After graduating from West Virginia University in 2005, I spent five years writing for newspapers in Charleston, W.Va., Washington, Pa., and Pittsburgh before joining Patch.com. I grew up in Mt. Lebanon and currently reside in the Bridgeville area, so Western Pennsylvania has been home to me for most of my life.
In September 2005, less than a month after beginning my first job as a professional newspaper reporter, the Charleston (W.Va.) Daily Mail sent me with the West Virginia Air Guard's 130th Airlift Wing to the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast to report on the evacuations and recovery efforts in New Orleans. My series of reports following Hurricane Katrina earned me a West Virginia Press Association award for best-written news stories in the state. While in Charleston, I also covered crime and wrote numerous feature stories.
After moving to the Washington (Pa.) Observer-Reporter in late 2006, I covered municipal government, crime and energy issues, including the construction of a coal-refuse power plant near Imperial, Pa., and a proposed high-voltage power line through Washington and Greene counties.
Last year, I began working as a general assignment freelance reporter for Trib Total Media, covering local government and school board meetings for the second largest print news organization in Western Pennsylvania.
Now, I am excited to continue my journalism career by bringing interesting stories and important news items to residents living in the Chartiers Valley area.
<strong>Local Hot-Button Issues: </strong>Chartiers Valley is made up of four unique municipalities that each offer sprawling neighborhoods, bustling business districts and diverse recreation activities. Bridgeville, Collier Township, Heidelberg and Scott Township are tied together by the Chartiers Creek, which begins in Washington County and terminates at the Ohio River in McKees Rocks, Pa.<b><br></b>
Bridgeville’s streetscape construction project is putting a heavy toll on traffic along Route 50, forcing the town to temporarily end left-hand turns onto Station Street.
This kitty's foster family is moving, and she's in need of a permanent home.
The annual Congressional Art Competition Exhibit on Saturday afternoon will include more than 30 works of art from area high school students—including four from Upper St. Clair.
The annual Congressional Art Competition Exhibit on Saturday afternoon will include more than 30 works of art from area high school students—including Keystone Oaks.
The annual Congressional Art Competition Exhibit on Saturday afternoon will include more than 30 works of art from area high school students—including three from Peters Township.
The annual Congressional Art Competition Exhibit on Saturday afternoon will include more than 30 works of art from area high school students.
A roundup of the region's top stories from the past week.
Police officers from around the South Hills will be out in force this weekend conducting roving DUI patrols.
Police officers from around the South Hills will be out in force this weekend conducting roving DUI patrols.
The roving DUI patrols are planned for this weekend.
The most serious charges against a man accused of injuring two people in a knife fight in Bridgeville have been withdrawn. Other charges stemming from the fight were held for court
Bridgeville’s current streetscape construction project is putting a toll on traffic through town.
Bridgeville’s streetscape construction project is putting a heavy toll on traffic along Route 50, forcing the town to temporarily end left-hand turns onto Station Street.
Read more of this week's district court rulings by Magistrate Gary M. Zyra.
A task force is forming and will consider all options on how the area can help the Bridgeville Public Library after it was forced to make major cuts to its operating hours and staff.
The 2012 seniors are back with another lip dub video of "I Gotta Feeling" by the Black Eye Peas.
With the help of UPMC, and Mines and Meadows, Officer Jim Kuzak is back to enjoying one of his favorite hobbies.
Three people accused of funneling cocaine into Pittsburgh have been convicted in federal court.
Looking for a job? UPMC is hosting a career fair for job seekers looking for openings in Oakland or Shadyside.
Vote for your favorite flower shop in our weekly poll or add your thoughts in the comments section!
