I am a Maine-based writer and teacher, with ten years of public administration and public policy research, as well seven years of freelance writing, journalism and grant writing experience. In the past five years, I have taught writing and research at a public university and middle school. 

Before COVID-19 school shutdowns, I had just finished my MFA in creative nonfiction and was editing a book manuscript combining personal essay and social and cultural critique of Irish motherhood from an immigrant perspective. The publishing and personal chaos caused by the pandemic demanded another shift in my career plans. 

Previously, I completed a MA in social policy in Ireland, and managed social policy programs for ten years and this expertise influenced much of my writing. My writing audience and output has been varied and transatlantic, but the themes of motherhood, public policy interventions and solutions, immigration, and the intersection of caring and systems of care, like public education, healthcare and government programs are consistent threads. My work has appeared as features, op-eds, reviews, and industry-specific articles in Maine-based papers and national outlets like CNN.com, Rewire.news, Ploughshares, Assay Journal of Nonfiction Studies, Ms. Magazine, and Shelterforce, and Irish national papers, like The Irish Times.

As a researcher, qualitative social science investigations are my first interest, but I do have training and experience (MA thesis) in quantitative research tools, design and analysis (SPSS). I have collected survey and interview data for use in academic publications, personal and reported essays, contributions to anthologies, and mainstream publication. 

My style of management and supervision is collaborative and transparent and translates to my work as a team member, both in-person and in a remote setting. Verbal and written communication is a strength, as is collaborative project management and organization. I love working with editors, editing, and am solution-focused in my problem-solving and reporting due to my experience and knowledge of public administration and public policy.

I am seeking a new opportunity which combines my experience in government, research and writing.