I always loved English class. In high school, I looked forward to writing essays, carefully choosing the right words, like searching for the perfect puzzle pieces. A few standout teachers helped shape that early path, encouraging me to keep writing. It came naturally, so I followed that instinct and majored in journalism at the University of Rhode Island.
What I quickly realized, while taking classes and working at the student-run newspaper, The Good 5 Cent Cigar, was that I didn’t love the pressure of breaking news and daily deadlines. I was drawn instead to longer-form writing, taking my time to interview people and find the right angle.
After college, my first real immersion into professional writing came as an associate editor at a technical trade publication covering the broadcast industry. It was niche and very technical. Not my favorite gig, but I gained experience writing industry news, editing contributed articles, and attending a trade show in Las Vegas that was instrumental in changing my career trajectory.
At that show, I was in conversation after conversation with publicists. They were pitching stories, offering angles, and introducing clients. It was interesting and a different part of the media world that I hadn’t been exposed to before. Back at the office, I couldn’t shake that realization. So, I started asking questions, reaching out, and exploring what it would look like to make a move to the other side.
That curiosity and determination turned into a job at a boutique public relations firm. It was a small team, which meant a lot of responsibility early on. I wrote press releases and bylined articles, pitched media outlets, secured speaking engagements, and learned quickly how strategy and storytelling work together.
Over time, I worked in other agencies and got my hands into analyst relations, right about the time of the dot-com era. Here’s where I learned the power of third-party validation. Later, at a firm where public relations worked alongside integrated marketing teams, I gained a broader understanding of how PR fits within the overall brand strategy.
Through it all, I realized that majoring in journalism provided the ultimate foundation. Not only did it teach the fundamentals of writing across media, but it also reinforced that to get to the heart of anything, you need to keep asking the right questions.
Eventually, I went solo, working from home long before remote work became mainstream. I built a freelance practice that blended strategic PR with freelance writing assignments, which gave me a valuable dual perspective.
Today, I write Connecticut Magazine’s monthly home feature, sharing homeowners’ stories about what makes their new build, renovation, or restoration special. I’m also often tapped to write lifestyle pieces for the magazine and other publications. That interest in homes and design storytelling also carries into my work with Your Modern Cottage, a platform focused on selling home design plans and the journey of creating spaces that reflect how people truly want to live.
Because of that work, I’m frequently on the receiving end of media pitches from public relations professionals, which has sharpened my instincts for my own outreach. And yes, it’s true — an enticing subject line gets me to open the email, even if it’s not something I would typically write about. After that, I scan quickly to see whether the sender gets to the point and tells a clear story.
One day, my path crossed with Sarah Wadle. I think we first met at a networking event and then worked together off and on through the years. I’d often include one of her clients into a lifestyle piece I was writing. As her business continued to grow, she needed additional support, and I was happy to help. From the beginning, Sarah and I shared a similar approach and commitment to thoughtful, strategic storytelling.
Now approaching two years with First Position Media, I’ve been able to work across industries, helping position Ellafi Federal Credit Union’s rebrand and promote The Griswold Inn’s upcoming 250th Birthday Celebration. For Ellafi, for example, I have had the opportunity to regularly contribute to its blog, writing member stories that highlight why individuals choose the credit union and the role it plays in their financial journeys.
Between my days studying journalism on campus and my time in trade publishing, agency life, and freelance work, there’s always been a constant thread of asking questions and shaping stories. Fortunately, at First Position Media, I get to bring all those experiences together, helping clients find the heart of their story and share it in a way that resonates. Another plus is that I get to work alongside a smart, supportive group of women of all ages, each bringing different perspectives and ideas to the table.
