About Us

Emerson Spartz | Founder/Owner/Webmaster
Age: 25 (Birthday: February 17th)
Location: Indiana, near Chicago
Email: Use the feedback form
Favorite Bands: All Time Low, The Starting Line, Linkin Park, The Academy I s, Panic! At the Disco and Fall Out Boy
Favorite Movies: Caddyshack, Austin Powers (I and II), Star Wars (all) and It's a Wonderful Life
Favorite T.V. Shows: The Simpsons, Family Guy, West Wing, Daily Show, Colbe rt Report
Favorite Food: McDonalds' Sausage McMuffin w/Egg Twitter: @emersonspartz
A Little About Me: I founded MuggleNet 10 years ago. I was 12. I was bored. And homeschooled. Now I'm 22. I graduated from Notre Dame. I have two brothers, Dylan (20 - scroll down) and Drew (10). They are awesome. I play lots of sports. I am a HUGE nerd. I read between 100-200 non-fiction books a year. I'm a pathological optimist.

At first, I thought I was 'too cool' for Harry Potter . Wizards, broomsticks?! Kid stuff! Then I read the first two books in one night. And PoA the next night. And started MuggleNet a month later.

I co-founded GivesMeHope. It's like FML, but happy.

I met JK Rowling. Yes, it was the high light of my life. The night Book 7 came out was crazy. I pro posed to my wife Gaby Montero at a Chicago Bulls game. She's adorable. Geral do likes me. This news anchor is dumb.

By the way, if you email me and don't get a response back, please don't take it personally. My typing monkeys have been threatening to strike, and my inbox is a disaster area.

Keith Hawk | News Editor
Age: 46 (Birthday: September 20)
Location: Macungie, Pennsylvania, USA
Email: keith at staff dot mugglenet dot com
Online: Twitter | Facebook
Sections Maintained: News, Daily Trivia, Madam Rosmertas Recipe Section, Promotional Guru, and wherever else I need to spend my attention on.
Favorite TV Shows: 24 Top Gear (UK), all sports, Food Network, and History Channel
Favorite Movies: HP of course, Bourne Identity series, LOTR, Hunt for Red October, too many to list really
Favorite Music: Believe it or not....Nirvana, Bush, STP, most Grunge and Classic Rock
A Little About Me: I am not the oldest HP fan, but I am one of the most devoted in my age group. I've collected the books as they came out since 2000 for my daughter, but it wasn't until the 2005 release of HBP that I decided to see what this was all about. WOW! I was lost in the world and still love retreating to it today. I have read the series more times than I can recall, and that makes me obsessed, right? Well, I had the pleasure of being a larger part of the fan base when I was asked to help develop programs for the Enlightening 2007 HP convention in Philadelphia. I played Dumbledore for the opening feast, and introduced the MuggleCast team to the crowds. Then I even developed and hosted a "HP Jeopardy" style trivia contest for the various age groups including a MuggleNet special in which our own Ben Schoen and Jamie Lawrence participated and had fun. I was also inducted into the Atlanta HP group in Atlanta Georgia when I co-hosted a fabulous group of fellow fans to "HP Family Feud" and "HP Jeopardy" games with my good friend Hanako. Needless to say, I love my HP friends and family!

Noah Fried | Content Editor
Age: 22 (Birthday: December 18)
Location: New York
E-mail: noah at staff dot mugglenet dot com
Online: Twitter
House: Hufflepuff
Favorite Movies: Zoolander, American Pie, Harry Potter 3, Help!, Fight Club, The Dark Knight, That Thing You Do!
Favorite Music: Beatles, Blink-182, Sugarcult, All-American Rejects, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Green Day, Ambulance LTD, Harry and the Potters, Weezer, Radiohead
A Little About Me: I am a man of simple ambition. All I want in life is to 1) Write an internationally best-selling novel; 2) Meet J.K. Rowling face to face and ask her my burning questions and 3) Date (if not seduce and marry) Emma Watson. Originally I also wanted to work for the greatest website and host the greatest podcast in the world - but it would appear I already do those things, so I've crossed them off my list.
I oversee the vast content sections around the site and enjoy featuring talented Harry Potter fans on MuggleNet. If HP has inspired you to create an art piece of any kind or write a critical essay, send it to me in an e-mail and I will share it with the world!

