Overview
For over 20 years I worked in-house for Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, where my primary focus was in literature, writing, and grammar curriculum. As a writer, editor, and supervisor I became skilled in the art of developing clear, engaging instruction for audiences of all reading levels. I have worked in every stage of the publishing process from curriculum design and writing all the way to copyediting, proofreading, and production editing. After my time at HMH I spent some time working for McGraw-Hill and other publishers, where I worked on K-12 social studies as well as college texts in psychology and German language instruction.I'm now in my second career as an ecological garden designer and gardening coach. Part of my mission is to help people become better gardeners and understand the ecological processes at work in a garden. Here again, I am good at making complex ideas inviting and accessible to my clients.What can I do for you? If you are writing to explain or inform, especially on the topics of writing, gardening, or ecology, I can help you make your ideas clear and inviting and bring your prose to a bright, professional finish. My strengths:• Development of clear, lively prose• Making complex ideas accessible• Attention to detail in every aspect of written communication: content, organization, copyediting, proofreading, and photo editing• Deep subject-matter expertise in K–12 literature and writing instruction as well as horticulture and garden ecology.
Services
Non-Fiction
Education & Reference
Languages
English (US)
Work experience
Self-employed
Jan, 2021 —
Present
I help people improve and connect with their outdoor habitats through design and planting but also by teaching people to develop their own gardening skills. Part of my mission is to bring people closer to nature by teaching them about gardening with native plants for the benefit of birds, pollinators, and climate resilience.
McGraw-Hill Education
Aug, 2019 —
Jan, 2021
(over 1 year)
Supervised the development of grades 3–5 of a culturally-relevant social studies curriculum for the Chicago Public Schools. Shifted instructional focus from a Eurocentric perspective to one that more accurately considers the experiences of marginalized people and examines the role of race and power in history, civics, economics, and geography.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Jan, 1998 —
Apr, 2018
(about 20 years)
Provided editorial leadership for development of innovative K-12 English Language Arts curriculum content. Developed and managed complex suites of print and digital products. Collaborated closely with managers in marketing, design, engineering, production, finance, and other functional areas.
Most recently led the development of the writing/grammar strand of Into Reading, a market-leading comprehensive literacy program for K-5.
Specialized in asking questions, building collaborative relationships, and executing complex, difficult projects involving multiple in-house teams and vendors.
Self-employed
Jun, 1996 —
Present
Veteran developer of K–12 language arts and social studies curriculum specializing in writing, grammar, and literature, especially close reading. Available for writing, editing, copyediting, and research.
Portfolio
