Profile
Freelance writer, blogger, editor, volunteer, amateur photographer, ex-pat living in Canada
Experience
Freelance Writer, Montreal, Quebec, 2008-present
Currently developing and implementing writing for two personal blogs and creative writing projects, in addition to working on a personal memoir about raising a child with special needs. Volunteer writing projects include newsletter editor for American Women’s Club of Montreal and public relations for a Special Olympics ski team.
Editor, Neighbors Publications, Naperville, Illinois, 2005-2008
Managed editing, research and writing for Neighbors of Darien, Neighbors of Batavia, Neighbors of Naperville and Greater Oak Brook community-focused Magazines. Worked with advertising representatives and graphic designers in addition to helping launch the magazine in new communities.
Volunteer, Naperville, Illinois and Overland Park, Kansas, 1998-2008
PTA Vice President, Tiger and Wolf Scout Den Leader, Creative Memories Digital Steering Committee, Religious Education teacher, Holy Spirit Church communications committee and special needs committee member, Little Friends, Art Awareness, Prairie Children Preschool, Chicago Apraxia Association and advocate for families of children with special needs.
Independent Marketing and Fundraising Consultant, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 1994-1996
Provided marketing campaigns and grant writing proposals for arts organizations.
Director of Marketing, Baton Rouge Symphony, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 1992-1994
Responsible for ticket sales campaigns, program book advertising and editing, special events programming, public relations, subscriber/customer service, publicity and committee development for 1.3 million-budget orchestra.
Early Experience
Executive Director, Hammond Cultural Foundation, Hammond, Louisiana, 1990-1992
Oversaw administrative, fundraising, grantwriting, marketing for this rural arts council.
Account Executive, Aldrich & Associates Public Relations, Long Beach, California, 1988-1989
Writing, campaign planning, press relations and special events planning for Toshiba Communications
Account Coordinator, Ruder Finn and Rotman, Los Angeles, California, 1987-1988
Assisted executive staff for firm’s travel/tourism and entertainment clients
Promotions Intern, Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Los Angeles, California, Summer 1986
Selected as intern for summer program and worked at KCOP-TV in promotions department
Selected as intern for summer program and worked at KCOP-TV in promotions department
Marquette University Television, Milwaukee, Wisc., 1983-1987
Worked in promotions, production, editing and reporting for campus television station
Education
Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisc. — B.A., Broadcast Communication/Public Relations, 1987
Skills
Over 25 years experience in marketing, public relations and writing (web content, ghostwriting, blogging, newsletters, brochures, grants and creative writing) for small businesses, individuals, large corporations and not-for-profit organizations. Also a wife and mom of two teenagers (one with special needs), passionate volunteer and advocate, embracing life as an American living in Canada.
Professional Affiliations
Quebec Writers Federation, BlogHer, West Island Women’s Center Creative Writing workshop
email for references, writing samples and PDF of resume
