Experience

Right At School

• United States
• Education Administration Programs
• 700 & Above Employee

• Manager of Bids & Proposals

  • Jul 2023 - Present

  Lead proposal writer and editor driving the development and creation of content related to RFP, Sales, and Grant proposals.

• Bids, Grants & Proposal Specialist

  • Feb 2023 - Jun 2023

  ⦁Wrote or co-wrote 30 RFP responses from February 2023 - June 23 resulting in a 66% RFP win rate, tripling RFP-generated revenue (highest RFP revenue in company history)⦁Manage multiple proposal tasks and submissions with rapid turnaround deadlines⦁Frame content in a manner that speaks to each client’s needs while accurately reflecting Right At School’s brand voice⦁Collaborate with members of the sales, marketing, operations, and design teams to ensure strategy-specific content is complete, accurate, and timely Show less



Self-Employed

• Global

• Freelance Writer & Content Strategist

  • 2006 - Present

  Create a variety of blog posts, press releases, newsletters, UX, and digital content related to health, wellness, mental health, higher education, home decor, vegan lifestyle, luxury living, women's lifestyle, sustainable living, fashion, beauty, parenting, and social-emotional learning. ⦁Zissman Media, Lead Writer - Ghostwriting for C-suite executives. B2B content for commercial insurance, risk, compliance, finance, transportation, agribusiness, cannabis, construction, and healthcare industries ⦁Inside Shopper (Editorial Partner of Chicago Tribune Company), Freelance Contributor - Fashion and Home Décor ⦁The Spruce, Editor - Product Reviews ⦁Digital Third Coast Marketing Agency, Copywriter - Health/Wellness Clients ⦁Kaiyo, Content Manager - Sustainable Living ⦁PB Kitchen Design/ Past Basket, Marketing Manager - Luxury Kitchen Design & Luxury Living ⦁Shaw Media, Neighborhood Tourist, Freelance Contributor - Arts & Entertainment ⦁Jumble & Flow, Contributor - Women's Health and Wellness ⦁Mainstreet Organization of Realtors, Freelance Contributor ⦁MOMentumNation.com, Contributing Editor - Fashion and Health Beat ⦁The Elburn Herald, Staff Reporter - Lifestyle Content and Local Editorial Features ⦁Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, Freelance Writer Featured in: Susan Skog's book, Mending the Sisterhood & Ending Woman's Bullying Today's Christian Woman Literary Mama The Savvy Freelancer Show less



The Modern Domestic Woman

• United States
• Civic and Social Organizations

• Founder & Editor

  • Jan 2012 - Present

  A safe space for woman in need of mental health, wellness, and professional referrals. The Modern Domestic Woman (MDW) provides a local directory of practical resources for women in any capacity needed. From legal help and social services like temporary housing and food to positive female communities, mental health, and well-being organizations, MDW rallies women from all backgrounds to identify needs and create a positive female community. - Compose weekly blog posts - Interview subject matter experts (SMEs) in the mental health field - Coordinate support services for inquiries, maintaining confidentiality at all times - Identify and explore organizations and businesses that support women - Ignite excitement and readership for MDW through a consistent online presence using social platforms -Respond to requests, questions, concerns on all social platforms - Motivate and coach contributors to create narratives that spark meaningful conversation with subscribers - Recruit guest columnists and support them through the MDW submission process - Coordinate participation in blog tours and on-site events - Brainstorm, research, and create relevant articles which resonate and stir conversation with a “domestic” female audience (Essays include: author interviews, product reviews, lifestyle and personal life reflection pieces) Show less



St. Charles Community Unit School District 303

• United States
• Education Management
• 400 - 500 Employee

• Teaching Assistant - ACCESS Neurodiverse Learning Program

  • Jan 2022 - Jan 2023

  Accessing Curriculum, Communication, Emotional-regulation & Sensory-motor (ACCESS) ACCESS provides students in kindergarten-5th grade with opportunities to reach their full potential through research-based, explicit, systematic instruction. Students in the ACCESS program develop independence, self-regulatory behaviors, functional communication, and social skills within the context of an academic learning environment given individualized and differentiated instruction. Accessing Curriculum, Communication, Emotional-regulation & Sensory-motor (ACCESS) ACCESS provides students in kindergarten-5th grade with opportunities to reach their full potential through research-based, explicit, systematic instruction. Students in the ACCESS program develop independence, self-regulatory behaviors, functional communication, and social skills within the context of an academic learning environment given individualized and differentiated instruction.



Gardyn

• United States
• Manufacturing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Content Strategist

  • Feb 2021 - Oct 2021

  Direct corporate content strategy and dynamic brand growth of emerging start-up company. Achieve sales objectives through content development to drive customer engagement. Drive lead generation, content production, and collaboration as thought leader and communications expert. Manage editorial blog content, CRM campaigns, SEO-optimizing landing pages, video scripts, internal tutorials/help guides, and press releases. Create and manage content marketing calendar to include themes, social distribution, promotions, and vendor partnerships. ⦁Manage branding efforts, two social media managers, and partnerships with internal public relations department. ⦁Publish 31 blog posts in Q2. Partner with chef to initiate monthly column, highlighting exclusive recipes featuring Gardyn-grown ingredients. ⦁Increase average time spent on page from 30 seconds to 2:32 and unique blog visits by over 50% (5,800 to 12,668) leveraging optimized content, expanded articles, and engagement strategies. ⦁Create and manage corporate Give Back Program, promoting 20 Gardyn Giveaways. Crafted outreach efforts to garner applications and support improved access of fresh produce to “food desert” areas. ⦁Improved quality “back-links” to company site through targeted, enhanced content, including features in Goop, Martha Stewart, and Good Housekeeping. Show less



