I find and report news and information on a weekly basis. I'm also the host of "Neighborhood Beat". It's all about the character and characters that make Brooklyn so damn unique!

EDUCATION | A B.A. from Knox College in Galesburg, IL and an M.S. from Boston University.

HOW TO GET STARTED | Don't apply, we don't need you, it's already too competitive. But really, read as much as you can about everything! In this day and age, your school isn't as important as your voice. If your clips are better than mine my degree won't matter. But I don't want to underplay the importance of education, as it was fundamental in my structure as a journalist. If you got the goods, and something to say, you'll probably get the job.

MUST HAVE TRAITS | Professional is number one, open-minded, and you have to be courageous. The weak and timid need not apply!

how I got started | After working behind the scenes for a number of years, I did an "on camera story" and fell in love with my own reflection and I was hooked. If everyone was honest they'd admit that to themselves as well (ha ha)!

why this job?| Because I was tired of doing the work and letting someone step in and take the credit to the world. It's what I would do for free and what I have done for free.

why I love this job!| I love the people I get to meet. I love telling stories I think are interesting. I love the recognition too, I love that people think I have a cool job.

my typical day| I wake up, I walk the dog, and check email while reading blogs and newspapers online. I read four blogs every morning while I wait for the water to boil. Then I start working the phone for stories and just following up because no one returns your F-ing phone calls if you don't work for CNN. I also have to check and re-check that deposits are being made checks are in the mail, and business is getting taken care. It's a load when you are freelancer. This is not a hobby this is what I do. I always try to have a story or multiple stories in various stages of production.

what they are | You have to work hard to be taken seriously. Just because someone might not have heard of you or your media outlet, it doesn't mean that your audience doesn't deserve the best information or resources that you have to offer.

all about growth | Yes and yes. Especially in this economic climate, the more jobs you can do, the more broad your skill set, the more marketable you are, hence the higher you can climb. The more things you can do, I wear a lot and hopefully it will get me noticed.

my website| http://www.vjiam.tv