About Me

I’ve been writing professionally since 2002 when my first essay, Full Cart, was published by Beyond Words Books.  I studied the art of magazine writing and had articles published by major magazines (Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, AARP) and newspapers (The Oregonian) right away.  I’ve been working full-time as a journalist, health writer and blogger ever since.

I’m also a registered nurse with decades of experience working in women’s health, obstetrics, maternal/child  and neonatal health.  I’m passionate about global health issues and write frequently about maternal health around the world.

I write a weekly column for Fit Pregnancy.com, called “Ask The Labor Nurse” – an advice and education blog about pregnancy, childbirth and parenting.  I write a column for MyRegence.com about women’s health, parenting, fitness, alternative health care and lifestyle issues.

I am CARE’s (global humanitarian organization) chairperson for advocacy in Oregon.  I’ve traveled on assignment to Peru, New York, Atlanta, San Francisco and Washington DC  to cover their work to improve the lives of girls, women and families in developing countries.  I lobby and speak about global poverty eradication policy in Oregon and Washington DC.

Just to round it all out, I’m the mother of many, been married for decades and live in a 100-year-old ex-bordello in Portland, OR.  I even manage to squeeze in time to exercise, mess around in my garden and  feed my addiction as a print junkie.  I read and read and read…