Before I was a writer…
I was an experienced business development coach, author, paralegal, and entrepreneur. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Loyola University and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies at Roosevelt University, both in Chicago, Illinois. Years of experience in law firms and corporate law departments as well as in sales, human resources, marketing and consulting influence my approach to client care and project management.
As a gift business owner, I grew a successful company that blossomed from strictly real estate closing gifts to a full service gift and corporate identity service. An award-winning designer, I was asked to present to national audiences as a speaker at The Basket Connection Trade Show and Convention for several years. I was also a Staff Writer for the industry-leading trade magazine Rave Reviews! until its final issue in November 2009. I focused on business development, marketing and strategy in both my classes and magazine articles.
As a business development manager for a nationally known corporate housing provider, I developed a successful email marketing campaign that has been adopted by additional markets as a means to continually communicate with clients and prospects in a welcome and informative way. Other accomplishments include inventive client appreciation programs and development of welcome and successful warm-call strategies.
Education:
Bachelor of Arts—Loyola University Chicago
Paralegal Certificate—Roosevelt University
Certificate of Achievement—Kauffman Foundation Fast Track
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction—Solstice Creative Writing Program at Pine Manor College (Michael Steinberg fellow)
Master of Fine Arts in Poetry—Solstice Creative Writing Program at Pine Manor College