Curriculum Vitae

EDUCATION

  • Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, (49 credit hour cross-genre terminal degree, Creative Nonfiction Specialization): West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon, WV, 2017.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in English w/ specialization in Written English, Minor in Journalism: Glenville State University, Glenville, WV, 1994. Served as the Managing Editor of the student newspaper and co-editor of the school yearbook.
  • Associate Degree in Liberal Arts: Washington State Community College, Marietta OH, 1992.

CAREER EXPERIENCE

  • Publisher/Editor Two-Lane Renaissance, December 2021-Present
  • Private Tutor – Tutor.com, December 2023-Present
  • Library Director – Gilmer Public Library, September 2018-2023
  • Assistant Librarian – Gilmer Public Library, October 2016-September 2018
  • Adjunct Instructor: Speech – Glenville State University; 2017-2020
  • Adjunct Instructor: English Foundations – Glenville State University; 2014-2016
  • Residency Assistant: West Virginia Wesleyan College MFA Program. (Winter Session 2018) 
  • Publisher/Editor – Two-Lane Livin’ Magazine, 2007 – 2017
  • Farm to School Coordinator – WV Office Of Child Nutrition, AmeriCorps Volunteer, 2013-2014
  • Reporter/Columnist/Editor – The Calhoun Chronicle, Grantsville WV. 2004-2006
  • Teacher – Hit The Ground Running, Calhoun County Board of Education. 2002
  • Freelance Graphic Artist / Copywriter / Publisher – Fun Inc. & Mr. Fun. 2000-2004
  • Desktop Publisher / Copy Designer – Glenville State University, Glenville WV. 2000-2001
  • Marketing Director  / Graphic Designer – Hampton Ridge Magic, Chicago, IL. 1996-2000

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Academia:

  • Residency Audit (3 hours), West Virginia Wesleyan College MFA Program. Winter 2018.
  • Travel Writing, American Writers & Artists Institute, Delray Beach, FL. Fall 2004.

Courses Related to Wellness & Wellbeing

  • Journaling for Wellbeing Certification, New Skills Academy, 2023
  • How to Program Your Mind for Success Certification, New Skills Academy, 2023.
  • The Self-Care Certification, New Skills Academy, June 2023.
  • Teaching Mindfulness Certification, New Skills Academy, June 2022.
  • Teaching Basic Yoga Certification, New Skills Academy, July 2022.
  • Leading Meditation Certification, New Skills Academy, May 2022.
  • How To Be a Spiritual Beacon, Master Class with Marianne Willamson, January 2022.
  • Guiding Mindfulness Meditations, with Sean Fargo, January 2022.
  • Vision Boards, with Mix Fox of SelfMadeLadies.com, January 2022.
  • 5 Paths To Your Purpose Masterclass, with Martha Beck, January 2022.
  • Intuitive Coaching Skills, with Heather Alice Shea, January 2022.
  • Visionary’s Guide to Empowering Women, with Claire Zammit, January 2022.

Courses Related to Online Education

  • Homeschooling Certification, New Skills Academy, June 2023
  • Critical Practices for Anti-Bias Education, Outschool.com, February 2020.
  • Protecting Student Privacy (FERPA, COPPA, PPRA), Common Sense Education, February 2021.
  • Increasing Student Engagement Online, Common Sense Education, February 2021.
  • News Literacy and Civic Engagement, Common Sense Education, February 2021.
  • Best Practices in Anti-Bias Education, Outschool.com, February 2021.
  • ReadSquared Platform for Online Learning, February 2021, West Virginia Library Commission.
  • Teaching Digital Citizenship, Common Sense Education, February 2021.
  • Online Classroom Management, Outschool.com, January 2021.
  • Student Safety and Privacy, Outschool.com, November 2020.
  • Building Diverse Learning Environments, Common Sense Education, September 2020.
  • Using Improv to Redefine Education, Common Sense Education, July 2020.
  • Using Google Platforms, West Virginia Library Commission, August 2020.
  • Creating & Launching Your Online Course, November 2019.
  • Blackboard Learn Basic Training, August 2017: Facilitated by WVNet.

