About Me
A fifth-generation Northwest native, I am a seasoned, award-winning freelance writer as well as an editor and author, with roots in public relations. I am an expert on the Northwest (including British Columbia), and travel regularly throughout the region to discover the fascinating people and places that add to the cachet of this remarkable place. My expertise extends to Europe, which I visit regularly. I'm also an avowed Scandinavia-phile, with many months spent exploring the cities and countryside of Sweden and Norway, especially.
I'm always on the search for the best local cuisine, and I'm a fervent baker. I love running, hiking and kayaking, but I'm passionate about dance (salsa, swing, waltz, tango and everything in between). Contemporary design and architecture speak to me, as do environmental issues.
Above all, I feel a deep sense of responsibility and gratitude for being a writer, with opportunities to go behind the scenes to learn about a broad variety of topics and then to enlighten others, hopefully bringing joy and enrichment.
Writer
With more than 20 years of experience as an award-winning writer, I have traveled extensively throughout the U.S., Canada, Latin America and Europe, conceptualizing and writing stories for in-flights, AAA publications, regional travel magazines, tourism publications and digital travel guides.
Magazine Editor
The skills and insights acquired during my earlier career in public relations were a perfect launch pad for the publishing field, first as the executive editor at Sea Kayaker magazine and then as the long-time managing editor of Alaska Beyond, followed by a position as the senior editor of Go World Travel. I also conceptualized and launched a new magazine for Washington State Ferries before becoming the senior editor of AAA Journey magazine, with 1.2 million readers.
Author
I am the author of two books: Michelin Must-Sees: Pacific Northwest and Wanderlust and Lipstick: Traveling with Kids. In addition, I have researched and edited chapters in several Michelin guides (British Columbia, Alaska, Hawaii and Germany). Michelin guidebooks are the worldwide gold standard of travel guides.
Public Relations
As a public relations executive for 15 years, I held positions at some of the city's largest agencies, specializing in media relations, special events and writing, primarily for food and hospitality clients. I was also a food specialist, developing recipes and working as a food stylist. Among my clients were Westin Hotels & Resorts, the Washington Raspberry Commission and Darigold. I then went on to become a media relations specialist for public agencies ranging from the Seattle Public Library to the Port of Seattle, where I was the spokesperson.
Writing Awards
Society of Professional Journalists Award
Time Travel, Alaska Airlines Magazine, 2013
Society of Professional Journalists Award
Fragile Beauty: Endangered Butterflies, Alaska Airlines Magazine, 2012
Society of Professional Journalists Award, 1st Place
Playing in Ashland, AAA Journey, 2011
Speaking Engagements
Whidbey-Camano Islands Tourism—"Working with Travel Writers 101”
Olympic Peninsula Tourism--"How to Pitch to a Travel Writer"
Go World Travel magazine, staff workshop—"Travel Writing 101”
Public Relations Society of America, Seattle Chapter—"What Editors Want”
Midwest Sea Kayak Symposium—"Journaling as a Starting Point for Travel Writing”
Professional Organizations
Society of American Travel Writers