Kat Miller | Publicity Manager
Age: 30 (Birthday June 15th)
Location: Western Massachusetts
House: Ravenclaw
Email: kat at staff dot mugglenet dot com
Online: Facebook | Twitter
A Little About Me: I credit my obsessive love of Harry Potter to my best friend, Hope. She convinced me to watch Sorcerer's Stone and I was immediately drawn in. I went right out and purchased the books and devoured them in no time. Harry renewed a love for reading that I had long since lost. I stumbled upon MuggleNet shortly after and became a frequent visitor. I was hired in 2006 as a gallery coder, and slowly took on odd jobs. I took over and reinvented Fan of the Week back February of 2009 then publicity in late 2012! October 2013 marks my seven year anniversary with MuggleNet, and I hope to be with the site for many years to come!
When I'm not online reading all of your emails (YES! I read ALL of them!) I am a small business owner in Western Massachusetts. I run a successful photography studio and design business. I am also very interested in fashion, graphic design, music of all kinds, interior design, & keeping fit and healthy. I am in love with my MINI Cooper Convertible and wouldn't trade it for the world. Well...maybe for a chat with Jo.

Eric Scull | Content Supervisor
Age: 23 (Birthday: April 23rd)
Location: Chicago, IL
Favorite Movies: Back to the Future, The Terminator, Die Hard
Favorite Bands/Music: The Kinks, Electric Light Orchestra
Email: EricLMugglenet at aol dot com
A Little About Me: I have enjoyed contributing content to MuggleNet since late 2002, when I was very young. Since then, I've traveled around the globe with friends, something that would not have been possible without either the confidence that the Potter books inspired within me or the opportunities that resulted fro m my work here on the site and on MuggleCast. I was born in Reading, Pennsylv ania and now reside in Chicago, IL. I have a full-time job and live with two roommates, each with big friendly canine s. I enjoy life, and I pursue writing as a passion.

Laura Reilly | Video Supervisor
Age: 18 (Birthday: September 3rd)
Location: New Jersey, USA
E-mail: laurar at staff dot mugglenet dot com
Pottermore House: Gryffindor
Favorite Movies: Harry Potter, Braveheart, 500 Days of Summer, Across the Uni verse.
Favorite TV Shows: Lost, Globe Trekker, 30 Rock, Breaking Bad.
Favorite Bands/Music: Billy Joel, Mumford and Sons, Florence and the Machine, fun.
A Little About Me: When I was seven, I made a deal with my mom: I was only allowed to see The Sorcerer's Stone movie, which she deemed 'too scary,' if I read the book first. So I did, and an obsession was born. I started visiting MuggleNet when I was eight and I've been an avid reader ever since. I've also always been a huge fan of MuggleCast, which got me involved in the online Harry Potter community. While Harry will always be my biggest passion, my other hobbies include playing piano and guitar, listening to music, and rock climbing. I am studying journalism and cultural anthropology in school, and I'm thrilled to be able to combine my love of writing with my love of Harry Potter by working at MuggleNet!
Feel free to add me on Twitter.

Tracey Wong | Senior Transcript Editor
Age: 21 (Birthday: May 10)
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
E-mail: tracey at staff dot mugglenet dot com
Pottermore House: Ravenclaw
A Little About Me: I have been a member of the MuggleCast transcript team since early 2009 (working as a transcriber since February 2009, transcript editor since February 2010, and transcript senior editor since October 2011) and was asked to join the MuggleNet staff in early 2012. I don't remember exactly when I started reading the Harry Potter books, but it was probably around 1999/2000. I did not discover the online fan community until much later, but I am forever grateful that I did in the end. I love anything and everything to do with Harry Potter, including the fan sites, podcasts, wizard rock and various Harry Potter related YouTube channels. I am currently studying for a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Information Systems at the University of Auckland.
Feel free to follow me on Twitter.

