Experience

Catering by Michaels

• United States
• Events Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Marketing Manager

  • Jul 2018 - Present



Self-employed

• Greater Chicago Area

• Photographer

  • Sep 2006 - Present



CarusoPhoto

• Owner/Photgrapher

  • 2005 - Present

  As a sole proprietor, responsible for the creative and administrative operation of a fine-art photography business and a pet portrait business. Creative duties include making photographs; selecting images for printing; matting and framing of photographs; selling photographs at art shows and fairs throughout northern Illinois, as well as through an on-line storefront; scheduling portraiture sessions; and designing and implementing business identity and branding. Administrative duties include… Show more As a sole proprietor, responsible for the creative and administrative operation of a fine-art photography business and a pet portrait business. Creative duties include making photographs; selecting images for printing; matting and framing of photographs; selling photographs at art shows and fairs throughout northern Illinois, as well as through an on-line storefront; scheduling portraiture sessions; and designing and implementing business identity and branding. Administrative duties include bookkeeping; budgeting; merchant account administration; web development and maintenance; customer service; and customer base development. Author of the article “Film & Digital, Discipline & Whimsy,” published in the national photography magazine, Shutterbug, in December of 2008. Corporate clients include Chicago Helicopter Experience; Regional Transportation Authority (RTA); The John Hancock Observatory; Blue Man Group; The American Music Awards; Coca-Cola; Chicago Loop Alliance; TimeZoneOne Creative Agency; The Boston Review; Lavazza Cafe; Westendorp Design (Amsterdam, The Netherlands); Souldier Straps; Flavour Cooking School; Charmaine Anthony, Inc. (jewelry); Donna Sauers Designs (jewelry); and Megan Lee Designs (fabric and screen printing) Show less As a sole proprietor, responsible for the creative and administrative operation of a fine-art photography business and a pet portrait business. Creative duties include making photographs; selecting images for printing; matting and framing of photographs; selling photographs at art shows and fairs throughout northern Illinois, as well as through an on-line storefront; scheduling portraiture sessions; and designing and implementing business identity and branding. Administrative duties include… Show more As a sole proprietor, responsible for the creative and administrative operation of a fine-art photography business and a pet portrait business. Creative duties include making photographs; selecting images for printing; matting and framing of photographs; selling photographs at art shows and fairs throughout northern Illinois, as well as through an on-line storefront; scheduling portraiture sessions; and designing and implementing business identity and branding. Administrative duties include bookkeeping; budgeting; merchant account administration; web development and maintenance; customer service; and customer base development. Author of the article “Film & Digital, Discipline & Whimsy,” published in the national photography magazine, Shutterbug, in December of 2008. Corporate clients include Chicago Helicopter Experience; Regional Transportation Authority (RTA); The John Hancock Observatory; Blue Man Group; The American Music Awards; Coca-Cola; Chicago Loop Alliance; TimeZoneOne Creative Agency; The Boston Review; Lavazza Cafe; Westendorp Design (Amsterdam, The Netherlands); Souldier Straps; Flavour Cooking School; Charmaine Anthony, Inc. (jewelry); Donna Sauers Designs (jewelry); and Megan Lee Designs (fabric and screen printing) Show less



Inked Voices

• Writing and Editing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Writer/Group Moderator

  • Nov 2014 - Present

  Author a weekly web-based column, ImPROMPTu, which discusses, writing inspiration, creativity, and jump-starting the writing process through prompts and exercises. Responsible for acting as a moderator for the associated group, including recruitment and moderating group members; answering general questions pertaining to the group and website; and providing a column for the site’s monthly newsletter. Contribute to the site's monthly newsletter. Contribute to the site's blog. Author a weekly web-based column, ImPROMPTu, which discusses, writing inspiration, creativity, and jump-starting the writing process through prompts and exercises. Responsible for acting as a moderator for the associated group, including recruitment and moderating group members; answering general questions pertaining to the group and website; and providing a column for the site’s monthly newsletter. Contribute to the site's monthly newsletter. Contribute to the site's blog.



Mintel

• United Kingdom
• Market Research
• 700 & Above Employee

• Newsletter Editor/Researcher

  • Apr 2016 - Feb 2018

  Edit and curate a daily newsletter to be sent to employees of Hill’s Science Diet, a national pet food company. Duties include gathering relevant product description from Mintel’s database as well as stories on competitors, international news, and veterinary practices to be included into a daily digest. Edit and curate a daily newsletter to be sent to employees of Hill’s Science Diet, a national pet food company. Duties include gathering relevant product description from Mintel’s database as well as stories on competitors, international news, and veterinary practices to be included into a daily digest.



