Hi! I’m a longtime animal welfare professional focusing on youth education and engagement. In my role with Kind News magazine, I write stories for grades K-6 students about everything from humane role models and rescues, to behavior, to sheltering trends. I’ve worked with children of all ages in outreach, teaching, and student mentoring positions. 

Before joining RedRover, I served as student outreach director and curriculum manager for The HSUS as well as board member of the Association of Professional Humane Educators. I’ve written hundreds of articles for publications including Animal Sheltering, All Animals, Humane Education Quarterly, NACA News, and Humane Activist. I'm a member of the APHE and Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and published Canis magicus, a middle grade novel inspired by the dogs of my childhood and Dear Gretchen, a pet loss grief memoir. I studied coyote policy and animals in literature at the Tufts Center for Animals & Public Policy and animal science at UMass.

It all started with a little shepherd mix named Gretchen found at the Springfield MSPCA. She inspired my work as a shelter volunteer, veterinary technician, and MSPCA project coordinator before moving to youth education. I live in western Mass with my husband, sons, and howling Husky mix.

Please tell me your story ideas for Kind News and let's talk about bringing it to your schools!