ABOUT ME
I earned a BA in American Studies from the University of Notre Dame and an MFA in Creative Writing from Colorado State University. I taught at Colorado State for six years − various composition, literature, creative writing, and American Studies courses − before moving on to Portland, Oregon.
In Portland, I dove headlong into e-learning, a valuable introduction to crafting writing that could be creative within a corporate structure. For Apex Learning, an industry-leading curriculum developer HQ'd in Seattle, I’ve written scores of instructive material across several humanities domains.
This e-learning work continues, but over the last decade I’ve branched into a wider range of web-based writing and consulting, drawing on my various creative experiences to help clients educate, affect, and influence their audiences. I currently live in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where my height and Irish complexion have led to tourists mistaking me for Lincoln’s ghost on a weekly basis.
STORY IS EVERYTHING
How to Relate and Captivate
Stories entertain and connect. And it’s through story that we build bridges to one another and to places, concepts, and products. Part of effective storytelling is understanding how narrative works and how language can best support it. Just as important, though, is understanding audience. Who they are. Where they’re from. What they value.
I excel at storytelling and capturing a client’s voice because watching, listening, and learning are crucial to me. And I’ve spent years translating these lessons into evocative language.
FIND OUT MORE about how storytelling can build a bridge to your audience.
FUELING THE EMPATHY MACHINE
Work and Life Experience
My elaborate quilt of experiences (see: below) has gifted me the perspective, empathy, and breadth of knowledge that fuels thoughtful and effective writing. It’s also lended my writing a unique character that helps my clients stand out from the reams of sound-alike prose littering the Internet.
So I wouldn’t trade that quilt for anything, no matter the thread count. It’s given me a voice and, it’s let me help countless others find unique and powerful voices of their own and yawp them at the world.
FIND OUT MORE about how I can help you find your voice.
WORDS APLENTY
A Range of Creative Pursuits
When I’m not writing for work, I’m still writing. I’ve co-penned several screenplays and released a favorably-reviewed album of original songs with my band, Loose Freight. We're big in Italy, anyway. I also have a custom wedding poems business (but who doesn’t, right?).
The short of it is, I thrive in making. For me, there’s nothing like creating, and for whatever reason words became my tools. Which is fortunate, because I’m far too tall to be moving pianos.
FIND OUT MORE about how my writing skills and creativity can help you thrive.
FUN FACTS
Resume Deep Cuts
Brains
I ran a hostel in Ireland.
I staffed a youth home in Alaska and an AIDS center in Oakland.
I was a park ranger on islands in Boston Harbor and coastal Georgia.
Brawn
I moved pianos in my off days as a college English instructor.
I dug ditches in wintertime Montana.
I waxed floors at a junior high I later taught in.
Neither!
I spent a week in a hospital bed for $800.
I counted traffic, professionally.
I was a holiday airport greeter at the Missoula International Airport.
I'm 6'5"!
PROS
Dunking on fools
Best view at the Ice Capades
First one to heaven
CONS
Your filthy refrigerator top
Sleeves... come on
Changing your hot light bulbs
Hardware
Some of my Blingier Bling
The J. Sinnott Myers Award for Outstanding Service to the Community
The Stephen Reid Award for Excellence in Teaching
The John Clark Pratt Award for Excellence in Creativity, Scholarship and Service