Resume

Recent Employment History

Freelance Writer and Social Media Consultant
1990-present

Current

Ingersoll District Nature Club

  • Continue to maintain website and social media presence.
  • The Ingersoll District Nature Club Facebook page had 20, 084 views in 2025 and 994 interactions.
  • Facebook followers increased by 8.4% since 2023.
  • The Ingersoll District Nature Club website had 6,200 views and 3,900 visitors in 2025.
  • Developed and organized Photo Contest in 2014-2016 to promote interest in, and awareness of, nature in Oxford County and improve local awareness of the Nature Club.

The Heroes of Zorra Project

  • Created marketing flyers and programs for the Heroes of Zorra project launch event.
  • Developed and continue to maintain social media presence, with Facebook followers increasing by 2.7% since 2003.
  • The Heroes of Zorra Facebook page had 2,582 views in 2025 and 139 interactions.
  • Created videos to promote the project for Oxford Local History Days in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Shelf Life Magazine

  • Continue to contribute reviews, maintain website and social media presence.
  • Facebook followers increased by 17% in 2025.
  • The Shelf Life Magazine Facebook page had 24, 965 views in 2025 and 277 interactions.
  • The Shelf Life Magazine website had 703 views and 494 visitors in 2025.

Previous

Editor and Layout Artist for OPAL – The Oxford People Against the Landfill (formerly The River Current) 2014-2017

Freelance writer for publications, including:
• Canoe Sports, 1998-2008
• The Southwestern Ontario Civil War Roundtable Newsletter, 1994-2008
• Shelf Life Magazine, 1998-present
• London This Week, 2004-2005
• The New South London Reporter, 1996
• The North London Beacon, 1993-1996
• The White Oaks News, 1993-1996
• The Rodney Mercury and West Lorne Sun, 1990

Developed social media content for:
• The Oxford At War 1814 event
• The Oxford People Against the Landfill (OPAL) Alliance
• Men’s Shed-Oxford
• ChewonThis! Oxford

Skills Utilized
• Copywriting and editing
• Social media (Facebook, Twitter)
• Photography
• Page layout (using CorelDRAW and Microsoft Publisher)
• Web design and maintenance using WordPress
• Brainstorming ideas
• Conducting interviews
• Meeting deadlines

Communications Assistant – Writing and Editing (2018-2023) and Communications Coordinator – Writing (2023-2025) – King’s University College

  • Crafted engaging narratives and refined content showcasing achievements of students, staff, faculty and alumni bolstering recruitment, enhancing reputation, and fostering retention efforts that resonated with diverse audiences.
  • Supported comprehensive communication strategies utilizing internal and external websites, social media, media releases, internal video screens, brochures, and other channels.
  • Provided skills and expertise to promote King’s Convocation, Open Houses, Homecoming and fundraising events.
  • Provided strategic communications and marketing support for multiple departments, including senior leadership, enhancing messaging consistency and organizational impact for events and initiatives.
  • Contributed repurposed articles for other King’s-related publications including the MEM Insider (for King’s School of Management, Economics, and Mathematics) and the King’s Herald (Alumni publication).

Skills Utilized
• Writing and editing
• Email marketing
• Speechwriting
• Communications strategies
• Conducting interviews
• Meeting deadlines
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Prioritization and time management

As part of the King’s 2024 Communications Survey, 77% of employees said they read the King’s newsletter, Things@King’s every week. Our weekly newsletter consistently had an open rate above 60%, compared to Mailchimp’s reported industry average of 35.64% and Constant Contact’s reported industry average of 35.64%.

Data and Marketing Coordinator – Carman’s Foto Source and Fairview Photo Lab
2016-2018

  • Spearheaded multi-platform marketing strategies, driving engagement across radio, print, email, social media, video screens and web channels.
  • Managed advertising campaigns for multiple vendors, securing broad media coverage and strengthening relationships with key print and radio outlets in multiple markets.
  • Led the development of internal communications, including updates on employee incentives and weekly newsletters to enhance staff engagement and morale.
  • Supported the redesign and optimization of marketing collateral, including the company website, warranty pamphlet, and business cards, ensuring alignment with brand identity and market trends.
  • Oversaw the maintenance and growth of social media platforms (Facebook, X), coordinated monthly customer email campaigns, and launched a blog to increase engagement.

