Originally from just outside of Boston, I dreamed of winning the first Oscar given to a woman cinematographer.  I studied film in upstate New York and have a bachelor’s degree in Cinema and Photography with a concentration in Film production. 

In 1999, I packed up my volvo station wagon with all my worldly belongings and headed west for Hollywood.

I worked in the television and film industry as a camera woman for the past 11 years and traveled all over the United States and South America, shooting television shows, promotional videos and industrial videos.  Through shooting different projects, I have been able to get a unique prospective on this country and a couple of others.  My favorite place to travel was Costa Rica, not only is the land beautiful but so are the people.  I even spent a Thanksgiving in Mexico one year.  I count myself very lucky for all the amazing experiences that I have had.

September 11th was the real impetus for me to start on the path to becoming an emergency manager.  I began as a Red Cross Volunteer, where I was quite involved with disaster services and joined a Disaster Action Team.  Wanting to participate more than what was available at the Red Cross, I joined an all-volunteer search and rescue team.  For three years, I was actively involved in many different aspects of the team and eventually became the Applicant Coordinator and a member of the board.  In addition, I completed the requirements to become an EMT. 

Being involved in a search and rescue team has pushed me to further my knowledge in disaster and emergency management and therefore, I began a master’s degree program.

I moved back to Boston in August of 2010 and interned at FEMA Region 1 in the National Preparedness Division for a year.

Currently, I have finished my degree, doing some consultant work and looking for full time employment.