I am first and foremost a storyteller and story lover, whether those stories are told through books, movies, games, illustrations, or theme parks. I graduated from Lake Forest College with a B.A. in English: Creative Writing and am now attending SCAD to earn my M.F.A in Themed Entertainment Design.

As an undergrad, I worked on campus as a writing tutor, eventually being promoted to a writing assistant who trained other tutors. I also interned at Navy Pier (as a pirate—yes, a pirate!), a casting agency, and Booklist, the American Library Association’s book review magazine. I was working at a bookstore after graduation when my former Booklist boss reached out to say that Booklist had an opening and he would love it if I applied. I did, and lo and behold, I worked as an editorial assistant for the adult books department for six years before being promoted to a marketing specialist!

Although I’ve enjoyed reading, reviewing, and writing for Booklist, I am now eager to transfer my passion for stories from books to in-person, themed experiences, which is why I’m studying Themed Entertainment Design at SCAD. I am especially interested in creating interactive walk-through experiences, like museum exhibits and pop-ups, but I love creating all sorts of whimsical worlds, especially when those worlds bring joy to others and spark their imaginations. Please reach out if you would like to craft those worlds with me!