Alexandra Maher | Social Media
Age: 19 (Birthday: September 23rd)
Location: Sydney, Australia
Online: Twitter
Pottermore House: Ravenclaw
A Little About Me: I have been a fan of the Harry Potter movies since the beginning but I didn't get into the books until much later, finally finishing Deathly Hallows in 2009. In October 2010 I applied to be a MuggleCast transcriber, and I proceeded to eagerly volunteer to transcribe for Alohomora! and MuggleNet Academia in 2012. After corresponding for MuggleNet in November 2012, I was offered a staff position and gladly accepted!
I'm currently studying a Bachelor of Business and Commerce (Management)/Bachelor of Laws at the University of Western Sydney. I fill my free time with photography, reading, dance classes, podcasts, and endless amounts of Harry Potter and StarKid. I recently discovered my love for travel and cannot wait to continue exploring the world.

Terrance Pinkston Jr. | Social Media
Age: 28 (Birthday: July 11th)
Location: San Antonio, TX
Favorite TV Shows: The Walking Dead, Once Upon A Time, Grey's Anatomy, Star Trek TNG, Voyager, LOST, The Big Bang Theory, Saved By The Bell, Full House, Family Matters, and Game Of Thrones.
Favorite Movies: Harry Potter, Bourne Identity series, LOTR, Lincoln, The Avengers, Batman (1989), Star Wars, Spiderman, X-Men, National Treasure, Titanic, Independence Day, Forrest Gump, Jurassic Park, Home Alone, Top Gun, and anything Disney.
Favorite Music: Justin Bieber, Austin Mahone, Fall Out Boy, Yellow Card, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Bruno Mars, David Guetta, Don Omar, Florida Georgia Line, Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Usher, Michael Jackson
Email: terrance at staff dot mugglenet dot com
A Little About Me: I was introduced to Harry Potter in 2001 when my parents bought S/S. Hesitant at first, it took me 6 months to finally bring myself to watch it. I was instantly hooked. I grabbed all the books at the time, and burned through them. Wanting more and more, I dove deep into the online community on the official Harry Potter website, MuggleNet, and learned as much as I could about theories, plot twists, characters, etc. In 2008 I started a Harry Potter podcast called Hogwarts Radio which discusses everything to do with the series, from the latest news to untied plot points and much more. Hogwarts Radio is released on a bi-weekly schedule. I've been involved with the fandom for quite a while covering various events from movie premieres to interviews with the cast/crew of the films, fan conventions, and recently covered Emerald City Comic Con for MuggleNet.

Outside of Potter I enjoy acting, and producing music for local artists. I'm always up for a good time, and living life to it's fullest!. Feel free to follow me on twitter or Facebook!

Claire Furner | News
Age: 22 (Birthday: April 24th)
Location: Surrey, England, UK
Pottermore House: Hufflepuff and PROUD!
Favorite Movies: This changes on a regular basis but currently I’d probably say Midnight in Paris, The Avengers, Pirates of the Caribbean (The first one, of course. The other 3 never happened) and The Incredibles.
Favorite Shows: Doctor Who, Sherlock, Merlin, Being Human and Firefly.
A Little About Me: First read Harry Potter aged 9 (1999) but became truly hooked the summer of 2001, just before the first film came out. Been visiting MuggleNet for about 10 years so I thought I’d mark the occasion by applying for this internship. I am a theatre graduate getting into arts marketing and have a particular love for social media. Follow me on Twitter or even better, check out my blog for various film, TV or theatre related fangasms.

 

Jessica Jordan | News
Age: 22 (Birthday: October 26th)
Location: Middletown, CT
Pottermore House: Gryffindor
Favorite Music: The Mountain Goats, Nick Drake, The Beatles, Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan, The Magnetic Fields
A Little About Me: I've been a huge fan of Harry Potter since the fourth grade! I stole my sister's book and had to read it in the closet so she wouldn't find me. It's really all uphill from there. It was one of the most exciting moments of my life when I got to come face to face with J.K. Rowling at her recent signing in New York City. I still can't believe that actually happened.
I am currently a senior in college, and am looking forward to getting out into the big wide world after I graduate, although I am not quite sure yet what I will do. I've been reading MuggleNet since I was a young kid, and it's very surreal that I now get the chance to be a part of this team!