Courses from the Idaho Commission for Libraries:

  • Introduction to Subject Headings (1.5 hours), March 2019.
  • Introduction to Dewey Classification (2 hours), March 2019.
  • Introduction to MARC Cataloging (1.5 hours), August 2017.
  • Basic Library Reference Sources (3 hours), July 2017.
  • Evaluating Reference Sources (2 hours), July 2017.
  • Library Ethics and Public Service (2 hours), July 2017.
  • Public Library Interlibrary Loans (1 hour), July 2017.
  • Library Collection Materials Selection (1.5 hours), June 2017.
  • Building a Collection (1.5 hours), June 2017
  • Collection Development Policy, February 2017. (1.5 credit hours.)
  • Library Merchandising, November 2016. (1.5 credit hours.)
  • The Library Reference Interview, November 2016. (2 credit hours.)
  • Intro to Library Tech Services & Catalog Records, Nov. 2016. (1.5 credit hours.)
  • Collection Assessment, November 2016. (1 credit hour.)
  • Library Collection Maintenance, November 2016. (2 credit hours.)

Certified Courses from WebJunction:

  • Marketing Outside the Library, October 2018. (1 credit hour.)
  • Incubate Creativity at Your Library, October 2018. (1 credit hour.)
  • Providing Constructive Employee Feedback, October 2018. (1.5 credit hours.)
  • Rural Resources & Funding, October 2018. (1 credit hour.)
  • Public Library Directors 101, October 2018. (3 credit hours.)
  • Weeding the Library Collection, October 2018. (1 credit hour.)
  • Directors ASK, October 2018. (1 credit hour.)
  • Tactics for Time Management & Organization, October 2018. (1 credit hour.)
  • Foundations of Interpersonal Communication, October 2018. (1 credit hour.)
  • Reader Advisory Services, October 2018. (1 credit hour.)

Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism at West Virginia University:

  • Web Content Management, February 2012.
  • Digital Photography, October 2012.
  • Video & Audio Production, November 2012.
  • Digital First Reporting & Online Revenue; January 2013.

Poynter News University:

  • Online Media Law: The Basics for Bloggers & Online Publishers, April 2012.
  • Copyright Law & Fair Use for Journalists, February 2012.
  • Ethics of Journalism & Freedom of Information, February 2012.
  • Community Journalism: Strategies for Managing Local Contributors, March 2012.

Miscellaneous:

  • Digital Journalism Certificate, Reuters, 2024
  • Is the Customer Always Right Certification, New Skills Academy, 2023
  • Improving Personal Effectiveness Certification, New Skills Academy, 2023
  • Blog Creation Certification, New Skills Academy, 2023
  • Extreme Weather Safety Certification, New Skills Academy, 2022
  • LGBTQ Awareness Certification, New Skills Academy, 2021
  • Research Essentials, via the West Virginia Library Commission, 2020
  • Basic Disaster Birth Support Certification, through the Midwives Alliance of West Virginia, 2013
  • GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) Training, via the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, 2014

TECHNOLOGICAL SKILLS

  • Familiar with: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, BlackBoard, Schoolology, QuarkExpress, Outschool, NearPod, QuickBooks, Excel, Wix, Ebsco, World Book Online.
  • Proficient with: Substack, WordPress, Google Platforms, Sierra, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Canva, Skype, Audacity, Video Production, Vimeo, YouTube, Lulu, Web Pac Pro, Overdrive.
  • Skilled with: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher, Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop, PowerPoint, Digital Photography, MailChimp, Social Media, CMS, Research.
  • Also Familiar with: Printers, Tablets, Copiers, Fax, Routers, Microphones, Cash Registers, Laminators, Crickets, 3D Printers.

