Education:

B.A., Beloit College, Beloit, WI

Major: Modern Languages and Literature (French and Japanese) Minor: Asian Studies

At USM:

I work closely with clients to fine-tune web site content, making their sites as appealing to humans as to search engines. Search Engine Optimization may be the buzz-word, but I prefer to call it Site Tuning. My favorite analogy is that web sites are just like stringed instruments – they require frequent tuning depending upon the climate. Just as our physical climate can wreak havoc on a violin, the Internet climate is constantly changing: humidity (social trends), temperature (the competition), and barometric pressure (search engine algorithms).

Even though keeping a web site “in tune” sounds rather intangible, we have something very powerful and tangible at our disposal: Google Analytics. I’ll confess now that I am a G.A. addict – it provides the concrete data that demonstrates the measurable results of our efforts.

Favorite part of your job:

I love getting to know our clients and finding out what makes them special. Once I gain insight into why they are so good at what they do, I get to translate that into site content that best reflects that message.

When not in front of the computer:

You’ll find me gardening, reading and remodeling -- basically, I’m an HGTV/DIY/DiscoveryHome junkie and wanna-be house flipper. My favorite place on the planet is the Columbia River Gorge, a spectacular river canyon cutting the only sea-level route through the Cascade Mountain Range. It is 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep with the north canyon walls in Washington State and the south canyon walls in Oregon State. There are 77 waterfalls on the Oregon side. It is the most green, cool, lush, serene place I’ve ever been. I can’t wait to take my kids there sometime soon. What most people don’t know is that I play the violin – but not much these past 10 years since I’ve lived in Vermont. I played almost daily for 21 years, and am looking forward to making some time to incorporate that back into my daily life.

Favorite Quote:

Be the change you wish to see in the world. – Mahatma Gandhi

As a Mom:

I telecommuted as a web designer/administrator/consultant for the first 7 years of my son’s life, and am tremendously grateful for the flexibility that that gave my family. Now that my daughter is almost 5, it feels great to be back in an office environment. I see less of my kids, but I treasure every moment with them even more. And when I come home after a productive, fun, and intellectually satisfying day at USM, I find myself in the mood to dance, play and sing with my kids.

Favorite spots in cyberspace?

New York Times online, craigslist for building materials, kidsurplus.com for great deals on kids toys and clothes, GoogleTalk, weather.com