Bio I've loved writing since I was young, and discovered in college that journalism is a natural fit. I joined Patch in August 2010 after six years in the newspaper world, where I learned the art of covering a community while asking tough questions,
I graduated from Saint Michael's College with a degree in journalism and a minor in Spanish. My time studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain, was an unforgettable experience, and I have a lingering weakness for tapas and strong coffee. After graduating in 2004, I began freelancing for the North Adams Transcript in my hometown, and landed a full-time reporting job at the Brattleboro Reformer in Vermont. Covering a vibrant, active, very vocal town, I realized my passion lies in community news and putting a face on issues to demonstrate how they affect real people.
From there, working as a beat reporter covering education and government in Beverly for the Salem News helped me hone my skills and enter the digital side of journalism. I started an arts and entertainment blog, and co-managed the Salem News Facebook and Twitter pages.
Transitioning to Patch has been been a great move, and inspired me to pursue the Masters in Digital Media program at Northeastern University, which I'm expected to graduate from in April 2013.
I live in South Boston and have a wide range of interests that involve culture and staying active. I love cooking, art, fashion, yoga, skiing, hiking, running (I completed the Boston Marathon in 2011 with a time of 3.59.57), and obviously spending time with great friends.
Your Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics
I'm a registered Democrat. I've always been pretty liberal on social issues, and my time living in Vermont definitely enhanced that. I'm a strong advocate for women's rights and gender equality, and support economic and social justice.
Religion
I grew up Catholic and although I no longer practice, I'm thankful for being exposed to the sense of community that comes with being part of a church. I consider myself spiritual, and think all religious are based on the same premise...so can't we all just get along?
Local Hot-Button Issues
Development is a major issue in Back Bay, particulary the approval of the new Copley Place tower, and the questions it raises about height resitrictions and shadows in public parks.
On a smaller scale, building codes and zoning remain an important aspect of the neighborhood, with local controls on the types of businesses moving in. Problems with graffiti and trash continue to affect Back Bay.
It's also a neighborhood that appreciates culture, so there's always a lot going on with restaurants, gallery exhibits, festivals, flash mobs in Copley Square, book fairs...our events calendar is not lacking.
The annual campaign makes its push toward a $2.7 million goal in an effort to compensate for dwindling property tax revenues and rising costs associated with a booming enrollment.
Should the Alto Tunnel project be singled out in the Mill Valley General Plan? Voice your opinion in the comment section.
Should the Alto Tunnel project be singled out in the Mill Valley General Plan? Voice your opinion in the comment section.
A roundup of this week's police log includes a handful of cars keyed overnight, along with hit and runs. Also, a caller said his ex-husband came to his house and tried to run him over with his Jeep.
The following stories were the talk of the town in the 94941 over the past week.
With their 1 Camino Alto property identified as having the capacity for 41 units of housing, Safeway wants to learn more about the city’s General Plan update.
The evening features headliner Bob Weir, along with Primus’ Les Claypool and Jay Lane, Jackie Greene, ALO’s Dan "Lebo" Lebowitz and Steve Adams, and James Nash of The Waybacks, with a number of "special guests."
Marianita Capra, 49, of Novato, was arrested after an investigation of possible identity theft and financial elder abuse of more than $40,000 involving a resident at the assisted living facility.
Berman, a resident of Mill Valley for 20 years, took over from former Mayor Garry Lion.
The popular San Francisco cafe is taking root in Mill Valley, and Executive Chef Sascha Weiss expects it to flourish in Marin.
The winning photographers were recognized during a reception at the Mill Valley Community Center, where their work will be on display throughout December as part of the Arts Commission's First Tuesday ArtWalk.
A roundup of this week's police log includes a man who returned from a physical therapy appointment to find his car missing, an elderly man and woman who were hit by a bus while driving a Saab, and lots of thefts from homes and cars.
Eleventh grader Brissa Teodoro 'is the girl every coach would love to have on their team.' Tenth grader Abigail Hassett 'takes pride in her abilities, is a hard worker during practice, and is an inspiration to others with her dedication.
Police and fire departments have been responding to storm damage throughout Marin. Let us know what you've been dealing with in the comments, and upload any photos you took.
Friends remember Alex Ivanov as a generous, outgoing guy who loved the outdoors, had a kind heart and was always up for an adventure.
The popular San Rafael restaurant will expand to Mill Valley in February 2013.
About 40 percent of the funds went to administrative costs, in violation of California law.
The following stories were the talk of the town in the 94941 over the past week.
Carla Escoda's new Studio C in Sausalito is based on an American Ballet Theatre curriculum with a medically approved approach. It's ideal for someone recovering from an injury, to a professional dance student.
Inspirational speakers include: Miss Representation producer Jennifer Siebel Newsom; Common Sense Media co-founder Linda Burch; E! Investigates reporter Laura Ling who was imprisoned in North Korea for 140 days; and radio host and author Rebecca Costa.
