch High School in Chesapeake where I grew up. I started with cross stitch and took my first quilting course at University of Virginia.
My paternal grandmother was an avid quilter and sewed Barbie doll cloths for me growing up.
My father was a Navy eye surgeon and we stayed in the area when he got out of the Navy in 1972. My parents grew up in Franklin, West Virginia where we have a family farm .
I married my husband, Roger in July 1987. We have four daughters, one of whom is Caroline, a TQG member as well.
In recent years I have been drawn towards more modern quilting but I do enjoy learning about many different techniques.
I’m very thankful you have chosen me to lead you for this term of service. Many blessings to you all
Hello fellow quilters, I am Susan Sponaugle Newsom, your new Day Chapter Coordinator.
I have been sewing since junior year at Western Branch High School in Chesapeake where I grew up. I started with cross stitch and took my first quilting course at University of Virginia.
My paternal grandmother was an avid quilter and sewed Barbie doll cloths for me growing up.
My father was a Navy eye surgeon and we stayed in the area when he got out of the Navy in 1972. My parents grew up in Franklin, West Virginia where we have a family farm .
I married my husband, Roger in July 1987. We have four daughters, one of whom is Caroline, a TQG member as well.
In recent years I have been drawn towards more modern quilting but I do enjoy learning about many different techniques.
I’m very thankful you have chosen me to lead you for this term of service. Many blessings to you all
Night Chapter Coordinator - Valerie Ainsworth
Valerie had the honor and privilege of hand-quilting with her grandmothers and great aunts when she was in high school – that lit a flame – they never unstitched her work! On-and-off throughout adult years Valerie has made time to quilt. Raising a family reduced quilting time; instead, kids clothes/costumes, home décor, and activities reigned. Now with an empty nest, quilts are percolating, and new methods are in the works. Lifetime learning continues. Valerie plans to hand-quilt once her piecing & applique skills merit such loving care. Along the way she has spent 20 years leading worship with piano, guitar, mandolin, and other stringed instruments, and helped run Tidewater Friends of Acoustic Music. After a career in Data Analysis and Data Warehousing in healthcare, Valerie is quickly making room for retirement and adding new interests as a Naturalist and world traveler.
Valerie had the honor and privilege of hand-quilting with her grandmothers and great aunts when she was in high school – that lit a flame – they never unstitched her work! On-and-off throughout adult years Valerie has made time to quilt. Raising a family reduced quilting time; instead, kids clothes/costumes, home décor, and activities reigned. Now with an empty nest, quilts are percolating, and new methods are in the works. Lifetime learning continues. Valerie plans to hand-quilt once her piecing & applique skills merit such loving care. Along the way she has spent 20 years leading worship with piano, guitar, mandolin, and other stringed instruments, and helped run Tidewater Friends of Acoustic Music. After a career in Data Analysis and Data Warehousing in healthcare, Valerie is quickly making room for retirement and adding new interests as a Naturalist and world traveler.
Saturday Chapter Coordinator - Betty Heck
After working in state and federal courts clerk's offices, I began my dream job of being a stay at
home mom in 2004 when we moved to Chesapeake. I started cross stitching reproduction
samplers and quilting in 2018 when my teenage daughter stated that I needed to stop making so
many scrapbook albums, she would never have room to store all of them. Not knowing anyone
who quilts I turned to youtube and my journey began. I would say I am a traditional quilter
who loves a good challenge. I am currently working on my first English paper piecing quilt
using hexagons. I joined TQG in 2023.
After working in state and federal courts clerk's offices, I began my dream job of being a stay at
home mom in 2004 when we moved to Chesapeake. I started cross stitching reproduction
samplers and quilting in 2018 when my teenage daughter stated that I needed to stop making so
many scrapbook albums, she would never have room to store all of them. Not knowing anyone
who quilts I turned to youtube and my journey began. I would say I am a traditional quilter
who loves a good challenge. I am currently working on my first English paper piecing quilt
using hexagons. I joined TQG in 2023.
Raffle Quilt Officer - Christie Prenger
I have been crafting since I was a little girl. In 2007, I was introduced to the world of
quilting, and never looked back. I have made many dozens of quilts, each more challenging
than the last. My favorite part is adjusting a pattern to suit my needs such as changing the size
of a block, adding more colors, or using different techniques to accomplish the same look. I will
often do this for fellow quilters to maximize the use of limited fabrics, or tools in their stash.
Since taking on the hobby of quilting, I have won several awards for both my designs and longarm quilting including 1st place ribbons in both our TQG quilt show as well as the Virginia State Fair. Since joining TQG I have been on many committees such as Spring Fling, where I designed raffle blocks and taught classes, the quilt show committee designing and quilting raffle quilts, and the Executive Board as the Saturday Chapter coordinator. In my non-quilting life, I am a Navy Veteran, spouse of 27 years, mother of 2, college graduate, an experienced retail customer service representative and caretaker of 2 fur babies that were destined to be in our lives. I am looking forward to fulfilling my current role as the 2025 Raffle Quilt Officer.
