About Me

I have been writing for as long as I can remember, from the short story I crafted at age 9 about a girl who talks to horses, to the more recent feature stories and essays I wrote about my town for my online magazine, Salem Is. In between, I worked for nearly eight years as a newspaper journalist, and then nine years at a liberal arts university doing everything from media relations to newsletter editing to magazine and web feature writing to marketing message development. As if I'm not busy enough, I also do a variety of freelance writing and editing projects.

I've got innate curiosity and unending creativity — traits I hope to pass on to my two young boys. Things I love: books, rock concerts, travel, movies and cooking (but not doing dishes). Things I get to experience less often since having kids: books, rock concerts, travel, movies and cooking (although I do plenty of dishes).

I bring all of this — plus meticulous organization and a healthy respect for deadlines — to every project.

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Work Experience

Willamette University, University Communications, Salem, OR

• Communications Specialist (2006-2015)

Salem Is online magazine, Salem, OR

• Co-Founder and Editor (2013-2016)

Silk Road literary journal, Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR

• Associate Nonfiction Editor (2009-10)

Statesman Journal, Salem, OR

• K-12 Education and Youth Issues Reporter (2003-06)
• General Assignment Reporter (2002-03)

Education

Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing - Nonfiction, Pacific University

Bachelor of Arts, Print Journalism, Texas State University

Selected Awards

Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District VIII

• Bronze in Writing, for a magazine feature on a Willamette alumna who helped start a mental health museum (2014)
• Silver in Writing, along with teammates, for The Scene magazine (2008)
• Gold in Writing, for a magazine feature on the Willamette Academy college preparatory program (2007)
• Grand Gold in Writing, along with teammates, for The Scene magazine (2006)