About Me

I am a Canadian journalist and writer based in Saskatchewan, Canada. I work in communications at the University of Saskatchewan and  I am writing a book about the Sultanate of Oman. I also do freelance writing, editing, and research. I lived in Oman from February 2009 until April 2016, where I worked as a Journalism, Media Studies and English lecturer in private colleges for two and half years and as a full-time correspondent for the Times of Oman newspaper for four years, writing about arts, culture, diplomatic affairs, education and science, and writing magazine features. I am passionate about art in all its forms, from opera and jazz to abstract paintings and fashion. I am a politics, foreign affairs, and history junkie. I have freelanced for news agencies, websites, TV shows, and magazines, and written two books for private commissions. I have also lived and worked in South Korea and Palestine, and traveled throughout Asia, the Middle East and Europe, often writing along the way and always with my camera in hand.  
 
EMPLOYMENT & WORK EXPERIENCE


May 2004 – present: Freelance journalist, writer and researcher for media and organisations in Canada, USA, UK, Qatar, Yemen, France and Oman. Clients include Al Jazeera, AFP, Qatar Airways, the Royal Opera House Muscat, TimeOut, UrbanGuides.ca, and Bamboo Shoots, which produces the APTN TV series "The Other Side". Author of Art Through the Eyes of an Ambassador (c. 2017) for His Excellency Hussain Mohammed Ali, former Omani ambassador to the UK.  Currently writing a book about Omani society and its role in the Middle East.

Sept. 2011 – Sept. 2015: Special Correspondent, Times of Oman newspaper and Thursday Magazine, Muscat, Oman, focusing on arts, culture, diplomatic affairs, and other issues related to Oman and magazine features

Feb. - June 2013 - Book author for Muscat Municipality’s Muscat Art Festival.

Sept. 2010 – Aug. 2011: Journalism Lecturer, Bayan College, Muscat, Oman - teaching journalism, media studies and politics.

Feb. 2009 – June 2010: English Teacher, Sur University College, Sur, Oman

Oct. 2007 – Nov. 2008: Head English teacher, BCM Language Center, Ulsan, South Korea

Dec. 2007 – May 2008: Editor-in-Chief, Korea Sun Magazine, Ulsan, South Korea

Sept. 2005 – April 2007: Journalism teaching assistant, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada

Dec. 2005 and 2006, April-Aug. 2006: reporter for the Saskatoon StarPhoenix, Saskatoon, Canada

July – Aug. 2005: research assistant for Carol Shepstone, Head of Access Services, University of Saskatchewan Library, Saskatoon, Canada

May – Aug. 2005: research assistant for Dr. Cristine de Clercy, Assistant Professor of Political Studies, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada


EDUCATION

  • June 2008: Master of Journalism (print), Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada

  • August 2007: Teaching English as a Foreign Language certificate, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada

  • May 2005: BA (High Honours) in International Cooperation and Conflict Studies, Spanish & Political Studies at the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada


PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
  • WAN-IFRA course on online reporting skills 2013, Muscat, Oman
  • Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism Conference, Jordan, Nov. 2009         
  • Sultan Qaboos University English Language Teaching Conference, April 2009
  • Quality Assurance training certification, Sur University College, Oman, June 2010


OTHER WRITING AND TEACHING EXPERIENCE 
  • Tutor for ESL students at the University of Saskatchewan, July-Aug. 2007
  • Arts and news reporter for The Sheaf, U of S students’ newspaper
  • Edited essays for students whose first language was not English
  • Spanish to English translations for Social Justice Committee (NGO)
  • Yearbook Editor 1998-2000 for St Mary High School, Prince Albert SK
  • Writing published in Fantascript, a French literary magazine written by Saskatchewan youth


LANGUAGES
  • French (fluent)
  • Spanish (fluent)
  • Arabic (intermediate)


VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
  • Saskatoon Opera Association board of directors, Saskatoon, Canada, January 2021 - present
  • Friends of the Broadway Theatre board of directors, Saskatoon, Canada, December 2019 - present
  • Canada Wide Science Fair panelist, Regina, Canada, June 2017
  • Jury for Oman Ministry of Higher Education Media Awards, Muscat, Oman, February 2013
  • English and French teacher for Project Hope, Nablus, Palestine, July 2010
  • Spanish/English translator for the Social Justice Committee (NGO), Montreal, Canada, 2004
  • Tutor at Opening Doors school, Saskatoon, Canada 2001-2002

AWARDS
  • Aug. 2012, Times of Oman Employee of the Month
  • 2005 – 2007: Carleton University Entrance Scholarship & Teaching Assistantship
  • 2001 – 2005: Dean's List Honour Roll, University of Saskatchewan
  • 2000: Government of Saskatchewan General Proficiency Award
  • 2000: St. Mary High School, Prince Albert, SK graduation awards: General Proficiency;  St. Mary Girls’ Scholarship;  English Language Arts B30;  French award

OTHER SKILLS AND INTERESTS
Traveling, writing, reading, photography, social media, history, politics, international relations, environment, biking, art, drawing, playing piano, gourmet cuisine.