If this line looks familiar to you, congratulations on your excellent taste in television. For the uninitiated, the quote — spoken by Sam Seaborn on The West Wing — summarizes my approach to everything: teaching, communications, taking complex ideas and making them less so.

We live in a time where information and knowledge is more readily accessible than ever. (A blessing and a curse, given that it’s also a moment in history where misinformation runs rampant. But that only serves to underscore the need for credibility so much more.)

I strongly believe there should be no impediments to someone wanting to broaden their horizons. And when the available information becomes a little too inside baseball, a little too jargon-filled, or even just a little too daunting… that’s where I step in.

Credibility

My philosophy is simple: helping people understand makes the world a more informed place. I believe in the good in people, and I believe that sharing credible information in an easy-to-understand way enables people to use that information for good ends.

The word credible is doing a lot of heavy lifting in that last sentence, I know. Fortunately, my years in journalism and communications, alongside my formal education both as a student and an educator, taught me exactly why credibility matters.

In journalism, I learned the importance of research and of entering discussions armed with facts. My work as a non-profit communications manager showed me the strength that comes from aligning with like-minded, credible partners. As an educator, I came to understand the value of meeting learners where they are, rather than expecting them to come find me.

Teaching and Service

I’ve been fortunate in my career to pursue work I hold near. As an educator, I have the privilege of helping build the skills that turn out strong reporters — people equipped with the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to hold bad actors to account. As a communications professional, I take great pride in being the face of an organization dedicated to sharing timely, important safety information with those who need it.

Helping people is always a skill that has come naturally for me. It’s something I’m grateful to be able to do professionally, on multiple levels. And if I can help you or your organization, drop me a line. I’d be happy to grab a coffee and talk.