I wrote my first story in Crayon on blue construction paper and grew up staining my fingers gray from reading the Sunday paper.

I was raised in Houston where I consumed a constant diet of National Geographic, newspapers and books.

After earning a full scholarship to Texas State University, I studied journalism and graduated as the top print journalism student in my class.

Before graduating I wrote for the Texas State University Star, the San Marcos Daily Record, Austin American-Statesman and worked with the Associated Press.

I now write on the fast-paced education beat investigating regional school issues for six counties, a university and a junior college.

I am also the associate producer of the documentary Breadth of Hope, a moving story of how faith and hope sustain people who are fighting the rare terminal motor neuron disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

At the same time I wrote a six-part series on a widowed father with two children who grapples with both fatherhood and the illness.

In my time as a storyteller, I've written about the 2008 presidential election, grass fires, spirituality, murder and international travel.

I now enjoy inspiring others to grow their interest in writing and journalism. I often work with local schools and the university editing, coaching and encouraging through student projects and speaking engagements.

I enjoy running, reading, traveling and fine wine.