I’ve been a writer in one way or another for as long as I can remember.
After moving from my hometown of Los Angeles, California to Des Moines, Iowa at age 18 (yes, really!), I earned my bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Drake University. And with it, I have built a 20+-year career in communications and marketing. In-house, agency, and on my own as a freelancer and consultant.
I have managed national public relations campaigns. I have written dozens of speeches for internal audiences, conference keynotes, and special events. I have built influential social media profiles and created campaigns that gained national buzz. And my work has been part of more than 20 award-winning campaigns and projects.
With the launch of WordBird LLC, I am writing my own story. Focusing on the storytelling that drives me, I want to help others get their message out. And I want to tell stories that excite me… and engage you. Whether that’s blogs about the classic films I’m watching, opinion pieces about the joys and challenges of motherhood, or the screenplay that I continue to tinker with… I just want to write. I hope you’ll come along.
As you follow me, you’ll learn I’m a wife to Chris, a mom to Sam and Maddie, a bariatric patient who has proudly lost nearly 150lbs, and a pop-culture nerd in oh-so-many ways. I may not always be polished, but I’m always me. It’s a pleasure to meet you.
GET TO KNOW ME:
OG Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Current Hometown: Shawnee, Kansas
Favorite Shows: The West Wing and Mad Men
Favorite Book: The Grapes of Wrath
Favorite Movie: A Letter to Three Wives
The best Pixar movie is: Up.
I will never tire of listening to: Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald
One item from my bucket list is to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
I’m proudest of: My children and happy marriage to my best friend.
The most amazing thing I ever did was: Lose 142 lbs.
Work success I still can’t believe: When the social media campaign I thought up was featured on Good Morning America
I am a true nerd about all things: Disney, Harry Potter, and The Great American Songbook
Please don’t ask me to ever give up: Coffee.
When I want to sweat, I run.
When I want to chill, I read.
Every day, I: meditate
My love language is planning vacations.
MBTI Type: INFJ
The Hogwarts Sorting Hat would assign me: Hufflepuff.
Best trip I ever took was the last one.
The trip I’m most looking forward to is the next one.
Cocktail of choice: Sweet Manhattan with Rye
Best meal I ever ate was A rare Tuscan steak at L’Osteria Acquacheta, Montepulciano, Italy
First concert I ever attended: New Kids on the Block, Universal Amphitheater, 1989
Recommended podcasts: Smartless, Bowery Boys, 1865, History of the 90s, American History Tellers, and The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
My most illogical fear is accidentally driving off an overpass
“I wish to God I knew as much about writing I did when I was 19. I was absolutely certain about most things then. Also, I suspect more accurate.”
John Steinbeck
WordBird LLC 