founder + lead educator

Salena Baca

I learned to crochet before grade school and haven’t put my hook down since. I currently live in Oregon, love a good meal, and am always ready to travel.

  • 2009-present: Salena Baca Crochet (500+ patterns, and counting)
  • 2012-2016: Design Wars Challenge, Founder
  • 2014-2017: Happily Hooked Magazine, Content Coordinator / Director of Relations
  • 2014-2016: The Pattern Pack, Founder / Editor
  • 2015-present: American Crochet Association, Founder / Lead Educator
  • 2015-present: Crochet Pattern Author (18+ books, so far)
Salena Baca Headshot
Marketing consultant

Katy Gelhausen

I’m a marketing consultant and founder of Simply Gold Studio, where I help creative entrepreneurs simplify their marketing and develop sustainable strategies for growth. In my free time, I enjoy sewing, cross-stitching, and exploring the fiber arts.

  • Simply Gold Studio – Let’s Build Your Marketing systems for Long-Term Results (because your craft deserves more than a quick fix)!
katy-gelhausen-headshot-aca
Editor

Alecia Goodman

I’m an editor, graphic designer, and artist with a love for storytelling. I spend most of my time reading, drawing, and crocheting. My work is inspired by life and my imagination. I learned to crochet in second grade from my mom, and I’ve been an artist for even longer.

Alecia Goodman
video production

Julie King

I’m a southern California based crochet designer, blogger, author, yarn hoarder, and beach bum. I create patterns for goodies that you’ll love to make and wear, and I have a talent for creating awesome video tutorials.

  • Ravelry shop – Check out my pattern inventory!
  • Blog – Click on over to find articles, tips, patterns, and more!
  • YouTube – Patterns, stitches, techniques, and some fun vlogs… come watch them all!
Julie King Headshot - American Crochet Association
brand strategy + design

Jess Vengersky

I’m a New Jersey based graphic designer and brand strategist, with a passion for getting to know my clients so their brand can feel unique and authentic. At my company, Parker Designs, I create stand-out brands and visual systems that help my clients connect with their ideal customers. I’ve been a crocheter and knitter for 20 years and my Wife and I love to visit the Sheep & Wool Festival in NY every year.

  • By Parker Designs – Brand strategy and design that’s uniquely you!
  • Pinterest – Follow for insights on branding, visual identity, and tips for business success!
Jess Molchan - By Parker Designs - American Crochet Association
columnist

Kathryn Vercillo

I’m a San Francisco-based writer-crafter with expertise in crochet-as-therapy. I love interviewing people and reading stories about how crochet has helped them in various parts of their lives.

  • Author of Crochet Saved My Life and Hook to Heal
  • Founder of Mandalas for Marinke, a collaborative crochet art project raising suicide prevention awareness
  • Columnist for Happily Hooked, Plymouth Yarn, and Interweave Crochet
  • Published in Crochet! Magazine, By Hand, and Knit Edge
  • Crochet article and tutorial writer for Craftsy, Lion Brand, The Spruce, Marly Bird
  • Contributing crochet artist to collaborative installations including Liberty Crochet Mural, Knitting Us Together and YBLA
  • 2024: Launched Threadstack, a Substack community of yarn and fiber lovers
  • The best way to find me today is at Create Me Free
kathryn vercillo - American Crochet Association
social media + community outreach

Amanda Woodbury

I fell in love with crochet in 2014 and turned that passion into a career designing patterns, teaching, and supporting makers. I’m an instructor certified through the Craft Yarn Council and the American Crochet Association, and author of The Creative Journaling Experience. Today, I run The Mindful Hook, where I share beginner-friendly patterns and teach the confidence-building power of crochet.

Amanda Woodbury - American Crochet Association
technical production

Laurie Yuenger

Photography is my passion, but yarn and crochet are a close second.

Lion Brand Yarn Mandala Cake - American Crochet Association