I wanted to be a journalist, because I thought it was the only way to make money as a writer. I was wrong about that. I wanted to be a foreign correspondent, because I thought Canada was a lovely, problem-free oasis. I was wrong about that, too.
In 2014, I met the family of Krystle Ann Julia Knott, a Métis teenager whose disappearance was known to the RCMP, but not disclosed to the public, for three years. Telling Krystle’s story set my career on a new course. Now I tell Canadian stories almost exclusively, and I’m particularly drawn to the stories that might otherwise go overlooked or misunderstood because of Canadians’ propensity to regard themselves as kinder, gentler Americans.
Rebecca Solnit has written powerfully of journalism’s “status-quo bias” – its tendency to believe institutions, corporations, and people with money in positions of authority. I believe this bias is very real, and I try to write in opposition to it. I’m determined to tell people’s stories so as to encourage readers to engage with some of the more problematic aspects of the Canadian experience. I want us, as Canadians, to learn from our failures.
I consider myself a reporter first and foremost. Narrative feature writing is my preferred medium.
If you’re curious about the books I’m writing, see here.
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Asking then-Toronto Mayor Rob Ford questions during a scrum in November 2013. Photo credit: Carlos Osorio
Education
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction, Goucher College (2016)
Bachelor of Journalism with a minor in Spanish, Carleton University (2013)
Recognition
Winner of the 2020 Feature Series/Project category at the Society for Features Journalism
Winner of the 2020 RTDNA Canada Network Award for Original / Enterprise reporting
Digital Publishing Awards finalist in the “Emerging Excellence” category, 2020
Honourable mention in the Society for Features Journalism awards, 2019
Fellow in the Kiplinger Program for Public Affairs Journalism, 2019
Digital Publishing Awards finalist in the “Best News Coverage” category, 2018
Logan Nonfiction Fellow with the Carey Institute for Global Good, 2018
Canadian Association of Journalists awards finalist in the 'Daily Excellence' category, 2017
EPPY shortlist in the community service category, 2017
The Goff Penny award for Canada’s best young journalists, 2016