Technical Editor at the National Environmental Health Association

In my role as a technical editor, I have the unique challenge of developing learning materials for disciplines such as food science, manufacturing, law, microbiology, and public policy. I work with scientists, authors, and subject matter experts to create quality trainings.

I'm also a freelance writer for The Hypist – a music journal, and Westword – an alternative weekly Denver-based newspaper. I also perform original poetry and music around Denver.

I utilize writing constantly with my work. I edit content to make it more accessible and logically organized. I also write press releases, develop copy for advertisements and books, and write articles about various products and programs. I use my writing and creative talents to help employ difficult concepts and work with a production assistant, instructional designer, and graphic designer to create online courses.

For my freelance work, I get to be even more creative and write about fun concerts, artists, and events that I attend. I also have been recorded doing poetry interviews and make music videos and write songs for an electronic artist – all of these are inspired by the creative writing courses I had in my undergraduate years.

What a journey! I actually began my career back in Michigan and received my Master of Public Administration degree from Grand Valley. My career experiences are diverse; I've been employed as an education analyst, activity leader for at-risk youth, and managed marketing and public relations for political campaigns. After completing a research position with the Provost's Office at my alma mater, I embarked on an adventure to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. While living in the mountains, I mentored inner-city students on a horse, llama, and alpaca ranch. I later moved to Denver to be a fiscal administrator for non-profit groups and political action committees. Now I finally landed in a place that balances my interests in science, finance, writing, and public policy.

Finding the balance between your voice and the reader's ears. The courses that discussed thinking about things from the reader's point of view have had a significant impact on my ability to create educational content and also to write about my music experiences in a way that others can enjoy. I try to always step outside the "author" mindset and really think about how to design, organize, and write for the reader and audience instead. I think this has brought great success to the courses and my published works, as well as my music.

The best way you can become a good writer is by writing and reading. Practice these; employ them constantly. When writer's block arrives, read something invigorating, attend a poetry reading or author event, or do something you've never done before. Explore until you're inspired. Go to the library, find yourself lost in the 811 section...and remember that you, too, can have a book on the shelves. Don't give up.