I have been crafting since I was a little girl. In 2007, I was introduced to the world of
quilting, and never looked back. I have made many dozens of quilts, each more challenging
than the last. My favorite part is adjusting a pattern to suit my needs such as changing the size
of a block, adding more colors, or using different techniques to accomplish the same look. I will
often do this for fellow quilters to maximize the use of limited fabrics, or tools in their stash.
Since taking on the hobby of quilting, I have won several awards for both my designs and longarm quilting including 1st place ribbons in both our TQG quilt show as well as the Virginia State Fair. Since joining TQG I have been on many committees such as Spring Fling, where I designed raffle blocks and taught classes, the quilt show committee designing and quilting raffle quilts, and the Executive Board as the Saturday Chapter coordinator. In my non-quilting life, I am a Navy Veteran, spouse of 27 years, mother of 2, college graduate, an experienced retail customer service representative and caretaker of 2 fur babies that were destined to be in our lives. I am looking forward to fulfilling my current role as the 2025 Raffle Quilt Officer.
Community Services Chair - Cindy Reno
Quilt Show Chairman- Debby Coleman
During a trip to the American Museum in Bath, England Debby fell in love with quilts. She had to wait until she retired from her job as a Child Protection lawyer following her marriage 14 years ago, before she had the time to indulge her love. Since then she has developed into a broad and eclectic quilter, enjoying. both hand and machine piecing, modern and traditional. Her quilting has benefitted from the opportunity to live in the US for the last 10 years and prior to that on an American airbase in Germany as her husband continues his military service with the Royal Air Force. Debby has filled a number of positions on the Board and is now back as Technology Officer for 2024/25
During a trip to the American Museum in Bath, England Debby fell in love with quilts. She had to wait until she retired from her job as a Child Protection lawyer following her marriage 14 years ago, before she had the time to indulge her love. Since then she has developed into a broad and eclectic quilter, enjoying. both hand and machine piecing, modern and traditional. Her quilting has benefitted from the opportunity to live in the US for the last 10 years and prior to that on an American airbase in Germany as her husband continues his military service with the Royal Air Force. Debby has filled a number of positions on the Board and is now back as Technology Officer for 2024/25
Technology Officer- Norene Skiles
Norene is the newly elected Technology Officer. She served as President from 2023-2025, Newsletter Editor for TQG from 2017 until 2023. She has served the board in the past has Head Librarian and Web-mistress (before it was an elected position), and several Night Chapter appointed positions over the past 25 plus years as a TQG member.
She began sewing at age 9, making doll clothes for her Barbie. Over the years she sewed clothing for herself and her two daughters, as well as home items as she moved around following her husband’s Naval career. Norene worked as a public school teacher and then Library Media Specialist with Virginia Beach Public Schools. She is currently retired and reports that she quilts everyday. She has two daughters (both quilters) and 4 grandchildren. Her only granddaughter has shown an interest in sewing , and Norene enjoys spending time teaching her those skills.
She began quilting with the birth her first grandchild about 20 years ago and has not stopped. Over the years she has made many baby quilts for co-workers and family. Since retiring, she has began working on larger quilts. The creative aspect of design is her favorite part of quilting. Some of her quilts involve creating her own fabrics, and most of her quilts are self– drafted, pieced and quilted. Machine quilting and piecing are her primary means of creating quilts. She teaches quilting and lectures to guilds in person and on Zoom. https://luvtwocreate.wordpress.com/
Norene is the newly elected Technology Officer. She served as President from 2023-2025, Newsletter Editor for TQG from 2017 until 2023. She has served the board in the past has Head Librarian and Web-mistress (before it was an elected position), and several Night Chapter appointed positions over the past 25 plus years as a TQG member.
She began sewing at age 9, making doll clothes for her Barbie. Over the years she sewed clothing for herself and her two daughters, as well as home items as she moved around following her husband’s Naval career. Norene worked as a public school teacher and then Library Media Specialist with Virginia Beach Public Schools. She is currently retired and reports that she quilts everyday. She has two daughters (both quilters) and 4 grandchildren. Her only granddaughter has shown an interest in sewing , and Norene enjoys spending time teaching her those skills.
She began quilting with the birth her first grandchild about 20 years ago and has not stopped. Over the years she has made many baby quilts for co-workers and family. Since retiring, she has began working on larger quilts. The creative aspect of design is her favorite part of quilting. Some of her quilts involve creating her own fabrics, and most of her quilts are self– drafted, pieced and quilted. Machine quilting and piecing are her primary means of creating quilts. She teaches quilting and lectures to guilds in person and on Zoom. https://luvtwocreate.wordpress.com/