 

Veronica Lloyd | News
Age: 18 (Birthday: January 31st)
Location: California, USA
Pottermore House: Gryffindor
Favorite Shows: The Walking Dead, American Horror Story, The Vampire Diaries.
Favorite Bands/Music: Jack's Mannequin, Of Monsters and Men, Ed Sheeran, You Me At Six, Anberlin, The Killers, Relient k
A Little About Me: I was introduced to Harry Potter at the age of seven when my aunt sent me Sorcerer's Stone as a Halloween present. My mom told me that I couldn't see the first movie which came out the next month until I finished the book. I sped through it as fast as I could, sparking an obsession that cannot be contained. Since then, keeping up to date with all things Potter-related has become part of my daily routine. When I first discovered MuggleNet I knew it would be my favorite site. It became my online homepage for years, and I will never forget meeting one of my great friends in the MN comments. When I saw an opening as an intern, I jumped at the opportunity. Harry Potter is the one thing that never fails to put me in a good mood. I am so grateful for all of the wonderful memories the series has provided me with over the years. Outside of Harry Potter, I'm a student at Saint Mary's College of California. I dedicate a lot of time to writing (3-year NaNoWriMo participant) in hopes to one day write a novel of my own. I'm also a passionate runner, reader, and blogger. Feel free to follow me on Twitter (caution: I tweet way too often).

Laura Medicoff | News
Age: 17 (Birthday:December 21st)
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Pottermore House: Gryffindor
Favorite Shows: LOST, Fringe, CSI (LV), Once Upon a Time, Big Bang Theory, Modern Family
Favorite Movies:Pan’s Labyrinth, V for Vendetta, Shutter Island, Cloud Atlas
A Little About Me: I was first introduced to Harry Potter when I was 7, and I began reading Philosopher’s Stone once the fear that the previews for the first film had instilled in me had finally worn off. And so my passion for all things Potter was set into motion, and has not stopped for a moment since then. The highlight of my life has undoubtedly been getting to ‘meet’ J.K. Rowling and her shaking my hand at her recent book signing in NYC. I literally almost fainted. I was first introduced to MuggleNet probably around 2005, and I am very excited to now be a part of the incredible website that made me realize that I was not the only Harry Potter devotee out there. Beyond the Potter-verse, I have just graduated from high school and will hopefully be attending university in the fall of 2013 for marine biology.

Alison Fahey | Content
Age: 24 (Birthday: October 6th)
Location: West Virginia
E-mail: alison at staff dot mugglenet dot com
Sections Maintained: Potter Weddings and Recipes
Pottermore House: Ravenclaw
A Little About Me: I received my first Harry Potter book as a present the very year it was released in the States and from that moment on, I became a lifelong fan. Each word, character, book, and film has shaped who I am and has also brought out my passion for literature. I joined the MuggleNet staff in September 2011 and hope to be a part of the MuggleNet community for years to come.


I was born and raised in Wheeling, WV. In college, I studied Elementary Education for three years, left to do mission work in Nicaragua and various US cities. I love my cats; I love to travel, write, and blog. Another one of my passions is photography where I do freelance work, eventually hoping to open my own studio. JK Rowling inspires me in so many ways, especially at this time in my life’s journey. Feel free to add me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Maxine Cutler | Content
Age: 19 (Birthday: May 24th)
Location: New York, USA
E-mail: maxine at staff dot mugglenet dot com
Favorite Movies: (500) Days of Summer, Edward Scissorhands, Princess Bride, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Stranger than Fiction, and many more.
Favorite TV Shows: Breaking Bad, The Office, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Seinfeld
Favorite Bands/Music: Muse, Death Cab for Cutie, Radiohead, Adele.
A Little About Me: I first read Harry Potter when I was 7, after my then 12-year-old brother told me how awesome the books were. I was instantly hooked, and I've been in love with the series ever since. I started transcribing for MuggleCast in Winter 2010, and when I saw that there were available positions as a MuggleNet intern, I applied instantly (literally!). I am truly excited to be working with such amazing people, and to have Harry Potter continue to be a part of my daily life - the series may have ended, but the fandom will live on forever.
I am currently attending Baruch College in New York City, where I am majoring in English Literature. My dream is to o ne day become a published writer myself. J.K. Rowling has been a huge source of inspiration for me. Her incredible ta lent for storytelling- as well as her strength in the face of adversity - has made her nothing short of the perfect r ole model. I can only hope to one day cultivate only a glimmer of the talent and skill she possesses.
Feel free to add me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

