I’m a feature writer for The Washington Post, focusing on stories about families and children.
I’ve interpreted that assignment broadly for nearly a decade, examining different facets of our modern reality through the lens of family. I’ve written about how climate scientists have chosen to raise their children, knowing they will inherit an imperiled world. I’ve told the stories of would-be parents who, facing terminal diagnoses, chose to welcome new life. I’ve chronicled the experiences
of children who describe apparent memories from a past life — and the researchers working to make sense of what that means. I’ve spent time with children caught in the brutality of war; bereaved siblings of police shooting victims; teens and parents struggling to make sense of AI chatbots; and people with disabilities who have found new ways to adapt to the demands of parenthood. Over my two decades in journalism, I have developed extensive experience working with people and families who are navigating grief and trauma.
The subjects of my stories are often everyday people, but I’ve also profiled prominent figures at pivotal moments: I gained an exclusive interview with the popular children’s educator Ms. Rachel as her insistence on protecting the children of Gaza dominated the social media discourse. I wrote about Congressman Jamie Raskin as he lived through the convergence of extraordinary political responsibility and immense personal loss. I profiled LeVar Burton as he read stories aloud during the frightening isolation of pandemic lockdown. I spent time with Bill Nye as he marched for the preservation of science during the first administration of President Trump. In one of my favorite assignments, I chronicled the life and death of Tokitae, a captive orca who spent five decades living inside a tank and drew a constellation of disparate characters into her orbit — trainers, scientists, advocates, Indigenous leaders, a famous billionaire — all of whom were determined to help bring her home to her native waters.
Before joining The Washington Post’s Features section in 2015, I was a reporter for The Post’s local news staff, where I covered Loudoun County, Virginia and frequently contributed to The Washington Post Magazine.
I’ve been a finalist for a National Magazine Award in feature writing (in 2024), and a two-time finalist for the Livingston Awards for Young Journalists in local reporting (in 2016 and 2010). Other awards include: Education Writers Association National Awards, first place in single topic news or feature writing, 2016; MDDC Press Association Editorial Contest, first place/Best in Show in feature writing/profile, 2016; Maryland Rehabilitation Association, Excellence in Media award, 2015; Fairfax County Domestic Violence Community, Media Award of Excellence, 2014; Virginia Press Association, first place in feature writing, 2011.
I’m from the Washington, D.C. area and live here with my husband and children.