I am a writer and educator. My husband and I bought our first house in Worcester four years ago; we both grew up here. We have a golden retriever named Wennington, and a beautiful baby girl who loves to read and swim—just like me! In addition to teaching in Worcester, I am a speaker and consultant for schools struggling with staff retention and professional burnout.
Q: Please tell us about your current career and what you love most about what you do?
I have been a public school teacher in Massachusetts for 15 years. I am licensed in English, Library, and School Administration. I am also the co-author of the book ‘Small Teaching K-8.’ My writing has appeared in School Arts Magazine, Edible Magazine, Juniper Rag, Worcester Living, New England Business Journal, Worcester Magazine, and The Telegram and Gazette.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Worcester, and what is your favorite dish?
My favorite restaurant in Worcester is deadhorse hill on Main Street. The menu changes frequently, so I almost always rely on my server for a knowledgeable recommendation. On my last visit, I had an incredible rigatoni dish paired with a Tuscan Rosé. I also love Wooden Bar!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met?
I met podcaster and author Bianca Marais at a Worcester Public Library event. She isn’t a gatekeeper when it comes to commercial success. She is a listener—nodding, posing follow-up questions and offering advice. When I told her my dream of writing young adult novels, she said, “I can’t tell you how many people with an MFA have pitched me awful YA novels; when it comes to writing YA, working with young people is much better preparation than any expensive degree or writer’s workshop.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would love to take a roadtrip through some of the National Parks with my husband and my daughter. There is so much natural beauty in our country that I have yet to experience with my own eyes.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I have a deep affection for Taylor Swift, particularly her “folklore” and “evermore” albums. I am also a big fan of boygenius, HAIM, The Tallest Man on Earth, Caamp, and girl in red.
Q: What is your best advice?
You only get one home town, so it’s important to be proud of it.
Q: What is one of the top three items on your Bucket List?
Learn to surf.
Q: What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Worcester?
I worked at Armsby Abbey from 2013-2018 because I needed extra cash to pay for grad school. As servers, we were routinely tested on cheeses, farms, beers, and spirits. I made a lot of flashcards, along with a lot of incredible friendships. I think I studied more at Armsby than I did when I was actually in grad school.
Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative with whom would you love to have lunch? Why?
I’d like to have lunch with the essayist Sloane Crosley. Her writer’s voice is so distinct in its humor and absurdity. I want to see if that translates into real life conversation, and also, ask her for career advice.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I can’t wait to watch my little girl grow up and become a Worcester Public Schools scholar. My husband and I are both Doherty graduates and it’s exciting to watch the construction of a new school and imagine her future there. I hope to publish another book in the near future, eventually venturing outside of non-fiction.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you, even your friends or family.
During college, I spent four weeks living in the Alaskan tundra and learning about Native culture.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Worcester, comfort, family
Q: If a motion picture was made of your life, what actor/actress would you choose to play you?
Carey Mulligan
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Worcester?
Worcester’s whispering wall is a hidden gem at the intersection of Lincoln and Highland. First and foremost, it’s a sprawling granite bench that honors Worcester’s World War I Veterans. But, if you position yourself at one end and have a friend take a seat on the other side of the bench, 75 feet opposite you, they will get the curious sensation that you are whispering directly into their ear.
Q: What is your favorite smell?
Bugspray
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My daughter and my niece make me want to be the best version of myself.