Open Books

• United States
• Education Administration Programs
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Teaching Artist

  • Sep 2016 - Sep 2017

  Lead creative writing workshops for Chicago’s public and private school students, elementary through high school age. Duties include pre- and post-workshop preparation and follow-up; communicating the power and wonder of writing; convey writing concepts such as characterization, setting, and description to students in an engaging fashion; guide writing coach volunteers during each writing workshop; and participate in periodic curriculum reviews. Lead creative writing workshops for Chicago’s public and private school students, elementary through high school age. Duties include pre- and post-workshop preparation and follow-up; communicating the power and wonder of writing; convey writing concepts such as characterization, setting, and description to students in an engaging fashion; guide writing coach volunteers during each writing workshop; and participate in periodic curriculum reviews.



PAWS Chicago

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Humane Education Manager/Grant & Content Writer

  • Oct 2014 - Mar 2016

  HUMANE EDUCATION MANAGER As the manager of a newly created Humane Education department, analyzed community needs and crafted programming to communicate PAWS’ message to upper elementary and high school aged students within target areas; created a modular approach to programming to facilitate better integration between volunteer presenters and schools; supervised, trained, and directed outreach volunteers; served as staff photographer as needed. GRANT WRITER/CONTENT… Show more HUMANE EDUCATION MANAGER As the manager of a newly created Humane Education department, analyzed community needs and crafted programming to communicate PAWS’ message to upper elementary and high school aged students within target areas; created a modular approach to programming to facilitate better integration between volunteer presenters and schools; supervised, trained, and directed outreach volunteers; served as staff photographer as needed. GRANT WRITER/CONTENT WRITER As part of the development team, wrote grant proposals, mid-grant and post-grant reports, and foundation inquiries; created original content for the website, pawschicago.org; evaluated and edited content for the website; wrote feature length article for the organization’s quarterly magazine; contributed photographic content for the magazine Show less HUMANE EDUCATION MANAGER As the manager of a newly created Humane Education department, analyzed community needs and crafted programming to communicate PAWS’ message to upper elementary and high school aged students within target areas; created a modular approach to programming to facilitate better integration between volunteer presenters and schools; supervised, trained, and directed outreach volunteers; served as staff photographer as needed. GRANT WRITER/CONTENT… Show more HUMANE EDUCATION MANAGER As the manager of a newly created Humane Education department, analyzed community needs and crafted programming to communicate PAWS’ message to upper elementary and high school aged students within target areas; created a modular approach to programming to facilitate better integration between volunteer presenters and schools; supervised, trained, and directed outreach volunteers; served as staff photographer as needed. GRANT WRITER/CONTENT WRITER As part of the development team, wrote grant proposals, mid-grant and post-grant reports, and foundation inquiries; created original content for the website, pawschicago.org; evaluated and edited content for the website; wrote feature length article for the organization’s quarterly magazine; contributed photographic content for the magazine Show less



Flavour Cooking School

• United States
• Food and Beverage Services

• Class & Retail Associate/Photographer

  • Feb 2013 - Oct 2015

  As class & retail associate, responsible for booking classes and communicating policies, procedures, and benefits to customers; assisting chefs with class set up, class administration, and post-class clean up; possessing knowledge of top of the line professional quality cookware, bake ware, and gourmet ingredients to assist customers with purchases and usage questions; acting as first line customer service representative in person, over the phone, and via the internet; managing retail… Show more As class & retail associate, responsible for booking classes and communicating policies, procedures, and benefits to customers; assisting chefs with class set up, class administration, and post-class clean up; possessing knowledge of top of the line professional quality cookware, bake ware, and gourmet ingredients to assist customers with purchases and usage questions; acting as first line customer service representative in person, over the phone, and via the internet; managing retail transactions including the handling of money; receiving and restocking new merchandise; and maintaining a positive, friendly atmosphere for customers and fellow employees. As the exclusive photographer, responsible for styling, staging, and photographing specific food items and chef/kitchen scenes for the upcoming Flavour Favorites cook book; working closely with Owner/Executive Chef Denise Norton to establish a distinct and consistent look and feel for all Flavour related imagery; photographing special events as needed. Show less As class & retail associate, responsible for booking classes and communicating policies, procedures, and benefits to customers; assisting chefs with class set up, class administration, and post-class clean up; possessing knowledge of top of the line professional quality cookware, bake ware, and gourmet ingredients to assist customers with purchases and usage questions; acting as first line customer service representative in person, over the phone, and via the internet; managing retail… Show more As class & retail associate, responsible for booking classes and communicating policies, procedures, and benefits to customers; assisting chefs with class set up, class administration, and post-class clean up; possessing knowledge of top of the line professional quality cookware, bake ware, and gourmet ingredients to assist customers with purchases and usage questions; acting as first line customer service representative in person, over the phone, and via the internet; managing retail transactions including the handling of money; receiving and restocking new merchandise; and maintaining a positive, friendly atmosphere for customers and fellow employees. As the exclusive photographer, responsible for styling, staging, and photographing specific food items and chef/kitchen scenes for the upcoming Flavour Favorites cook book; working closely with Owner/Executive Chef Denise Norton to establish a distinct and consistent look and feel for all Flavour related imagery; photographing special events as needed. Show less



