Nice to meet you!

I do my best to have a growth mindset. Carol Dweck, the researcher who presented this idea writes of how this idea has been misused and misunderstood. It's a good article. 

Growth is most usually uncomfortable. Darn it all. Why's it gotta be that way? 

Writing, storytelling, and solo adventuring are all places I've been extremely uncomfortable. 
Also being a mom and a daughter and a friend. 

I've felt so afraid so many times before stepping into unknown territories. I reach out and someone I love is there to tell me I can do it. 
​
A few of those territories from the last few years...
A 50-day road trip, camping in a tent, ten days solo.
Telling a story rather than reading it
Working on a Fringe show 
Emceeing RAW Storytelling the first time
Hard conversations with family 
Falling in love
Querying a book
Trying to make teenagers laugh

​What a grand life. 

stuff i've done with words

Editor, Microsoft newsletter, 2024.

Workshop presenter: Commonplace books, writing your own story, teaching authentic writing, 2009-current. 

Denver Fringe, 2023. 

KC Fringe, "Best Of" winner. 2022.

RAW Storytelling Open Mic Creator/Producer.

National Writing Project, 2009-current.
 
Writing teacher, 7th grade- Ozarks Community College. 2002-2023.

Telling Favorites national storytelling event, April 2022. 

Scott Whitehair's epic Storytelling Class, Spring 2020.

KC Storytellers leadership, 2019-2023.

RAD Grad Storytelling, Marketing, 2019.

Greater Kansas City Writing Project, 2017-present.
Ozarks Writing Project, 2009-2017.

Editor, Springfield Lifestyle magazine, 2013.

blevins & co. communications, 1990-2000
Public relations and freelance writing. Clients included Mercy Health, Midwest Sports Medicine Center, Springfield Parent magazine, Midwest Sports Medicine Center, and many others. 

Published
Something Better magazine. Multiple stories. Print & digital. 2017-2020
School & Community magazine. Multiple stories. Print & digital. 2010-2016.
Springfield Lifestyle. Column, features, b2b. Print. 2013. 
Springfield Business Journal. Print & digital. 
Learning for Justice blog, Southern Poverty Law Center. Digital. 2011-2012.
Great Educators, 2011. Print. 
MORE magazine. Digital. 2010. 
​The Mirror. Print. 1990-1996.