Modern Domestic Moms Podcast

• St Charles, Illinois, United States

• Co Host

  • Jan 2020 - Mar 2021

  Co-host on the Modern Domestic Moms podcast. Two writer moms, broadcasting from the heart of the Midwest, dive into the mania of motherhood and all that goes into being a mom in the world today. We do love the pretty things of domesticity, but we're honest about the ugly too. Practical and irreverent, we explore all kinds of mom topics while always maintaining a focus on the women who keep it all together. Because mommin' ain't easy... and you don't have to do it alone. Guests include: - Ayanna Mackins-Free, The Challenge All-Stars 2 on MTV - Kate Casey of "Reality Life with Kate Casey” - Kelly Jacobson, Psychotherapist - Scott Rusch, GM of BloomStudios - Shannon Peppeard, Lead Designer and Founder of Peppeard Design founder and The Pep Line Show less



Loom Marketing

• Chicago, IL

• Owner, Copywriter, Creative Consultant

  • 2007 - Nov 2020

  Design and create trendsetting marketing initiatives based on the vision of business owners and non-profit organizations. Using an intuitive listening ear, I produce effective marketing pieces to define each clients’ unique personality. - Guide clients through the branding process by brainstorming vision, voice, and message, and molding it into a clear and concise brand and visual presentation - Partner with cross-functional teams and departments to determine marketing strategy and execution - Create data-driven marketing initiatives tailored towards growth, re-igniting excitement with existing customers, and tapping into new markets - Establish clear brand buy-in and execution of business strategies with client's staff with an emphasis on customer service and brand awareness while interacting with customers - Design of internal and external POP, signage, and print material such as flyers, external ads, and in-store advertising - Manage client timeline, launch strategy and formulation of annual marketing plans Show less



Two Wild Seeds Baking Company

• St Charles, Illinois, United States

• Customer Service Manager and Community Relations

  • Aug 2018 - May 2020

  - Provide customers with detailed product information (in-person and online) - Answer inbound messages and order requests in a timely manner in-person, on the phone, and all social media platforms - Act as a positive and helpful brand ambassador across all forms of media including emails and social media channels - Gather feedback from customers, document and report ideas/concerns to staff at monthly development meetings - Immediately address online complaints and concerns with a professional voice reflecting the integrity of the TWS brand Show less



Shaw Media

• St. Charles, Illinois

• Syndicated Columnist - The Modern Domestic Woman

  • Nov 2016 - Apr 2020

  “The Modern Domestic Woman” column with Shaw Media focuses on introducing new readers to local resources, people, and businesses, and re-ignite a passion for Kane County with "seasoned" residents, the column's objective is to actively engage women in their community via articles, interviews, and live online happenings, all which are meant to support the Modern Domestic Woman of Kane County. - Collaborate with community-based organizations and business owners “The Modern Domestic Woman” column with Shaw Media focuses on introducing new readers to local resources, people, and businesses, and re-ignite a passion for Kane County with "seasoned" residents, the column's objective is to actively engage women in their community via articles, interviews, and live online happenings, all which are meant to support the Modern Domestic Woman of Kane County. - Collaborate with community-based organizations and business owners



PB Kitchen Design & Past Basket Milwaukee

• Geneva, IL

• Digital Marketing Manager

  • Jan 2016 - Jan 2018

  Plan and execute digital marketing efforts to build email subscribers, engage customers, and convert sales for PB Kitchen Design and sister company, Past Basket. - Create, write, edit, and manage digital marketing and social campaigns - Identify search traffic growth opportunities based on Google Analytics - Work alongside Email Marketing Specialist to enhance email ROI - Create web copy, manage content calendar, and write all editorial blog posts - Collaborate with in-house designers to create content for social campaigns Show less



Aurora University

• United States
• Higher Education
• 500 - 600 Employee

• Admission Counselor

  • 2003 - 2006

  Responsible for the recruitment of full-time undergraduate students through one on one counseling, application review, interviews, campus tours, and the financial aid process. - Tripled number of students recruited in assigned territory, surpassing goal for academic year - Participated in the planning and execution of university open houses and recruitment events - Worked with University Communication department to create marketing tools for the university community, edited department marketing pieces, scoured website for factual errors and brand consistency - Interacted with a diverse community of students, faculty, staff, university alumni, prospective students and the general public in a positive light - Reviewed and analyzed applications - Walked parents and prospective students through the financial aid process Administered ACT test - Trained, cultivated, and managed relationships between Admissions Department student ambassadors and AU Faculty and Staff Show less



Sanford Corporation

• Bellwood, IL

• Customer Service and Sales Representative

  • 2001 - 2003

  Daily engaged Commercial accounts, providing customers with detailed product and promotional information. -Assisted in the training of Customer Service Representatives by coaching their communication technique to reflect a positive and helpful attitude with customers and internal sales reps -United with E-Commerce Department to create internal/external product information tools during rebranding -Responsible for communication distributed to Commercial accounts Daily engaged Commercial accounts, providing customers with detailed product and promotional information. -Assisted in the training of Customer Service Representatives by coaching their communication technique to reflect a positive and helpful attitude with customers and internal sales reps -United with E-Commerce Department to create internal/external product information tools during rebranding -Responsible for communication distributed to Commercial accounts