Flashlight Studio (DuPuis Group, Chicago)

• Photo Studio Manager

  • Jun 2013 - Feb 2014

  As studio coordinator, responsible for acting as liaison between the studio staff (creative department & photographers) and clients; ensuring that client shoot logistics run smoothly and efficiently; maintaining the studio’s collection of props and consumables; assisting the photographer as needed; and providing general support throughout the process of a photo shoot. As studio coordinator, responsible for acting as liaison between the studio staff (creative department & photographers) and clients; ensuring that client shoot logistics run smoothly and efficiently; maintaining the studio’s collection of props and consumables; assisting the photographer as needed; and providing general support throughout the process of a photo shoot.



The Anti-Cruelty Society

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Vice President of Community Outreach/Communications

  • Mar 2000 - Jan 2010

  Continued Directorial responsibilities with the added responsibility of editing and writing The Society’s quarterly magazine; supervising the Vice President of Field Services (2009); supervising the Manager of Humane Education (2009); supervising the Coordinator of Special Projects (2007-2009); supervising the Volunteer Manager (from 2000-2002); expanding the Community Outreach Department (in personnel and scope); and working directly and closely with the President and other Anti-Cruelty… Show more Continued Directorial responsibilities with the added responsibility of editing and writing The Society’s quarterly magazine; supervising the Vice President of Field Services (2009); supervising the Manager of Humane Education (2009); supervising the Coordinator of Special Projects (2007-2009); supervising the Volunteer Manager (from 2000-2002); expanding the Community Outreach Department (in personnel and scope); and working directly and closely with the President and other Anti-Cruelty departments heads to carry out The Society’s mission. Additional responsibilities include development, implementation, and maintenance of both of The Society’s web sites (anticruelty.org & barkinthepark.org); graphic art work including the creation of shelter brochures, fliers, advertisements, and other printed materials; writing and producing humane education films; planning and development of workshops for employees, the public, and professionals in the humane field; and development and implementation of employee training modules and procedures.

• Director of Humane Education

  • Aug 1998 - Mar 2000

  Continued management of the Humane Education Department but with Director level responsibilities including a higher degree of involvement in general shelter policy and procedure development and implementation; formulation of departmental expansion plan; in-depth study of the link between human and animal abuse; and continued film scripting/producing.

• SENIOR MANAGER/MANAGER OF HUMANE EDUCATION

  • Jul 1990 - Aug 1998

  Responsible for the management of one of the largest humane education departments in the country. Duties included: supervising and directing a four person staff; preparing a departmental budget; training new educators; creating, marketing, and coordinating progressive and innovative humane education programs for Chicago's public and private schools; researching, creating, developing, and implementing effective workshops, curriculum, and educational support materials; writing and producing… Show more Responsible for the management of one of the largest humane education departments in the country. Duties included: supervising and directing a four person staff; preparing a departmental budget; training new educators; creating, marketing, and coordinating progressive and innovative humane education programs for Chicago's public and private schools; researching, creating, developing, and implementing effective workshops, curriculum, and educational support materials; writing and producing humane education films; and taking an active role in the decision making process of the largest private animal shelter in the Midwest.

• HUMANE EDUCATOR

  • Jan 1988 - Jul 1990

  Responsible for implementing The Society's humane education programs to Chicago's public and private schools. Duties included: creation of programs and in-house displays; answering telephone inquiries and preparing informational mailings; and demonstrating an effective and professional rapport with educators, administrators, children, and other interested parties.



CoffeehouseForWriters.com

• WRITER/ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR

  • Jul 2001 - May 2005

  Authored a weekly e-mail column, The Daily Grind, which discussed creativity, writing inspiration, and issues pertaining to the busy life of writers. Responsible for acting as a moderator for three of the website’s discussion groups; answering general questions pertaining to the website, Coffeehouseforwriters.com; and assisting website members and workshop participants with technical and administrative problems. Authored a weekly e-mail column, The Daily Grind, which discussed creativity, writing inspiration, and issues pertaining to the busy life of writers. Responsible for acting as a moderator for three of the website’s discussion groups; answering general questions pertaining to the website, Coffeehouseforwriters.com; and assisting website members and workshop participants with technical and administrative problems.