It all begins with a story.

I tend to think of myself as part of the background. I cover events, capture moments in time, and report the facts. I work behind the camera and behind my computer screen.

I’m passionate about being a journalist, photographer and digital content creator. It all began with my journey through journalism. My love for newspapers revolves around a memory of my father and I going on a drive every Saturday to get a copy of the weekend edition of the local paper, a Hubig’s pie and a cold bottle of Kleinpeter. At my age I was only concerned about the cartoon section, the Prince Valiant strip in particular, but this is where my dream of becoming a journalist was first nurtured.

As I got older and my love for writing developed so I chose to attend the Louisiana Scholars’ College at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. I earned a Bachelor of Art with a concentration in news editorial journalism and a minor in photography. My goal was to work for the local newspaper. It took me a few years after graduating to get my foot in the door, but I was so excited for my accomplishment.

A few years into my dream job I realized that with technology becoming a bigger part of our lives, the field of journalism needed to adapt if it was to survive. When an opportunity to work for an online news journal presented itself, I jumped on the digital news bandwagon. It was a scary decision to step into an unknown arena, but I have to say that it was the best decision.

I now work as editor of the Natchitoches Parish Journal, I’ve started Poole Media with my husband, a media agency that helps people use technology for their own business success, and I work part time at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts in the External Affairs Office.

I’ve embraced technology to help others and I’m proud to do what I do. Through each of my jobs I’m able to help the community. As a journalist I keep readers informed. With Poole Media I get to help business owners tell their story through their social media accounts, thus keeping them connected to their consumers and helping their business to grow. At LSMSA I help get information out to the public about the school and the great things its teachers and students accomplish through press releases and social media.


All these things boil down to my ability to create authentic, meaningful content that people can connect to and engage with. From photography, to videography, to graphic design, and more; it may seem simple but it means a lot to be a part of everything I’m involved in.

EXPERIENCE

  • VP/Director of Communications, Poole Media Co.- 2018 to Present

  • Media Services, External Affairs Office at Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA)- 2020 to Present

  • Editor, Natchitoches Parish Journal (NPJ)- 2016 to Present

  • Freelance work (photography/content creation) for Louisiana Kitchen & Culture, Country Roads Magazine, Cane River Creole National Historic Park, restaurants, hospitals, real estate, etc…

  • The Natchitoches Times- Graphic Designer (1 Year), Lifestyle Editor (1 year), News Editor (1 Year)

  • Practicum completed at College Newspaper The Current Sauce newspaper (52 hours)

  • Internship with the National Center for Preservation Training and Technology (NCPTT) in Heritage Education utilizing Technology (150 hours)

  • Work with the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce on its annual Explore Natchitoches magazine project and on a professional headshot photography event for members and community workforce

  • Work with the Natchitoches Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (NACVB) for promotional photos for tourism

  • Produce Photography for promotional use by Holiday Trail of Lights

  • Work with the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission (NHDDC) for promotional material to draw people to Natchitoches

SKILLS

  • Adobe Suite

  • Microsoft Office

  • Videography- Filming and Editing

  • Writing for news, social media, magazines, etc…

  • Photography for commercial work, real estate, weddings, professional headshots, etc…

  • Content creation for brands with authentic messages that engage their audience

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Staying involved in my community and giving back is crucial.

  • Guest Speaker to various Journalism classes at local colleges and high schools.

  • Participant in Northwestern State University’s annual Journalism and Media Day Program designed to encourage, inform and excite high school students about careers in journalism and professional communications.

  • Volunteered to help run media campaign for the Rotary Club of Natchitoches event called “Bulletproof the Blue,” which raised $10,000 its first year to purchase bulletproof vests for local law enforcement officers.

  • Served as a corporate member of the Kiwanis Club of Natchitoches through the NPJ

  • Served as a member of the Natchitoches Lions Club (served as secretary and received New Lion of the Year award in 2018)

  • Served as a member of the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches (APHN)

  • Served as a member of Natchitoches Young Professionals (NYP)

  • Served on the Boys & Girls Club of El Camino Real Board for Natchitoches

  • Served on Ready Start Natchitoches Board

  • Partnered with the City of Natchitoches several years in a row to secure corporate sponsors, fundraise for and organize a Family Day Celebration in City Park, providing families with a free day of activities and food.

  • Received recognition from the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and State Representative Kenny Cox, on behalf of the Louisiana House of Representatives, for achievements in media relations in the Parish of Natchitoches.

  • Received recognition from the Natchitoches Black Heritage Committee during its annual “Celebration of Women Achievement” event.

  • Held free portrait/head shot sessions through Poole Media to give people an opportunity to have a professional photo they can use for work or job hunting.

  • Held free “Front Porch” Photo Sessions during the Pandemic lockdown using telephoto lens to engage with people at home, and at the same time, to highlight the local businesses they supported.