About Me
I combine wit, grit, and grace in my writing because all three connect us human beings. Everyone experiences laughter, tears, and forgiveness along life’s journey. I strive to convey common good and human kindness that arise amidst gray moments.
My first career as a journalist involved writing news stories and documentaries for TV stations in Central Pennsylvania. I covered the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant accident. My documentary segments addressed complex issues like end-of-life decisions, school prayer policies, and gambling legislation. I changed careers to join the front lines of non-profit organizations working to improve communities and lives.
During my first marriage, I lived in Minnesota for over 20 years, where I had several jobs. As a program director with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, we built and sold homes to limited-income households. As Senior Program Officer with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation, we funded health improvement initiatives in low-resourced communities.
After my children left home, I moved to the majestic mountains of Western North Carolina and worked at UNC Asheville building partnerships with non-profits in the region. My last full-time position led me to Washington, DC as a Project Director for The Pew Charitable Trusts. My team crafted health improvement strategies for communities across the nation.
Now in this season of life creative writing sits on my front burner with several projects underway. My volunteer work includes serving on the Board of Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity and on the Advisory Board for Building America CDE My wonderful husband, artisan ceramist extraordinaire Kurt Ross retired from career in residential and commercial architecure. We live between North Carolina and my native New York City with our ‘spunk and chill’ canine companion Zadie.
As for post-secondary education I earned an MBA in marketing from the University of Minnesota, an MS in television and radio from Syracuse University and a BA in English from Wesleyan University.
As for hobbies, I enjoy Yoga, swing dancing, and running. In 1997 I trained to run my first marathon, wanted to do only one but kept going. I’ve completed over 60 marathons-so far.