I’m pretty sure I’m a writer not just because it’s creative but because I love making meaning out of experiences and ideas that might otherwise not seem connected. Synthesis is one of the ways I get by in the world. It’s how I earn a living (as a communications strategist and writer) and it’s how I add my own footnotes to the human experience, most often through poetry.

Some of these footnotes are collected below. I used to be eager about publishing, which led to some fun adventures, like a syndicated column and an appearance on a trash TV show (although I was there for the right reasons, promise). After college, publishing became less important, and just finding time to write for myself was what mattered most. I’m working to get back to releasing my poetry into the world and hope to have more to share soon.

Poetry
2004, “Something Blue” appeared in Voices (second place, Dyer-Ives Poetry Competition)

2005, Second place, Jim Cash Writing Awards, Michigan State University

2005, “To Apprehend” appeared in Voices (first place, Dyer-Ives Poetry Competition)

Essays & Editorials
Are you a socialite or a social change agent? For Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Greater Grand Rapids

Organizational & Professional
I’ve worked with dozens of people and organizations on a local and national level to define who they are and shape a compelling story about their work. I love helping people clarify not just what they do but why they do it. I’ve been told I have Jedi mind powers when it comes to using the communications process to solve strategic problems and push an organization’s culture forward. 

You can find me doing this work as a partner of DVQ Studio, a communications shop (and much more) devoted to change agents.