Skills Utilized
• Writing and editing
• Marketing
• Graphic Design (InDesign)
• Social Media
• Internal communications

Content Creator – Write.On Communication Services
2015-2017

  • Research, wrote and edited articles and advertorials for the Londoner, Strathroy Age Dispatch, special editions of the London Free Press and Lifestyle Magazine.
  • Created and posted content for social media platforms (Facebook, X, Google Plus) for Casb Management Group, Joyce’s Sewing Shop, Regent Granite and Marble Inc., Waverley Mansion, Dental Placement Services, Write.On Communication Services, and Capital Technologies.
  • Developed content for print and digital media including copy for the Ontario Square and Round Dancing Federation, Square and Round Dancers of South Western Ontario, Patricia Berendsen and Associates, Sears Animal Hospital, Timber Thane, and Hope’s Garden.

Skills Utilized
• Writing and editing
• Conducting interviews
• Meeting deadlines
• Social Media (Facebook, X and Google Plus)

Communications Associate – Thames Valley Family Health Team
2015-2016 (contract)

  • Spearheaded the creation, implementation, and continuous refinement of a comprehensive communications strategy, aligned closely with the the Thames Valley Family Health Team (TVFHT) Strategic Plan to foster informed engagement among both employees and patients.
  • Leveraged multiple platforms including the TVFHT website and portal, newsletters, social media channels, email campaigns, site-specific brochures, community reports, and engaging video content.
  • Established and managed a bi-weekly email newsletter, effectively showcasing new website features and content updates to a broad audience.
  • Crafted compelling messaging and communications materials for senior leadership, ensuring consistency and impact across internal and external communications.
  • Led the design and ongoing enhancement of the TVFHT internal and external websites, designing sub-sites for Human Resources and Health & Safety, optimizing user experience and accessibility.

Skills Utilized
• Writing and editing
• Page layout
• Social media
• Web design and maintenance
• Photography and video

Media/Promotions/Communications Officer – The Compass Partnership
2014 (contract)

  • Collaborated closely with stakeholders to develop comprehensive marketing strategies integrating traditional, digital, video, and social media channels to support community events and initiatives for organizations such as the Ingersoll District Nature Club, Oxford People Against the Landfill (OPAL), and the Centreville Pond and Conservation Area Committee’s Oxford at War 1814 event in achieving communication goals, effectively informing audiences, and driving actionable engagement.
  • Managed and coordinated social media campaigns across platforms including Facebook, Twitter, WordPress, and YouTube on behalf of multiple organizations, including the Ingersoll District Nature Club, Centreville Pond and Conservation Area Committee for the Oxford at War 1814 event, OPAL Alliance, Men’s Shed-Oxford, and ChewonThis! Oxford to promote various initiatives and community-oriented nonprofit events.
  • Orchestrated the successful launch of the Ingersoll District Nature Club’s inaugural Annual Photo Contest, aimed at fostering community engagement and enhancing local awareness of the organization.
  • Actively promoted events hosted by Compass and its partners through strategic placements in local media outlets, including radio, television, and newspapers, effectively broadening outreach and visibility.
  • Facilitated outreach initiatives targeting local politicians, schools, museums, and community groups to amplify awareness and participation in partners’ events and initiatives.
  • Provided essential support to Compass Partnership participants through the development of project-related materials such as training manuals, outreach letters, presentations, press releases, banners, flyers, advertisements, publications, social media content, sponsorship packages, and fundraising materials.

Skills Utilized
• Writing and editing
• Graphic design
• Media and public relations
• Page layout
• Social media
• Sales and marketing
• Research
• Photography
• Video production and editing

Associate Communications Specialist – General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada
2008-2012

  • Collaborated with leadership and cross-functional teams to deliver multi-media communications strategies to amplify company initiatives and achievements.
  • Produced and managed distribution of three weekly newsletters for distinct audiences, creating articles, photography, advertisements and layouts to maximize engagement with an audience of 2200 stakeholders in London, Edmonton, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Kuwait, and other international locations.
  • Drove internal communications and marketing support at General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada, providing multi-media archives, event coordination, and strategic guidance to strengthen messaging and visibility.
  • Provided logistic and communication support for addresses from senior leadership, high profile VIP and customer visits including from then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the announcements of key contracts, annual Remembrance Day ceremonies and the United Way Cheque presentations.
  •  Created and edited videos for various high-profile events, including Remembrance Day ceremonies, United Way Campaign Kick-Offs, cheque presentations, and Whole Systems Architecture General Meetings.