 

Dylan Spartz | Graphics
Position: Graphics Designer
Age: 23(Birthday: December 15th)
AIM: dylnhp
Email: dylan at staff dot mugglenet dot com
A Little About Me: I'm MuggleNet's resident photoshop wizard - I do all the graphics and image work for the site. How did I get this cov eted position? I'm just that good. On a completely unrelated note, I'm Emerson's brother. So I also get to tag along at the movie premieres and press events he goes to.
Dylan also hosts the Internet sensation "Edition: Three boys and an internet show," which you can check out right here.

Stuart Dollin | Coding
Age: 50+ (Birthday: September 6th)
Location: Halifax, West Yorkshire, UK
E-mail: stuart at staff dot mugglenet dot com
Favorite TV Shows: Ooooh difficult... Dr Who, Torchwood, Big Bang Theory, most one-off BBC dramas, anything produced by David Attenborough, Strictly Come Dancing, Dancing on Ice, most things written by Linda La Plante or Val McDermid...
Favorite Movies: Even more difficult... HP of course, Bourne series, Narnia series, some of the Star Trek movies, Enigma, anything by Derek Jarman, Peter Greenaway and Guillermo del Toro... shall I go on?
Favorite Music: Anything operatic by Wagner, Mozart or Verdi, anything 16th cent Venice (Monteverdi, Gabrielli, etc), big choral stuff (you know, Requiems, Masses, etc by the likes of Berlioz, Verdi, Britten....) and then there's Queen, Status Quo, Radio Head, Talking Heads, Kaiser Chiefs, Busted....
A Little About Me: Perhaps I am the oldest HP fan, but what the heck? I've always liked fantasy fiction - LOTR, Narnia, Philip Pullman, Terry Pratchett - and when all the fuss started over HP I just had to check it out. Yes I was hooked, devouring the books in one sitting after hitting Tesco at midnight to grab my copy... although I did wonder why there were never any queues. Of course MuggleNet became the 'must-visit' site for interaction with other fans. Some well received Quibbles, a lot of suggestions to Noah and a willingness to contribute in a more concrete way led to an invitation to join up and here I am. Professionally I'm a senior web developer/designer so I guess there was a good fit. Outside HP I've always had a passion for writing - currently working on a child centered screenplay/novel - and as a musician I love writing and performing. Tastes are very wide with an over-riding passion for musical theatre and opera but I can also get off on heavy rock and grunge. Add in a fascination with TV and film and a smattering of professional experience in this area, and that's the total picture. Feel free to email if you want to know more.

Caleb
Age: 24 (Birthday: October 27)
Location: Washington D.C.
Email: caleb at staff dot mugglenet dot com
Pottermore House: Gryffindor
Online: @calebgraves
Favorite TV Shows: Fringe, Grey's Anatomy, The Office, Game of Thrones, True Blood, The Newsroom
Favorite Movies: V for Vendetta, Crash, The King's Speech, Children of Men, The Dark Knight, Garden State, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Love Actually, The Princess Bride
Favorite Books: Harry Potter (of course!), Lord of the Rings, Wicked, Hunger Games, His Dark Materials, A Tale of Two Cities, Water for Elephants
A Little About Me: My MuggleNet journey started with MNI in 2004, then joining staff in 2005. Now I run MNI, co-host Alohomora!, post news here on the site, and whatever else comes my way. I was lucky enough to grow up pretty much right alongside Harry Potter, as the last book came out right after my senior year of high school. Like most fans, the Harry Potter universe has pretty much been a way of life for me, which is why I've hung around these sites for so long.

Away from working on the site, I'm a big sports fan and love playing recreationally with friends, and I also really love to write. I regularly follow politics and current events, and I see myself going in that direction in the future.

