Degrees

M.F.A., Creative Writing, Nonfiction, Stonecoast MFA at University of Southern Maine, 2019

M.A., Community Development, National University of Ireland, Galway, 2007 

B.A., Tufts University, 2003

Published Work

Books

“The road to sustainable transport? Rural transport programmes and policies in Ireland” in J. McDonagh, T. Varley & S. Shortall (Eds.), A living countryside? The politics of sustainable development in rural Ireland. Aldershot: Ashgate, 2009.

“Irish Women and a Church in Crisis” in Visions and Vocations, ed. Tina Beattie. Paulist Press, 2018.

Scholarly Essays

“Women’s Bodies and Constellations: Reflections from Life,” Ploughshares Blog, 2021

“Irish Motherhood in Irish Nonfiction: Abortion and Agency,” Assay: Journal of Nonfiction Studies, Fall 2020

Essays

“The Irish Abortion Rights Experience Gives Me Hope,” Portland Press Herald, 2022

“St. Patrick’s Day is an Opportunity to Celebrate the American Immigration Story,” CNN.com, 2020

“Why I Stand in Awe of all Mna Voting to Repeal the Repeal the Eighth,” Rewire News, 2018

 “We Need Women’s Voices in Media- Beyond Their Stories About Powerful Men,” Ms. Magazine, 2017

“Beyond Representation: Exploring the Credibility Gap in Public Service,”Ms. Magazine, 2017

“Postnatal Depression,” The Irish Times, 2017

  “Is Catholic Feminist an Oxymoron?” Journal.ie, 2017

  “Maine’s Forgotten Adults Adrift in a System in Crisis”,” Bangor Daily News, 2017

“What do a Rockstar and a Refugee Have in Common?” Portland Press Herald, 2019

Presentation

“Motherhood in Irish Nonfiction: Abortion and Agency,” at American Conference for Irish Studies, May 2021.

Teaching Experience

2019 – 2024: Middle School English and Social Studies Teacher

2019—2022:  The OpEd Project Ambassador.

Facilitating “Write to Change the World” Workshop for academics and experts wanting help to translate their knowledge and experience into publishable commentary in high impact outlets

2017-2019: PT Faculty at University of Southern Maine

Professional Writing and Academic Writing and Research Methods – Social Work Department  

2015-2016: Boundless Learning

       Wrote digital public speaking & communications course content

 

Other Work Experience

2015-Present:Freelance Writer & Business Owner

2017-2018: Consultant and Grant Writer 

2016-2017: Housing Program Manager at the City of Portland

2007-2013: Social Policy Manager for Kerry County Council, Ireland       

2006-2007: Policy Researcher for Galway County Council, Ireland

2004-2002: Teacher at Citizen Schools, Dorchester, Boston