How is social media changing news?
Social media has completely changed how news spreads—it’s faster, more immediate, and more personal. It’s no longer just about headlines; it’s about conversation. People don’t just consume news—they respond to it, share their own experiences, and hold outlets accountable in real time. As someone who writes about health, travel, and disability, I’ve seen how social media can elevate underrepresented voices and spark necessary conversations that traditional outlets might miss. But it also means we have to be more intentional about accuracy, nuance, and context—because once something’s out there, it spreads fast, whether it’s right or not.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
At its core, being a journalist means being honest—with your audience, your sources, and yourself. It’s about showing up with curiosity, clarity, and the courage to tell the truth, even when it’s messy or uncomfortable. For me, that honesty shows up in the stories I tell about travel, disability, and chronic illness—topics that don’t always get the depth they deserve. Journalism is how I advocate, how I connect, and how I help others feel seen. It’s not just about reporting—it’s about building understanding and creating space for voices that are too often left out.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I mostly use Google Drive—Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Photos—to keep everything organized and collaborative. ChatGPT helps me brainstorm ideas and map out stories, especially when I’m juggling multiple deadlines. For visuals, I rely on Canva, my phone camera, and CapCut to create and edit content. I publish on Substack and share across Instagram and YouTube to connect with my community, especially folks navigating chronic illness or disability. I like keeping my workflow lightweight and mobile so I can work from anywhere.
What's your favorite social network?
As a social media person who's been wrangling posts and evolving with each platform’s development since the days of MySpace (I’ve tried them all—Facebook, Vine, Twitter, TikTok, BlueSky, you name it), I’m a sucker for Instagram. Their features have evolved to include so much, from Reels to Stories to close friends lists and carousels—it’s a creative playground. While it may seem noisy for some, I’ve had my account since 2012, and for me, I’m all in. It’s where I blend visual storytelling, advocacy, and community building in one space that still feels personal.
Who do you wish followed you?
Honestly? I’d love for someone like Sylvia Longmire or Selma Blair to follow me—people who are unapologetically themselves while navigating chronic illness or disability with a mobility aid, and still living boldly. Sylvia’s a wheelchair-using travel writer who’s been advocating for accessible tourism for years, and I deeply respect that kind of real-world impact. I’d also love to catch the attention of editors at Travel + Leisure or Condé Nast Traveler, since my goal is to expand the conversation around accessible travel and dynamic disability in mainstream media. Anyone who’s invested in reshaping what inclusive, honest storytelling looks like—I want them in my corner.
Why did you become a journalist?
Writing started as a way for me to make sense of the world. Growing up with MS, I used journal writing to process everything I was going through—it was one of the only ways I could find peace in the grief and confusion of living with a chronic illness from such a young age. Over time, that private outlet became something more public. I started sharing my experiences traveling with MS, partly as a way to document my life, but also to show others in my community that it is possible. What began as storytelling evolved into advocacy—offering real-life examples, honest reflections, and practical tips for others navigating similar challenges. Journalism became my way of not only telling my story but also shifting the narrative around what’s possible when you're living with a dynamic disability.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
The best pitch I ever got was from an organization that asked me to write an op-ed on why the Affordable Care Act is so critical—especially for people like me living with a chronic illness. It came during a politically charged moment, and the timing couldn’t have been more relevant. I was able to bring a deeply personal perspective to the piece, blending storytelling and policy insight in a way that resonated with readers and aligned with the campaign’s broader goals. It reminded me how powerful journalism can be when it meets the moment and the human behind the headline.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
If I’m not at my laptop, I’m probably out walking a dog, exploring a new neighborhood, catching a film, playing at a local game shop, checking out live theatre or music, or people-watching at a coffee shop with a good cuppa in hand. As a pet sitter and mixed mobility traveler, I spend a lot of time out in the world—whether it’s discovering a quiet park, browsing a street market, or just soaking up the vibe of wherever I’ve landed.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I have a whole collection of Travel + Leisure magazines—I love how they balance dreamy inspiration with practical tips, and their destination coverage always makes me want to plan a trip immediately. I’ve also been impressed by how they’re slowly starting to include more diverse voices and experiences. It’s the kind of publication I turn to not just for wanderlust, but to study how great travel writing is done. It definitely influences how I approach my own stories.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
The biggest misperception about my beat—writing about disability, chronic illness, and accessible travel—is that it’s all doom and gloom, or that it’s only meant for a niche audience. People assume it’s either overly inspirational or overly medical. But the reality is, disabled and chronically ill people are living full, dynamic lives—we’re dancing, working remotely, traveling the world, and figuring things out like everyone else. My work is about showing that reality: the joy and the hard stuff, the everyday moments, and the creativity it takes to adapt and thrive. It’s not a sad story—it’s a human one.