Skills Utilized
• Internal and corporate communications
• Page layout & newsletter creation (using Microsoft Publisher)
• Email broadcasts
• Copywriting
• Graphic design
• Advertising and marketing
• Video production and editing
• Website maintenance
• Event planning
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Prioritization and time management

• Achieved 85% approval rating for Internal Communications in GDLS-C’s 2010 survey

Writer/Photographer – Your Village News
2006-2007

  • Authored and edited a wide range of content—including community event coverage, local business initiatives, personality profiles, advertorials, local politics, business stories, sports, entertainment, and human interest features—for a 12-16 page weekly newspaper serving Lambeth, Komoka, Kilworth, Melbourne, Delaware, Mount Brydges, Byron, Westmount, and parts of East London. This involved submitting accompanying photographs and artwork to enhance the publication.
  • Compiled and edited contributions from external sources to ensure cohesive and engaging content.
  • Supported Hayter-Walden Publishing by contributing to and distributing content across other family newspapers, including the Glencoe Transcript & Free Press.
  • Represented Your Village News at various community events and was honored by London and District Crime Stoppers with an award for “appreciation of continued support.”

Skills Utilized
• Writing and editing
• Photography
• Page layout
• Marketing and advertising
• Interviewing
• Networking and relationship-building
• Brainstorming
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Prioritization and time management
• Securing photos and artwork

Customer Service Experience
1991-2006

  •  Supervised and managed a team of 6-8 direct reports, delegating tasks effectively to ensure smooth operations.
  • Facilitated clear communication of sales goals and company initiatives to staff, aligning team efforts with organizational objectives.
  • Oversaw the receiving, inspection, and storage of shipments and deliveries, ensuring accurate inventory management.
  • Played a key role in the hiring process by supporting recruitment efforts, conducting interviews, and evaluating candidates.
  • Maintained and meticulously followed up on special orders, ensuring timely and accurate fulfillment.
  • Executed opening and closing procedures, maintaining operational consistency and readiness.
  • Compiled and analyzed daily sales figures and performance metrics, providing detailed reports to the head office.
  • Ensured a clean, organized, and safe workplace environment, adhering to health and safety standards.
  • Efficiently managed and organized the stock area, optimizing storage and retrieval processes.
  • Assisted in the setup and completion of inventory counts, contributing to accurate stock assessments and reporting.
  • Coles the Book People – Assistant Manager, 2001-2006 * The Bombay Company – Stock Coordinator, 1998-1999 * Blockbuster Video – Key Holder, 1993-1997 * Milner’s Variety and Book Store – Assistant Manager, 1991-1993

Skills Utilized
• Customer service
• Stockroom maintenance and organization
• Receiving
• Merchandising
• Inventory completion
• Supervision and training
• Hiring duties
• Scheduling

Education

Continued Professional Development
2008-present

  • Corporate Communications – Saylor Academy, 2014
  • Skillport Learning Management System, 2012
  • Advanced Photography – Conestoga College, 2010
  • Adobe InDesign – Fanshawe College, 2008

Internet Graphic Design – Westervelt College
2000-2001

Subjects included: HTML * JavaScript * Adobe Photoshop * Adobe Illustrator * Microsoft Access * Microsoft Excel * Macromedia Front Page * Adobe Fireworks * Adobe Dreamweaver * Macromedia Flash and Flash Programming * Internet Law and Business Law * E-Commerce

  • Received Macromedia/Allaire Web Designer Certificate, July 2001
  • Graduated with Honours with a 93% average

Radio, Television and Journalism  – Lambton College
1990

Subjects included: News Reporting * Copywriting and Editing * Radio and Television Broadcasting * Advertising * Graphic Arts * Photography * Video Editing * Page Layout

  • Worked on the college newsletter, The Lambton Leader, and at the college radio station, CJLC