About Me

Introduction

Instead of a traditional professional bio I decided to share my writing background and how I've come to specialize in client education.

Words have always intrigued me. They have the power to convey knowledge, elicit emotions, and change behavior. Early on a mentor taught me that truly effective writers write content that’s relevant to the reader, not an English textbook. “Writing is everywhere,” he said. “Know your audience and respect them.”

I took that nugget to heart and decided I would write, but I would do it with a strong understanding of audience and content. So I tucked my decision away and turned to other interests–education, the environment, and culture.

So after living in France for a year, getting a B.A. in Political Science from UC Irvine, and an M.S. in Environmental Science from SUNY-ESF, I went into museum education. And guess what I did as a Museum Education Specialist? I wrote! About everything. To everyone. The audience diversity never seemed to end–professionals, colleagues, children, teachers, families, even teenagers. I also taught and was involved in a number of exciting, successful projects, from concept-to-completion.

Success of these projects hinged on solid writing and communications–program descriptions, press releases, web copy, reports, proposals, newsletters, curriculum, fund-raising letters, exhibit text, catalogues; whatever was needed to engage our visitors, teach our docents, and entice our donors.

I also wrote articles for local publications and was the editor for a downtown revitalization newsletter. Where my background in science taught objectivity, the articles gave me a chance to tighten my journalism and research skills. The newsletter allowed me to work directly with local businesses, helping them increase their visibility while establishing a revenue source for the parent organization.

Not exactly a traditional approach to business writing, but a highly practical one. The equation was simple. Successful communications meant successful projects. So I learned how to define, understand, and engage any audience whether it was a panel of judges, a group of business owners, a professional organization, a board of directors, a lay audience, or a classroom with children.

I made the jump to freelance business writer because I realized consumers wanted reliable information. In other words, client education in the form of compelling copy was something desired by everyone–businesses, customers, and prospects.

I had already developed a reputation for producing creative, succinct copy that garnered results. I distinctly remember an advisory board member complimenting me on salvaging an exhibit proposal gone awry with my “wordsmithing.” The name stuck.

Today, clients benefit from my skills and familiarity with writing long copy blended with my experience with more traditional, hard sell collateral. This combination has helped my clients develop customer relations, build trust with prospects, and position them as content experts in their respective fields.

I still fill my life with what I love–family, friends, hobbies, and of course, my work. I enjoy every aspect it. Meeting people, researching new strategies, and staying current in the field keeps my professional life fresh and energized. I’m always looking for new material and insight from successful business leaders, educators, and writers. But I have to admit when you achieve consistent, positive results for clients; it’s easy to love your work.     

Personal

Still reading? Here’s more. I have two fantastic children and a wonderful husband. I currently train my off-track thoroughbred for eventing (known for jumping solid, unmovable objects while galloping through fields). I also ski (Nordic and Alpine) and recently discovered that skiing with my son on his first green is infinitely more rewarding than perfecting a double black diamond alone. My husband and I recently celebrated our ten year anniversary by doing a 5k trail run together through breathtaking autumn foliage.

I grew up in San Luis Obispo, CA., lived in Grenoble, France, Skaneateles, N.Y., Newport Beach, CA., Redding, CA. and currently live and love Rochester, NY. I’ve traveled across Europe, Scandinavia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Dominica, Baja Calif., Canada, and our own stunning United States.

I speak French, although I used to speak it better. I’ll eat nearly anything but cauliflower, enjoy gardening, and dream of seeing the aurora borealis. Happiness is a healthy home filled with family, friends, food, drink, and music. Well, maybe not always at the same time! I value a healthy environment, the local community, and an honest work ethic.