Where are you based?

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area near San Jose, California.

What topics and places do you cover?

I started my career writing about family travel, and it remains one of my mainstays. Recently, I've been writing more about solo travel and travel for ages 50+. I love covering my home state of California (there's so much to explore!) or anywhere that gets me outdoors in nature. I've written dozens of stories about glamping—it's my favorite!

I write blog posts and stories for DMO visitor guides, and I'd love to do more of that. In addition to travel writing, I've been drawing on my former career to write about insurance and finance.

What outlets do you usually pitch (and write for)?

I regularly contribute to 20+ publications, including multiple AAA publications, AARP, National Geographic, Business Insider, Tripadvisor, Family Vacationist, and ParentMap. I am a biweekly contributor to Hotel Scoop and love writing for local publications such as 7x7 and Bay Area Parent magazine.

Are you in-house or freelance (or both)?

Freelance

What is your approach to press trips?

I find great value in small-group press trips, as they're a great way to connect with other writers. I also love the opportunity to take one of my three teenagers with me on an individual trip, as it gives me invaluable insight when writing from a family travel perspective.

What are your professional pet peeves?

When I am invited on a press trip, and then asked where I anticipate pitching a story. I really need to experience the destination or property before I know what the story will be and where I'll pitch it. I also hate when I'm asked for confirmed assignments, as most of the publications I write for won't guarantee coverage in advance of a trip.

In your past professional life, you were …

An insurance and medical malpractice attorney. What I do now is a lot more interesting!

I started my writing career when my family moved from Chicago to California. I had three young kids at home, and I picked up a gig writing about fun things to do in the area. From there, I worked my way up to become the Bay Area Editor and, eventually, the Senior Travel Editor at Tinybeans (formerly Red Tricycle). I've been freelancing for over two years.

Where would you like to return to?

Norway is top of my list. I went there for the first time this past summer and was blown away by its beauty. French Polynesia and Fiji also hold a place in my heart, and I'd love to see more of Alaska and Canada. I'd jump at the chance to take my kids to experience the European Christmas markets.

What's on your bucket list?

Too many places! Finland tops my list, and Slovenia, Panama, Montenegro, Japan, and the Galapagos are not far behind. I'd also love to walk some of the Camino and St. Patrick's Way.

Where do you travel for fun?

Mostly road trips around California. I jump at any opportunity to go back to Yosemite or up the Northern California coastline to Mendocino and beyond.

How best should people contact you?

Reaching out via email is the best—you can find it on my TravMedia profile.