People always ask kids what they want to be when they grow up. I had all kinds of aspirations.

At first I thought I wanted to become an artist, then a landscape architect, and later a physician assistant. At one point I even toyed with the idea of becoming an actress, even though I absolutely dread performing and do not like having all eyes on me (clearly that wasn’t going to pan out). 

In college I struggled giving people an answer when they asked what I was going to do with an English degree. 

“I don’t know, write or something?” 

Some may call it fate, others luck, but I consider it a huge blessing to have been hired at Richland Source, just a couple weeks after graduating from The Ohio State University at Mansfield. 

I submitted my application with little expectations — after all, I didn’t study journalism, I had never conducted an interview (let alone written an article), I had zero photography/videography experience… I mean, the perfect candidate, right?

But they took a chance on me … and for that I am forever grateful. 

It’s hard to believe it’s been over six years that I’ve worked at Richland Source. So much has happened — yet one thing in particular has stayed the same: your desire to know the whole story of Richland County, especially the good stuff! I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed writing stories of hope, of overcoming obstacles, of people who are doing some pretty remarkable things in our community. 

At the beginning of the year, Richland Source launched a new health and wellness section called “thrive” in partnership with OhioHealth. I’ve had so much fun working on this. It’s given me the opportunity to focus on those human interest pieces that make your heart warm, bring a tear to your eye, or inspire you to go make a difference.

Thank you

Your stories have inspired me, and I can’t thank you enough for allowing me to share them with others. So, please, do me a favor and continue letting your stories be known. I happen to know some good folks who can help highlight them — just give Richland Source a call at 419-610-2100.  

I would happily jot my contact information down, but I’ve decided to step down from my post at the end of this year. Don’t worry — the Source has hired a new thrive reporter, Tierra Thomas, and she’s been hard at work to ensure thrive is thriving. 🙂

Last year, I took on a new job (mom) with the birth of my son, Eli. I anticipate this job to become more demanding come springtime when my husband and I welcome baby #2. We are very excited. It’s another fun chapter in this wild, beautiful, crazy thing we call life.

It’s likely you’ll see me again, but on a less frequent basis, as I plan to freelance for the Source when I’m not chasing the kiddos around.

Thank you for all of your support over the years. It means more than I can even begin to express.