We’re taking a break from our friends in the media this month to put the spotlight on one of our own.

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What’s a pivotal moment in your career that most people here don’t know about? 

A pivotal moment for me was stopping the Univ. of California health system merger back in 2019 while I was at Compassion & Choices. It demonstrated what strong coalitions and messaging can do organizationally––take an under-the-radar issue and make it top of mind for key audiences, driving engagement. 

What drew you to Novitas specifically — and has the reality matched the expectation? 

Novitas and I came together somewhat unexpectedly, and somewhat unconventionally. I started as a part time writer for the agency back in 2021, and grew into account management over the years. The reality of orchestrated chaos definitely matched my expectations of agency life!

Where do you think Novitas is getting it right that the industry hasn’t caught on to yet?

I think Novitas relies on foundational PRing while the industry can get caught up in the next shiny thing. While we use cutting edge tools here, we also do the leg work to get stories placed and communications tactics executed. 

What does a great day at work look like for you, versus a tough one?

A tough day is a quiet day. I love the crisis work, so a good day would be someone else’s bad one. 

What’s something you know how to do that has absolutely nothing to do with your job?

 I am actually an end of life doula, and I work with dying people (or pets) and their families to help them figure out the requisite paperwork that comes with death, develop meaningful ritual around loss, or aid with the transition itself. 

What else would you like to share? We’d love to hear more! 

For over 35 years I’ve been an avid equestrian, competing around show jumping courses of up to 4’3″. Currently, I own Hourglass Farm out in Elbert County where I have four horses, two dogs and two cats. I keep threatening to get a mini donkey or highland cow, but have so far resisted temptation.