Kjell Hedgard Hugaas hails from Northern Norway, and his varied background can often provide him with a unique perspective on game design. With over two decades of experience of design in the Nordic larp community, Kjell is deeply engaged in exploring the transformative potential of games. His academic pursuits, including two master’s theses at Uppsala University, delves deeper into the psychological and social impacts of immersive gaming experiences. Beyond academia, Kjell has employed his management skills in the public sphere for nearly 15 years, demonstrating his commitment to driving direct positive change through engagement with society. Like Sarah and Josephine, Kjell has a strong background in safety work in role-playing communities.

Sarah Lynne Bowman brings a wealth of expertise to the team. With a background in academia, Sarah is not only a scholar but also a seasoned game designer and event organizer. Her passion lies in researching analog role-playing games as catalysts for personal and social change. Through her role as a Docent and Associate Professor in Game Design at Uppsala University Campus Gotland and programme coordinator for the Master’s in Transformative Game Design, Sarah continues to shape the future of education. Additionally, her co-organizing of various conferences, such as Living Games and the Transformative Play Initiative Seminar, underscores her dedication to advancing the field. More at Sarahlynnebowman.com

Josephine Baird’s role as a Board Member reflects her multifaceted contributions to the team. As a lecturer at Uppsala University’s Game Design Department and a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Vienna, Josephine combines her expertise in education with her passion for game design. Her research focuses on the intersection of games, identity, gender, and sexualities, aiming to create safer spaces for exploration. Beyond academia, Josephine’s creative endeavors extend to writing, visual art, and podcasting, showcasing her diverse talents. She is also a sensitivity reader and cultural consultant for the games industry, demonstrating her commitment to care. More at https://JosephineBaird.com