Bio
EXPERIENCE
Freelance Writer, Clifton, VA
Journalist, author
1993 to present
Articles appear in local and national newspapers, magazines, corporate newsletters and trade publications (click on any Clients in the list to the left to read published clips). Areas of expertise: education, business, and technology, parenting issues, the arts.
Short stories have been published in essay and poetry anthologies, including The Erotic Edge, by Dr. Lonnie Barbach (Dutton, 1994).
Currently working with Fairfax County Superintendents and other educators on two books: How to help your child succeed in school — without going insane; and The Big 10 Ideas of the Gifted & Talented Program, co-authored by Carol Horn, coordinator for the Fairfax County Public Schools GT program.
Inkandescent Public Relations
Founder, principal
August 2008 to present
After 25 years experience as a journalist, and six years experience working in the public relations industry, launched high-end PR / media relations / publications firm that helps small businesses get the attention they need. Team includes award-winning illustrator / designer Michael Gibbs, award-winning photographer Steve Barrett, experienced web developer Max Kukoy, and videographer Zach Starr. Services range from PR strategy and execution (press releases, press kits, media outreach, etc.) to event planning, and branding and marketing products (websites, brochures, logos / letterhead, newsletters). For details visit www.inkandescentpr.com.
Social Technologies, Washington, DC
Leader, Corporate Communications
January 2007 through August 2008
Managed public relations department for this global futurist research and consulting firm that specializes in the integration of foresight, strategy, and innovation. Clients include Fortune 500 firms (Nokia, Pepsi, BP, Kraft), government agencies (CIA, EPA), and non-profit organizations (Lincoln Park Zoo and United Jewish Communities).
Duties include coordinating PR efforts between U.S., Shanghai, London, and Tel Aviv offices, writing press releases, blog entries, updating website, promoting books and other S)T publications. Work closely with futurists, analysts, consultants and designers.
For more information, log onto www.socialtechnologies.com.
City of Fairfax Schools, Fairfax, VA
Director of Communications
September 2002 to present
Work with Superintendent and School Board to coordinate public relations effort for the four schools in this district (Fairfax High, Lanier Middle, Daniels Run and Providence Elementary). Write press releases, and work with reporters to help them better understand intricacies of education issues (NCLB, SOLs); plan special events.
Editor, Close-Up.Research, write, and edit articles in this 8-page bimonthly award-winning newsletter that circulates to 14,000 residents and businesses in the City of Fairfax. Hire, assist professional photographer, designer, manage printing. Also manage and regularly update City Schools website.
To learn more about the City Schools and view samples of Close-Up, log onto: www.fairfaxva.gov/school/school.asp
The George Washington University, Washington, DC
Senior Publications Coordinator / Office of Enrollment Management
1991 to 1993
Conceptualized, wrote and coordinated brochures and other publications for the Office of Enrollment Management while working toward a masters degree in Educational Leadership. The mission of the department was to write and design glossy, hip, and eye-catching publications that would attract new students to the University. Worked closely with the art department, academic department chairs, and officials in the Office of Enrollment Management.
New Miami Magazine, Miami, FL
Associate Editor
1989 to 1991
Researched and wrote business articles about South Florida’s fastest growing companies, health care issues, and education. Duties included writing several regular columns for this four-color glossy monthly magazine — such as Dealmakers, City Beat, and Weekend Getaways. Also wrote monthly features and for several of those won writing awards from Florida Magazine Association, including a silver medal for article about the then-newly renovated Art Deco District entitled The Politics of Preservation; and a first prize gold award for Hotshots, a monthly essay that featured artistic photographs of Miami movers and shakers.
The Miami Herald, Miami, FL
Assistant Editor Special Publications
1987 to 1989
Wrote, edited articles on topics ranging from education and health care to retail and travel; co-edited the Annual Florida Outdoors Guide, and wrote several first-person essays for the Herald’s Sunday magazine, Tropic.
The Dominion Post, Morgantown, WV
Reporter
1986 to 1987
Covered cops, circuit court, city council, breaking news (fires, chemical spills), the Buckwheat Festival, and features about local dignitaries for Morgantown’s largest daily newspaper. In early 1987 was named Bureau Chief of the newly opened Fairmont office. In spare time, wrote colorful features about wild, wonderful West Virginia as a stringer for The Pittsburgh-Post Gazette.
OTHER PROFESSIONAL PROJECTS
www.GreatHandmadeGifts.com
Founder and President
Sept. 2001 to present
In wake of 9-11, needed something useful to do with hands and began making crystal jewelry, wine rings, hand-rolled beeswax candles, and began selling them when the creations took over the den. Soon after decided to form a company and sell the art and crafts of other area artists, as well. In November 2001 incorporated Great Handmade Gifts and in 2003 launched online e-commerce website featuring work of dozens of artists based in cities and towns across the U.S. Our company motto: You are unique. Your gifts should be, too. To shop with us, visit www.greathandmadegifts.com.
The Writing’s on the Wall, Inc.
Founder and President
1993 to 1996
Based on master’s thesis written while a graduate student at The George Washington University, founded non-profit organization to teach children to express themselves creatively as an alternative to violence. Traveled from Washington, DC to San Francisco, CA to give children in underprivileged neighborhoods the opportunity to show the world what they would do to make it a better place. Received donations of Polaroid cameras, art supplies, and journals from the Polaroid Foundation, Office Depot, Lee Jeans, and The Great Frame Up. The children used the cameras and supplies to photograph each other as they decorated cardboard Wish Bricks, which our team of volunteers (professional photographers, artists and writers) attached to a portable Wishing Wall structure built by CA architect. The project became an interactive exhibit from 1995-1996 at the Capital Children’s Museum in Washington, DC. Click here to view photos of the project.
EDUCATION
The George Washington University, Washington, DC
MA candidate, Educational Leadership, 1991-1992
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
BA, Communications, Annenberg School of Communication, 1986
Activities: Reporter, Daily Pennsylvanian
Internships: ABC-TV newsroom, Philadelphia magazine
Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
Independent Semester Abroad, 1984
Studied Hebrew, Arab-Israeli relations, Israeli history, kibbutz; founded student newspaper; backpacked through Egypt, Greece, Italy, France, England, Ireland and Scotland.
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