My parents instilled in me a love for books at an early age. I could barely read and my mom would take me to the public library weekly—sometimes twice-weekly.
We'd leave with stacks of books and return them the next week only to collect another pile.
Then, I got into magazines. Veranda, Martha Stewart Living and many other glossy reads were neatly stacked in our house, encouraging my creative writing passion.
As a May 2010 graduate of Miami University (Ohio), I earned a BA in Journalism and Italian, and headed to Naples, Fla. soon after to intern with Naples Illustrated. There I covered stories from "haute" mac and cheese to interviews with an American Idol runner-up, starring in a broadway tour, and the U.S. Olympic men's bobsleigh coach.
The prior summer I spent abroad in Italy studying journalism in Florence. We traveled the coasts from Capri to Croatia, blogging, writing and drinking limoncello. I had the opportunity to interview Project Runway's Nick Verreos for the Miami Quarterly, where I served as the arts and entertainment editor. As publications director for Miami's Public Relations Student Society of America chapter, I edited, designed and wrote for the PRemiere, a bi-monthly publication.
I've interned with Pittsburgh Quarterly Magazine, as well as Cincinnati Magazine—assisting the Summer 2010 Cincinnati Wedding Magazine cover shoot was one of my favorite projects.
Throughout college, I wrote for The Miami Student and the Unione (oldest Italian-American newspaper in the U.S.), and for three years I taught the hip-hop dance workshop at our campus recreation center.
When I'm not editing, writing (or tweeting), I love to travel, bake, work out, study Italian and indulge in a stack of magazines or a good read. Also, I'm a stylist for Stella & Dot, a boutique-style jewelry company.
I was recently chosen as one of 2012's "Pittsburgh's 50 Finest" and will be raising money for cystic fibrosis through August.
I'm a proud aunt of six nieces and nephews, and certainly enjoy spending time with my loved ones.
Fun fact: I have a black belt in Tang Soo Do.
I'm very happy to be covering the vibrant community of Peters. With goals to benefit the township by providing quick and accurate hyperlocal news, and informing and participating in volunteer opportunities, I also intend to greatly contribute to the township and neighborhood efforts to continue making Peters a great place to live.
<b><b><b><b><b><b><b><b><b><b><b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b></b>
A hot topic in the area, of course, is Marcellus Shale drilling, if and when it's going to happen in Peters. I'm interested to see the outcome and for our team to cover the issue.
Also, with two new outpatient centers being constructed in the township, residents have differing opinions, mostly positive, in regard to health care. We plan to bring coverage of these centers and the programs they're offering to the community.
Read about the Outpatient Care Center's open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony here. St. Clair Hospital just broke ground for its new outpatient center on Route 19.
The latest hot-button issue? Catch up on the most recent story here.
D. Raja, Sue Means and Rep. Mark Mustio discussed property reassessments, health care, education, Marcellus Shale and more on Tuesday night.
D. Raja, Sue Means and Rep. Mark Mustio held a debate nearby in Peters Township Tuesday night.
Four bands will take the stage Saturday afternoon at the Upper St. Clair High School auditorium.
D. Raja, Sue Means and Rep. Mark Mustio discussed budgets, property reassessments, the sewer tap-in moratorium in Peters Township, health care, education and Marcellus Shale Tuesday night.
The Republican presidential candidate announced he's suspending his campaign.
A district spokesperson told parents and students Tuesday that officials are actively seeking a school resource officer to provide a uniformed security presence.
Three endorsements for D. Raja were announced on Tuesday. Raja's campaign said Peters Township is 'one of the key swing areas.'
The Republican presidential candidate just announced he's suspending his campaign.
The Republican presidential candidate just announced he's suspending his campaign.
This new partnership with New York Yankees first baseman will offer exclusive benefits to young athletes and little league coaches in 850+ Patch communities, including Peters Township.
The Republican presidential candidate just announced he's suspending his campaign.
Sierra Leone, a student at the University of Pittsburgh—originally from Atlanta—writes about her experiences the last few weeks and, through a compilation of social media exchanges, shares what she and her friends have been going through.
The Republican presidential candidate just announced he's suspending his campaign.
The Peters Township native will face five-term incumbent Rep. Tim Murphy on April 24.
The road has reopened after months of bridge construction and detours.
The Peters Township native will face five-term incumbent Rep. Tim Murphy in the April 24 primary.
The Peters Township native will face five-term incumbent Rep. Tim Murphy on April 24.
Murphy's 18th Congressional District includes Whitehall Borough.
The Peters Township native will face five-term incumbent Rep. Tim Murphy on April 24.
The team clinched home ice advantage and the No. 4 seed in the upcoming NHL Eastern Conference playoffs.
