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About MeI am a Canadian journalist, communications expert, editor, and writer based in Saskatchewan, Canada. I work in communications at the University of Saskatchewan and I 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.
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EMPLOYMENT & WORK EXPERIENCE
Sept. 2019 – present: Communications Officer for Pewaseskwan (the Indigenous Wellness Research Group), College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK
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
- Master of Journalism (print), Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada (2008)
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language certificate, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada (2007)
- BA (High Honours) in International Cooperation and Conflict Studies, Spanish & Political Studies at the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada (2005)
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Anti-Racist Transformation in Medical Education workshop, University of Saskatchewan, 2023
- Cascade Training, University of Saskatchewan, 2022
- TCPS 2 – CORE 2022 (Course on Research Ethics), Government of Canada Panel on Research Ethics, 2022
- Building an Awareness of Cultural Humility, University of Saskatchewan, 2021
- Indigenous Community Research Partnerships, Queen’s University, 2021
- Non-Profit Lifecycles, The Broadway Theatre professional development session, 2020
- St. John Ambulance CPR & AED, 2020
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement Workshop, University of Saskatchewan, 2019
- OCASI Webinar: Creating Inclusive Spaces for Immigrants and Refugees with In/Visible Disabilities, 2019
- WAN-IFRA course on online reporting skills, Muscat, Oman, 2013
- Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism Conference, Amman, Jordan, Nov. 2009
- Sultan Qaboos University English Language Teaching Conference, Muscat, Oman, April 2009
- Quality Assurance training certification, Sur University College, Sur, 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)
- Cree (beginner)
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
- Friends of the Broadway Theatre board of directors, Saskatoon, Canada, December 2019 - present (chair, vice-chair, committee chair)
- Saskatoon Opera Association board of directors, Saskatoon, Canada, January 2021 - January 2022
- Winterruption Festival, Saskatoon, Canada, 2018, 2019, 2022
- 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
- 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
Traveling, writing, reading, photography, social media, history, politics, international relations, environment, biking, art, drawing, playing piano, gourmet cuisine.