Tina
Age: 28 (Birthday: August 1)
Location: Washington, DC
Email: mnistaff at gmail dot com
Twitter: @_TinaPop_
TV Shows: Bones, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Fringe, Glee, Lost, Merlin, The Vampire Diaries, The Wes t Wing
Movies: Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, The King's Speech, The Lord of the Rings, Moulin Rouge, Reme mber the Titans, The Lion King, V for Vendetta
Books: 1984, Angels and Demon, The Dark Tower Series (Stephen King), Harry Potter Series, The Pictu re of Dorian Gray, The Hunger Games, The Sword of Truth
A Little About Me: I discovered the Harry Potter fandom later than many fans at 19 years old. Midway through my second year at universit y, a good friend and huge fan of the series convinced me to read the first book. I was immediately hooked and bought books 2,3, and 4, then waited anxiously with thousands if not millions of other fans, for the release of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I found MuggleNet in 2004 and joined the staff at MuggleNet Interactive (MNI) in Novem ber 2005. Since then, I've held the positions of Professor (Potions), Prefect, Head Girl, and now Deputy Headmistress . Over the years I've watched the site evolve in so many ways and have had the chance to meet so many wonderful peopl e, some of whom are now my closest friends.

Away from the HP fandom, I just finished my graduate degree in Anthropology. I'm a huge fan of musical theatre and dance, particularly ballet which I studied intensively while growing up. I play with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for fun, though I don't consider myself an artist by any means, and have done quite a few of the graphics for MNI ov er the years. When I'm not working or working on MNI, I can usually be found relaxing with my roommates, watching mov ies or curled up with a good book.

Rosie Morris
Age: 20 (Birthday: February 18)
Location: Oxford, UK
Email: rosie at staff dot mugglenet dot com
Pottermore House: Hufflepuff
Favorite Movies: Harry Potter, Dark Knight, LOTR, Beauty and the Beast
Favorite Music: Adele, Freelance Whales, Mumford and Sons, Eliza Carthy, Imelda May, Julia Nunes
Favorite TV shows: Dr Who, Merlin, Sherlock, Bones, How I Met Your Mother, Glee, Game of Thrones
A Little About Me: Having a parent who works with books is amazing. As a child I was introduced to t he most fantastic stories as soon as they hit the shelves, and since then I’ve always had a pile to read at any one gi ven moment. I’ve been a Potter fan since the very first book was released when I was six, so I think it’s safe t o say I grew up with the series like so many fans. I’ve been on Mugglenet for over eight years now, first as a fan and then as staff over on the fanfiction site. Those of you who use that site will know me as Roxy Black, and I’m very proud to be bridging the gap between MNFF and mainsite these days. I’m currently in the final year of my degree i n English and Comparative literatures and hope to teach in the next few years and inspire more kids to get into reading!

Brandon Smith
Age: 19 (Birthday: January 8)
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Email: storytraveler at gmail dot com
Pottermore House: Ravenclaw
Favorite Movies: Forrest Gump, Big Fish, Hook, HP (PS/SS, COS, DH 1, DH2), Sherlock Holmes, Batman (Burton and Nolan)
Favorite Bands: Oliver Boyd and the Remembralls (Canadian!), Riddle TM, Blue Rodeo, Cherry Suede, Bryan Adams, Keith Urban
A Little About Me: I started out believing HP was boring. The first movie was just coming out, and I'd heard of the books, but it sounded quite plain to me. He was just an orphan who has adventures. Well, one day I decided to read one of the books, so I picked out POA, because it had an interesting cover. I started to read...and I haven't stopped for 11 years now. Since then, I've been a regular reader of MuggleNet editorials, and a loyal member of MuggleSpace (which far surpasses facebook in design and awesome-ness!). I love talking to new people to the fandom, especially those reading the books for the first time. The magic of that first journey is something none of us have ever forgotten, and many want to experience again. Basically, stories are my life, which is why I hope to be doing an English major this fall. Oh, in regards to the photo, yes I am crazy...and the purse was my girlfriend's...

• Founded: Fall of 1999
• Visitors in 2010: Over 25 million
• Viewed by fans in: 216 countries
• Average time spent on the site: 13 minutes, 37 seconds