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Team

Here are the folks who make the Sharpener happen. To see why we do what we do, check out our About page. To see how you can join our team, scroll to the bottom of this page.

Full-Time Staff (Sort of)

Tyess Korsmo, editor-in-chief

Tyess Korsmo, editor-in-chief
A North Dakota farm boy, Tyess moved to Sharpstown in 2019 to earn his Master of Liberal Arts at Houston Christian University (formerly Houston Baptist), where he now teaches English and history. He also teaches English for the Heart of Texas Foundation College of Ministry, located in a maximum-secu…
The SharpenerTyess Korsmo, Editor-in-Chief

Current Interns

Aileen Aviles, reporter & translator

Aileen Aviles, reporter & translator
Aileen Aviles is a sophomore studying Legal Studies and Spanish at Houston Christian University. She enjoys volunteering, learning history, and traveling. She grew up near the Sharpstown area and is glad to be able to share her love for the area with The Sharpener’s audience.
The SharpenerTyess Korsmo, Editor-in-Chief

Rachel Iliev, reporter

Rachel Iliev, reporter
Rachel Iliev is a senior studying Biology and Creative Writing at Baylor University. As a high school senior, she wrote the play Keep Your Head Above the Water, produced by Dirt Dogs Theater Co. She is currently finishing a creative writing thesis.
The SharpenerTyess Korsmo, Editor-in-Chief

Past Interns

Anna Gisler, photographer

Anna Gisler, photographer
Anna Gisler is a High school student attending Logos Preparatory Academy. She has a passion for running and photography. She looks forward to learning photojournalism with The Sharpener.
The SharpenerTyess Korsmo, Editor-in-Chief

Kirsten Passmore, reporter

Kirsten Passmore, reporter
Kirsten Passmore is a senior studying political science at Houston Christian University. She enjoys volunteering, spending time with friends, and playing adaptive sports in her spare time. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy (as a result of a brain injury at birth), she uses an electric wheelchair. In 201…
The SharpenerTyess Korsmo, Editor-in-Chief

Kace' Conaway, reporter and community engagement specialist

Kace’ Conaway, reporter
Kace’ is a legal studies major at Houston Christian University. She has always had a deep love for writing and is grateful for the opportunity to share that love with the Sharpener and its readers. She hopes her work will have a positive impact on campus and in the Sharpstown
The SharpenerTyess Korsmo, Editor-in-Chief

Ana Garcia, graphic designer and social media manager

Ana Garcia, graphic designer and social media manager
Ana Garcia is a Narrative Arts major with a concentration in Digital Media at Houston Christian University. She has always loved to create works of art like painting, drawing, and graphic design. She has also managed the social media accounts for Sigma Phi Lambda, her Christian sorority at HCU. She
The SharpenerTyess Korsmo, Editor-in-Chief

Volunteers

Kelly Miller, assistant editor and reporter

Kelly Miller, assistant editor and reporter
KellyMiller is a published editor, writer, and blogger. She is a graduate of Dallas Baptist University and a native Houstonian.
The SharpenerTyess Korsmo, Editor-in-Chief

Matt Connally, reporter

Matt is a freelance writer who grew up in Houston. He’s happily married, and has two sons, a dog, and a cat.

Martha Mathew, translator and reporter

Bio coming soon (hopefully).

Mentors/Sponsors

Marvin and Susan Olasky of Zenger House.

Friends from North Dakota

Mark and Debbie Korsmo.

Want to Join Our Team?

The Sharpener is always looking for volunteers or interns. Right now, we can't offer you money, but we can offer you real-world experience, training, recognition, and the knowledge that you're serving your community. Email sharpstownsharpener@gmail.com, or call or text 346-626-8355.

If you're an HCU student, we can also offer you college credit through the class WRIT 4395: Internship. See the flyer below for more details.

We're looking for all kinds of students, not just English majors. But if you happen to be an English major, we've got good news for you. (P.S. The flyer below is a little dated. It should say Summer or Fall 2024.)