Meet Your New Arizona Field Editor

If you happen to notice a journalist out and about in the valley who seems to be pouring copious amounts of sweat from her face, hello it's me, Patch's brand new Arizona Field Editor, serving Phoenix, Tucson, Scottsdale and Tempe.

After a cross-country move from my former home in chilly Wisconsin, I have not quite acclimated to the blazing heat, but am hopeful that sometime soon I can leave my sweatband at home.

Journalists are always looking for news tips, but especially since I'm new to the area, I want to hear from you. What's going on behind the scenes that hasn't been reported? Who's done something amazing and hasn't been recognized? What issues are impacting you and the people you care about? Please reach out with news tips or just to introduce yourself. You can reach me at caitlin.sievers@patch.com.

A little about me: I'm an experienced community journalist who's worked as a reporter and editor in Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. My most recent gig was as a K-12 education reporter in Racine, Wisconsin. During my time as a journalist, I've covered government, crime, business and most other subjects, except for sports. I've won approximately 12 awards for both photography and writing in state press association and Associated Press contests.

I grew up in rural southern Indiana, where I dictated my first story to my brother at 4-years-old, before I'd learned to write myself. My first job, as a teenager, was on a cantaloupe farm. I'm an extremely proud first-generation college graduate.

In my free time, I enjoy hiking, dancing and checking out new coffee shops and restaurants.

I'm a huge animal lover, so if you're reading one of my articles, I probably typed it while surrounded by cats.

Please help me get to know my new community. Send story ideas and news tips to caitlin.sievers@patch.com. I'm looking forward to hearing from you!