I was born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. I attained both my bachelor and master degrees in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During my time in local news, I have learned invaluable lessons in journalism, as I teared up while covering the funeral of a beloved couple and chased a renegade miniature pony through a subdivision. I have seen firsthand what responsible, inspiring hyper-local journalism can do for a community.
I started with Patch in 2010, as a Local Editor covering the south suburbs. In 2017, I moved into the national role of Deputy Managing Editor and now Director of Editorial Recruitment and Training, in which I handle the recruiting, hiring, and training of journalists on our team, in addition to other editorial projects. I'm thrilled to contribute in such a way to a news organization I've grown to love so deeply over the past 12 years.
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The Oak Forest Fire department has been awarded a public safety grant to purchase battery-operated extrication equipment.
The crash closed a portion of the road for several hours.
The fire happened Saturday night in the 14900 block of Park Avenue, officials said.
Homewood PD's Ken Norbut will hit high speeds for a good cause Saturday, Aug. 2.
The blood drive will be held at Village Hall Thursday, July 31 from 2 to 7 p.m.
The incident happened in the early morning hours on July 25, according to police reports.
An incident first called in an as abduction was actually three people in the same car willingly, according to police reports.
The walk has been rescheduled to Thursday, July 31 in Leavitt Park.
The one-day pop-up event is set for Monday, July 28 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The man had stepped out of a car after a crash, and was hit by a passing vehicle early Sunday in Country Club Hills.
New Lenox police on Friday knocked down rumors that have been spreading via social media.
Military Reunion Foundation's clay shooting competition will bring together combat veterans, families, and community on Saturday, July 26.
The Village promoted two from within, as well as bringing in one from Chicago PD, one from Illinois State Police.
The accident happened Friday morning at the site at 159th and Cicero Avenue in Oak Forest.
The fifth show in New Lenox's Summer Concert Series, Killer Queen will perform Saturday, July 26.
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Tinley Park officials and Tinley Park police have not been able to agree on contract terms and will have to bring in an arbitrator.
Mayor Michael Glotz will work to find space for it in town. Orland and Tinley mayors want to see it stay in either south suburb.
The appointment was approved July 21. Cecil Porter steps into the role.
