About Me

I have been a writer/editor for Jersey Shore Magazine/Jersey Shore Publications since 2014 and a high school communications, journalism, and English teacher since 2001. I am a two-time teacher of the year and earned my Master Journalism Educator certification from the Journalism Education Association in 2018. In addition to writing, I love yoga, making memories with my nieces and nephews, seeing new places, laughing with my family and friends, and sharing my Jersey Shore home with my husband.

In October 2024, I was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), which is a rare type of bone marrow cancer. I had a stem cell transplant on January 14, 2025 but am facing a new challenge as lymphoma developed in my liver in June 2025.

As such, I am taking a hiatus from all of my roles: I am on medical leave from my teaching position until at least September 2025, and from my Jersey Shore Publications’ role as writer and editor and teaching yoga until further notice.

I began my yoga journey in 2021 with Dr. Emily Bessemer of Embodied Physical Therapy then continued with Katie Morgan of The Grief Ritual. I am a 200-hour trauma informed registered yoga teacher and earned my certification with Katie in June 2024. I am also Reiki Level 1 and 2 certified through Holy Fire Reiki Master Dr. Emily Bessemer.

Photo by Tim of EVN FLO Photography https://www.evnflophotography.com/