PUBLICATIONS

  • Simply Spiritual: Basic Magic Practices for the Solitary Soul: December 2020
  • Simply Spiritual Workbook: December 2020
  • Simply Psychic: Making Magic with Scientific ESP: December 2020
  • Life in the Slow Lane: Author/Publisher, December 2019
  • Favorite Reflections: Author/Publisher, November 2019
  • Essays of Empathy: Author/Publisher, November 2019
  • Mountain Ink Literary Journal: Editor/Publisher, 2016-2018
  • Two-Lane Livin’ Magazine: Editor, Publisher, Columnist, Layout Designer. September 2007-2017
  • The Seasons of Audra State Park: Spring: Photographer, Copy Editor, Publisher. Winter 2008
  • Encounter Calhoun (Travel Guide): Editor, Travel Writer. Calhoun Newspapers, April 2005
  • Favorite Reflections – A Collection: Editor, Writer, Layout. Calhoun Newspapers, November 2005
  • A Calhoun County Christmas Sampler (Collection of Historical Stories): Editor. December 2005
  • Thus Far – A Lifetime of Poetry: Publisher, Poet, Layout Designer. December 2005
  • A Gilmer County Christmas Sampler (Collection of Historical Stories): Publisher. December 2004
  • Gilmer Review (Travel Guide): Publisher, Travel Writer, Editor, Layout Designer. April 2002
  • Note: Writing Samples can be found online here.

PUBLISHED WORKS

  • Quiet Cacophony;” K’in Literary Journal, Summer 2022
  • Coronavirus Update: April 10;” Infection House, May 2020
  • Rachel;” The Trillium, Spring 2020, Glenville State College Press
  • Wrung Ekphrastic;” Dragonspeak, Spring 2020, Glenville State College Press
  • Shaken Foundations;” Mountains Upon Mountains: New Appalachian Nature Writing, April 2019, West Virginia University Press
  • Mentalpause;” Feminine Rising: Voices of Power & Invisibility, June 2019, Cynren Press
  • Little One;” Memoir Magazine, November 2019; The Charleston Anvil, Winter 2019
  • New Wounds, Old Scars;” Entropy Magazine, January 2018; DoveTales Magazine (WritingforPeace.org), Summer 2018
  • The Stink Plant;” GreenPrints Magazine, Winter 2015-16, 25th Anniversary Issue
  • ForewordFireside Folklore of West Virginia; by Sheri Brake, Publisher: Raven Rock, March 2014
  • History is Revived at Calhoun’s Heritage Village;” Wonderful West Virginia Magazine, January 2007
  • Show Me Hikers Search for Rare Wildflowers;” Wonderful West Virginia Magazine, April 2007
  • Highlights of West Virginia;” Intelliguide Corporate, www.intelliguide.com. 2006
  • Reading Between The Lines;” column for The Hur Herald, www.hurherald.com, 2008-2009
  • “Off the Cuff;” a weekly column for The Calhoun Chronicle, 2004-2006
  • “Folk Festival 2000-A Rich GSC Tradition;” Today’s Pioneer, Fall 2000
  • 101 Amazing Magic Tricks with a Stripper Deck, Hampton Ridge Magic (now Fun Inc.), September 1997
  • 101 Tricks with a Svengali Deck, Hampton Ridge Magic, September 1997
  • Also published in The Gilmer Free Press, The Glenville Democrat/ Pathfinder, The Marietta Times, and Wonderful West Virginia Magazine.

PROJECTS/PRESENTATIONS

  • Phone Menu Voice; Gilmer County Dial-A-Story, (October 2020-2023)
  • Author Reading; The Trillium at the Pioneer Bluegrass Stage. (September 2020)
  • Author Reading; Little Kanawha Reading Series. (February 2020)
  • Creative Play for Adults; Gilmer Public Library. (September 2018-2020)
  • Friendly Fonts Writer’s Group Facilitator; Gilmer Public Library. (February 2017-Present)
  • Adult Journaling Sessions; Gilmer Public Library Summer Learning Program. (2018, 2019)
  • Library Literary Day Coordinator; Gilmer Public Library. September 2019.
  • Panel Participant; “How to Self-Motivate and Build Habits for the Writing Life,” West Virginia Wesleyan College. (Winter 2018)
  • Conference Presenter; “Altered Books: Making Library Weeds into Creative Treasures,” West Virginia Library Association Annual Fall Conference. (November 2017)
  • Journaling Class for Kids; Gilmer Public Library. (Summer 2017)
  • Altered Books Crafting Class; Gilmer Public Library. (February 2017-February 2018)
  • Keynote Speaker; Gilmer County CEOS Annual Banquet. (2016)
  • Back in Time Writer’s Workshop at Heritage Village; designer & facilitator. (October 2016)
  • The Celtic Connection Read & Review Team; (2015-2016)
  • Basic Disaster Birth Support; PowerPoint, video script, booklet, website creation, social media. (2015)
  • Model; Pen Through Tongue Packaging, Hampton Ridge Magic, 1997

AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS

  • 2022 West Virginia Librarian of the Year, March 2022, from WV Library Commission
  • Feature Profile – Women of Appalachia Project, September 2019
  • Finalist – 2018 Memoir Magazine #Recovery Essay Contest
  • Letter of Commendation – from Gilmer Public Library Board of Directors, July 2017
  • Second Place, Nonfiction – West Virginia Writer’s Inc. Contest, 2017
  • Women’s Opportunity Scholarship, Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, 2015
  • Honorable Mention, Creative Nonfiction. West Virginia Writer’s Inc. Annual Contest, 2015
  • Member, Ninth class of The State Journal’s Generation Next: 40 Under 40, 2006
  • First Place, Best Columnist – Division 5, WV Press Association Newspaper Contest, 2003
  • Second Place, Best Column – Division 5, WV Press Association Newspaper Contest, 2003
  • Third Place, Poetry on Nature – West Virginia Writer’s Inc. Annual Contest, 2002
  • Pi Gamma Mu (The oldest honor society in the social sciences.) – Glenville State College, 1994
  • Outstanding Young Woman on Campus – Glenville State College, 1994

ORGANIZATIONS

  • 2nd Vice-President – West Virginia Writers Inc., 2023-2024
  • Onecommune.com – 2022-2023
  • Region 1 Representative – West Virginia Writers Inc., 2020-Present
  • Scholarship Committee Member – Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, 2020-Present
  • Committee MemberWest Virginia Library Association Web Site Committee, 2020-2022
  • Committee MemberLittle Kanawha Reading Series,  2019-2022
  • Member/Facilitator – Local Writer’s Group, 2017-Present
  • Member – Nonfiction Author’s Association, 2018-Present
  • Club Secretary – Rush Run Community Educational Outreach Services (CEOS), 2007-2016
  • Member – West Virginia Writers, Inc., 2014-Present
  • Member – Appalachian Writer’s Association, 2016-2017
  • Member – Association of Writers and Poets, 2014-2018
  • MemberMid-Ohio Valley Growers Association, 2013-2015
  • Member – Gilmer County Economic Association, 2001-2008
  • SKYWARN® Weather Spotter, National Weather Service, 2004-Present
  • Member – Calhoun/Gilmer Writer’s Group, 2002-2006

Conferences:

  • West Virginia Writers, Inc. Annual Summer Conference, June 2024.
  • West Virginia Writers, Inc. Annual Summer Conference, June 2023.
  • West Virginia Writers, Inc. Annual Winter Conference, March 2023.
  • West Virginia Library Association (Virtual) Spring Conference, November 2021.
  • West Virginia Library Association (Virtual) Fall Conference, November 2020.
  • West Virginia Library Association Spring Fling, April 2019.
  • West Virginia Library Association Fall Conference, November 2018.
  • West Virginia Writers, Inc. Annual Fall Conference, November 2018.
  • West Virginia Library Association Fall Conference, November 2017.
  • West Virginia Writers, Inc. Annual Summer Conference, June 2017.
  • West Virginia Small Farms Conference, February 2014.
  • Create West Virginia Conference, October 2008, October 2016.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

  • Normantown Community News Correspondent, 2019-2021
  • Mini Librarian, Normantown, WV Mini Library, 2016-2022
  • Adopt-A-Highway, Rush Run Road, 2007-2016
  • Magazines for Veterans (WV VA Hospital Waiting Rooms), 2007-2016
  • Canceled stamps for DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Art & Craft Projects, 2007-2016
  • Graphic Designer/Copy Writer, Mid-Ohio Valley Edibles Marketing Campaign, Spring 2014
  • Project Leader, Supply Drive for Calhoun Domestic Abuse Response Team, April 2014
  • Poverty Simulation for Community Leaders; Event Planner, Wood County WV, January 2014
  • Co-Organizer, Calhoun County Farmer’s Market, Spring 2007