Outskirts Press, INC.

Laurie Garo has doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction for Urban Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She received the Outstanding Dissertation Award from the Counseling Division of the American Education Research Association (AERA) for her work with trauma from violence exposure, and school-based, healing oriented trauma interventions. Laurie is also a competitive bodybuilder with certifications in Ultimate Bodybuilding and in Trauma Intervention through Sports. She leads Lifting Inspirations, LLC, a trauma-responsive approach for resiliency in boys, utilizing weight lifting, wellness and mentorship to build confidence, strengthen character, and develop leadership skills.

Justin Surgeon is a fine artist also known as Inigma, originally from Greensboro, NC. He started his art career in Charlotte, NC in 2015; specializing in acrylic paint, oil paint and various other mediums that include custom portraits and designs. Justin began taking his art seriously after a severe accident in Spring of 2015. Starting simply as an outlet of expression, his art quickly turned into something much more valuable. Justin’s passion for art and creating in general has been a catalyst of growth for him over the years & is still a prime factor for him today.