My Mission
The security field is full of stories with fascinating characters. I’ve had my fair share of strange jobs in this industry, but my favorite so far has been storyteller.
From high-stakes conflict to quirky personalities, from moral dilemmas to mental health, the security community holds a wealth of stories with life lessons for us all. So, let’s dive in.
Here’s what I’m up to:
Writing Books | Interviewing Hotshots | Teaching Storytelling & Communications
About Me
I'm a communications strategist, video producer, and storytelling instructor in the U.S. defense sector. I've written articles on a range of security and mental health topics and conducted interviews with military leadership, law enforcement, CIA officers, psychologists, filmmakers, and more. I have a master’s degree in security intelligence and a passion for unearthing unique human-interest stories in the security field.
My Current Writing Projects
MEMOIR
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The Israeli security community set the bar pretty high when it came to gaining membership, and I wanted in.
(IN)SECURITY is my memoir about my experience as an American woman struggling with mental illness while trying to get accepted by Israeli intelligence.
Status: Manuscript completed; on hold
Featured Interviews
I had an awesome time with Marine Corps veteran Tim Jensen and the American Grit team in San Antonio, Texas discussing moral injury. "Moral injury" is the psychological distress or shame that results from witnessing or participating in an event that violates one's moral compass. The psychological phenomenon is gaining attention in the military and first responder space, especially following the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.
(I considered showing off my Krav Maga moves from the Israeli military in the studio, but decided in the end not to intimidate the Marines.)
Special thanks to actress and film producer Katie C'etta from the Artistic Fuel Foundation for interviewing me on the organization's podcast about my perspectives as a writer in the security community and to Women in Film & Video (WIFV) for featuring the episode in their News & Notes segment.
Michael Whidden of American Tributaries and I discussed Judaic-Christian values in the American political system, the impact of war, and the importance of community for individual growth. (Spoiler alert: We also talked about a few scenes from my upcoming memoir, including the tragic, the comedic, and the lessons learned.)
Press
"Maximizing Impact" Workshop
In today's fast-paced business environment, concise and compelling communication is a critical skill. I teach a full-day workshop on maximizing impact through strategic communications, story craft, and writing skills with a focus on professionals who work in government, security, hi-tech, and engineering. Feel free to reach out to learn more.
Annual Hero's Journey Mental Health Symposium on Capitol Hill
The annual symposium is hosted by The John P. Mayhugh Foundation as part of a national effort to holistically address mental health issues through diverse leadership initiatives. Held in Washington, D.C., the symposium brings together members of Congress, military leadership, psychologists, academics, and journalists to discuss strategies and solutions for better mental health outcomes in the security community.
Photo Credit: Bobby Ross
Screening of PTSD911 with Filmmaker Conrad Weaver in Pentagon City, Washington, D.C.
Our first responders are suffering from post-traumatic stress in record numbers. Many remain silent for fear of losing their jobs if they ask for help. This is an unfair and unsustainable situation for our security community. Learn more about how filmmaker Conrad Weaver is working hard to publicize the stories behind the scenes in his latest documentary.
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