Web

NewsLit.org
In 2018, I oversaw the redesign of NLP’s primary website, newslit.org, to better reflect the organization’s expanded programs and services and to showcase NLP’s primary offering, Checkology. One objective was to transition from Drupal to WordPress and to create a set of templates that we could customize as needed throughout the year. I created the RFP and led the selection of design agency, Teal Media. Since then, our strategy has shifted from significant redesigns every few years to smaller, ongoing site enhancements that reflect the scope of the organization’s ever-expanding activities, services and impact.

Homepage: The homepage features a three-story hero to showcase fresh educational and editorial content for return visitors and the organization’s mission right below that for new visitors.

NewsLitNation: This portal for educators, launched in January 2021, provides login-only access to a variety of free tools, services and resources, as well as a discussion area and event listings.

Resource library: The resource library features four different types of classroom resources (lessons, activities, infographics/posters and quizzes that can be sorted by type and grade level.

Checkology.org
In 2015, I led the RFP process to hire a branding and digital design agency to help us create an online learning hub for scaling our education programs. We chose Actual Size because their proposal was the most thorough, creative and cost-effective. Working with NLP’s CEO and director of education, I acted as NLP’s creative lead on all aspects of the development of the platform, including naming, logo creation, UX/UI design, visual design, backend admin functionality, lesson design and creation, and video production and post-production. Since we launched Checkology in spring 2016, educators, students and the public have used it across the U.S. and in more than 115 other countries. I continue to work on the expansion of Checkology: scripting lessons in collaboration with NLP’s education team, leading video production with subject matter experts and working with the agency Actual Size of Pittsburgh on post-production. I also oversee the design and content for the public-facing promotional site for the platform, get.checkology.org.

Checkology features an extensive palette of bright colors, use of gradients to add depth and interest and engaging graphics designed to appeal to young people.

Educators have the flexibility to select one of three video players —Vimeo, YouTube or Wistia — in order to circumvent school or district firewalls.

Each lesson on the platform features a unique aesthetic designed to reflect the subject matter. This image draws students into an HTML page of resources they can explore to learn more about journalist and historic figure Ida B. Wells

A lesson on the First Amendment features an HTML page where students can learn about a Supreme Court ruling in cooler colors, with a smaller lead image.

The platform’s most interactive lesson required considerable planning. Students assume the role of a reporter gathering and evaluating evidence presented through simulated cell phone calls, tweets, audio recordings and documents.

Students evaluate the news-worthiness of a story according to four criteria using sliders to reflect nuance in their answers.

An interactive map allows students to explore dashboards with information about press freedoms in countries around the world.

The promotional site for the platform at get.checkology.org quickly directs different audiences to the corresponding registration and login page.

A Student Impact page provides educators with stats to demonstrate the platform’s effectiveness and profiles of users to showcase real-life success stories.

About Me

I am a creative team leader skilled at growing organizations by cultivating and mentoring talent, building strategic partnerships and working congenially across organizations. At heart, I am a skilled storyteller with a wealth of experience in journalism and education, including a background in major market news media. I enjoy collaborating across teams to identify compelling print and video stories that bring an organization to life and demonstrate impact. Colleagues and clients recognize my expertise in translating intellectual content into relatable narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. For more, check out my resume [PDF].