Portfolio
Newsletter writing and editing
Newsletters have been a part of my toolkit since the beginning of my career, as a multimedia reporter and the founding editor of Centreville Patch. During my tenure at the Arlington Catholic Herald, I created hundreds of editions of the weekly email newsletter; the Catholic Press Association recognized my work with several awards. Here are a few more recent samples, from my time at The Atlantic.
Why do we keep writing about life after death?
The untold stories of Black TV
Nine nostalgic TV shows to watch
Inspirational narratives and profiles
Rigorous journalism can co-exist with uplifting writing. While I never begin reporting a story with a predetermined outcome, I’m often drawn to people who’ve defied the odds in some way, or are trying to create something beautiful. I believe an immersive narrative can act a necessary corrective to the growing trend of news fatigue.
Springfield man receives kidney from man in his prayer group
After her visit to the United States, a Colombian orphan finds her forever home (Won an award for social justice reporting from the Catholic Press Association)
Teen kicks cancer, ready to compete in World Irish Dance Championship
Benedictine sister’s tasty treats jam-packed with love
Solutions journalism
Sunday banking: St. Ann credit union helps parishioners avoid predatory loans
How faith leaders are responding to the spiritual and legal questions of undocumented immigrants
Perinatal hospice supports families when a baby’s life is short
Struggling to find health care, people sometimes turn to their parishes
Afghan women left almost everything behind—except their sewing skills
Patrol officer leads outreach to local Korean Americans (Won first place for feature writing at the DC chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists’ Deadline Awards)
Spot news
Mosque opening on hold after vandals trash windows (Won first place for breaking news at the DC chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists’ annual Deadline Awards)