My love affair with words took root in childhood. I grew up in a rural part of Maryland where TV reception was poor and complaints of boredom resulted in a dust cloth and a can of Pledge being thrust into my hands. I opted for paper and pen instead. I drafted my first short story when I was about nine years old and have been writing ever since. 

Storytelling bloomed into a career for me when I moved to the Pacific Northwest many years later. I had the opportunity to help research and write an appendix for the book Hope for Animals and Their World by Jane Goodall, Gail Hudson, and Thane Maynard. The appendix discussed specific actions readers could take to help endangered species and to become environmental advocates. This experience changed my life. It opened my eyes to humanity’s impact on the planet, and it also charted a new trajectory for me—using the principles of good storytelling and writing craft to bring about positive change in the world. Since then, I have focused on helping universities, nonprofit organizations, and health care institutions attract donors and inspire and educate their audiences.

Throughout my professional journey, I have had the benefit of several mentors, women who lit the way for me with their guidance, encouragement, empathy, and wisdom. It was out of these nurturing experiences that I added editing and writing coaching to my repertoire. I enjoy helping people shape their own stories and fully realize their literary dreams. Whether I’m writing or supporting other writers, I’m fortunate to be able to say I love what I do.