JULIE SCELFO is a frequent contributor to The New York Times, where her stories about how we live routinely appear on the Times’ most e-mailed list. Prior to joining the Times in 2007, Scelfo was a correspondent at Newsweek, where she covered breaking news and wrote about society and human behavior. She covered the events of September 11, 2001, live from lower Manhattan, and then reported extensively on the attack’s environmental and emotional aftermath.

Scelfo lives with her family in New York City, where she rides a push-scooter to ease travel back and forth between neighborhoods. She is a member of PEN America, a supporter of Narrative 4, and believes radical empathy is where it's at. More information about her work can be found at juliescelfo.com.

HALLIE HEALD is a freelance illustrator and stylist living and working in New York City. She's worked as an intern for NY designer Nanette Lepore, was an assistant designer and stylist making faux leather handbags, and has been a face painter for fancy birthday parties in Santa Barbara. You can follow her at hehdesignsny.com.