Lessons from the Podium: How One Voice Can Change the Room

Rescue, Reimagined: The Strategy and Story Behind Horse Haven’s Most Powerful Fundraising Campaign

🎙️ “He Forgets His Wife’s Name, But Always Remembers This” Role: Anchor, Writer, Executive Producer Client: WVLT News / Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding (STAR) Medium: Short-form Feature | Broadcast + Digital Distribution Strategic Intent: I developed this story with a focused strategy: to drive awareness and visibility for Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding’s (STAR) innovative memory care program. Knowing that traditional coverage of Alzheimer’s often feels clinical or inaccessible, I sought to reframe the conversation around something deeply emotional—and universally human. By centering the story on an Alzheimer’s patient who could no longer remember his wife’s name but still connected with horses, we highlighted the power of therapeutic riding to restore identity, joy, and dignity in the face of memory loss. Creative Execution: Crafted a heartfelt narrative around Jerry, an 80-year-old lifelong cowboy, to show how therapeutic horse riding reawakens connection and confidence in Alzheimer's patients Shot on location at STAR’s Reflections program, combining intimate interviews and evocative visuals to showcase the emotional transformation Framed the piece to resonate with both caregiving families and broader audiences who might not otherwise engage with memory care programming Impact: Aired across broadcast, social, and digital platforms—prompting widespread emotional response and community conversation Helped STAR boost awareness of its memory care services, generating increased inquiries and support Honored with a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Writing

Client: WSMV-TV (NBC Nashville) Role: Executive Producer, Reporter, Writer Medium: Long-form Feature | Investigative + Human Interest Overview: In the aftermath of the devastating shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, I led the reporting and narrative framing of an in-depth piece that went beyond breaking news coverage—documenting the enduring emotional impact on families and elevating the voices of parents who transformed their grief into advocacy. My Approach: This story required a delicate balance of compassion, truth, and purpose. I worked closely with survivors, parents, and policy leaders to ensure their stories were told with depth and dignity—capturing not only the heartbreak, but also the strength and resolve that emerged in the weeks and months that followed. Key Focus Areas: Chronicled the lived experience of families navigating trauma, loss, and community healing Spotlighted the parents’ evolving roles as advocates for legislative change in Tennessee and beyond Highlighted state and national policy debates around school safety and gun reform, through the lens of lived experience Impact: Helped shift public discourse from momentary mourning to long-term accountability and action Recognized for its empathetic storytelling, narrative integrity, and community-centered journalism Why It Matters: This wasn’t just a story about tragedy—it was about what happens after. About how heartbreak hardens into purpose. And how the voices of grieving parents became a catalyst for public reckoning and reform.