read about us
about calla
Calla Press Publishing is a small independent Christian publishing house based in the Texas Hill Country dedicated to producing books that reflect the gospel truth through pure, lovely, and noble literature.
Founded on our journey of a seven-year-old literary community and journal, Calla Press seeks to uplift readers by offering beautifully crafted children’s books, Christian fiction, nonfiction titles, and other meaningful works that point toward faith, goodness, and Jesus Christ.
As a proud member of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA), Calla Press upholds industry standards while standing firm in its mission to publish Christ-honoring books that boldly and faithfully serve the Christian community.
Please read our mission statement and our statement of faith to understand what exactly we believe.
our mission statement
Calla Press Publishing exists to glorify Jesus Christ by creating and publishing biblically faithful literature that reflects truth, goodness, and beauty, encouraging readers of all ages to grow in faith and delight in what is lovely and true.
meet the calla staff
Samantha Cabrera, founding publisher
Samantha Cabrera founded Calla Press Publishing LLC in 2023 after running as a literary journal for seven years. She holds her MFA in Writing from Lindenwood University and her ELAR (7-12) teaching certification. Before dedicating herself to motherhood and publishing, she was an English teacher at a Christian private school for two years. She lives in the Texas countryside along with her husband and three children. A Child’s First Book of Bible Words is her first children’s book. A lovely fact: she wrote a letter entering the ninth grade to her Nana that she dreamed of being a writer and starting a Christian publishing company. Her Nana still has that letter.
Sabrina Reagan, Marketing Director
Sabrina Reagan holds her MA in Creative Writing from Northumbria University. Passionate about Christian book publishing, literature, and photography, she has previously worked at a national wedding magazine, book publicity agency, and in education before starting her photography business. Now as a mother, her heart for the Christian book publishing landscape has only grown stronger. She strives to fill her home with books to encourage her family's faith that are full of truth and beauty. She currently lives in the Texas Hill Country with her husband and three children. She started working with Calla in September 2025.
Codi Bear, Logistics Coordinator
Codi Bear is a children’s illustrator whose work continually reflects her Christian faith and her commitment to meaningful storytelling. Her affinity for woodland creatures, earthy palettes, and autumnal themes informs her style, lending innocence and nostalgia to her whimsical, fall-inspired illustrations. Codi is currently co-writing a children’s series with her husband, developing wholesome stories for young readers and their families. Codi started working with Calla in January 2026.
Ryan Swindoll, Interior Book Formatter
Ryan Swindoll is a designer and story artist based in Dallas with 20-years experience in print publication. His creative designs have brought over 30 books to market, including fiction and non-fiction works such as the Anglican prayer book Pray Daily (praydailypress.com). A champion for experiencing great literature through all the senses, Ryan is an author of multiple books and board games, a long-time host of a local writers workshop, and a practicing narrator on Lit by the Fire, a weekly read aloud podcast. Connect with him at author@rtswindoll.com. Ryan started working with Calla in the spring of 2026.
meet our book editors
Shannan Murray
Shannan Murray holds a B.A. in Professional Writing & Publishing and English Literature from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Graced with a love for reading and writing from a young age, she has long felt called by the Lord to find her place in the beautiful world of books and publishing. Her experience in marketing, blog writing, and journalism has opened doors for Shannan to nurture narratives that encourage stillness, inspire reflection, and draw readers closer to the One who created them. She believes storytelling is a sacred art—a profound responsibility from God to share truth, beauty, and hope. Above all, her greatest joy is helping others tell their stories with grace and pointing them back to who the Lord truly made them to be.
Esther Gonzales
Esther is a poet, writer, journalist, graduate student, and Sunday school teacher from New Jersey. She has loved writing since she can remember; she believes everyone has a story to tell and if we look closely enough, we can see God’s love and grace woven throughout our lives. Through her writing, she hopes to give others a glimpse of who God is by sharing all the ways He has been there for her. With a background in journalism, she hopes to utilize her skills to help others find their voice and tell their story.
Meghan Mcdonagh
Meghan McDonagh is a writer, graphic designer, and visual storyteller with a passion for creating meaningful content that encourages others and points them toward hope. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and professional experience designing for organizations such as Our Daily Bread Ministries and GEMS Girl's Club, she blends creativity with purpose through both words and design. A lifelong love of language, literature, and visual storytelling has shaped her work and earned her recognition through a Creative Writing Scholarship and an ADDY Award for publication design. Above all, Meghan finds the greatest joy in sharing God's message and inspiring others to see and engage with the world around them through the lens of faith.