What was your first job as a journalist?
I've never been an official journalist.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, a long time ago, but it was writing papers in college.
How is social media changing news?
News has become more click-bait driven, which makes it more difficult for outlets who try to stay away from sensationalizing stories.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Peter Parker, because I am still enamored with photojournalism.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It doesn't mean graduating from "J" school. But like Anne Lamott says, "good writing is about telling the truth."
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
The
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I prefer to be pitched via email.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Since, I'm a podcaster, I rely heavily on Descript for editing and production.
What's your favorite social network?
It's very quickly becoming BlueSky.
Who do you wish followed you?
I'd love for local school districts, state education agencies, and families of children with disabilities to follow me.
Why did you become a journalist?
I never intended to become a journalist, but after writing my first piece about inclusive education, I uncovered my passion for reporting.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I did not, but I was on the yearbook and also served on student council.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
My five-part audio documentary called Inclusion Stories.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Write shitty first drafts and tell the truth.
When's the best time to pitch you?
In the morning when I'm first having my coffee.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Any pitches that I get directly from individuals with disabilities.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Any pitch that doesn't bother to lookup what kind of podcast I have.
What's your favorite drink?
All forms of coffee.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
I'm usually walking my dog and listening to a podcast.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
New York Times is my favorite, especially their audio journalism.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
An overlooked aspect of covering students with disabilities is that we should always get the perspectives of the students.
