Connie M. Van Cleve is a seasoned storyteller with one published novel, multiple works in progress, and numerous short stories. Her passion for photography and travel has taken her to 63 countries, including a six-month backpacking trip through India.

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In 2017, she completed a solo 4x4 camping safari covering 9,000 kilometers over 53 days through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. In 2018, she led a three-week camping and photography safari for nine people across South Africa and Namibia. Connie also hosted a successful three-week safari in Kruger National Park in 2019, and she’s set to lead another expedition through South Africa and Namibia in 2025.

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Alongside her travels, Connie is the co-owner of Spencer Dean Creations & Biophilic Designs, a company that specializes in creating nature-inspired, museum-quality art installations.

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Connect with Connie on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or learn more about her construction work at www.spencerdeancreations.com. Her home base is in Kalamazoo.