Best Story

From the time I was a little girl, I dreamed of a career in news. I imagined myself traveling the world, sharing stories that mattered, shaping conversations with the power of narrative. But reality looked a little different. My first years in journalism were spent in a small-market station, working every weekend and holiday, telling stories—but not the ones that felt meaningful to me.

I wanted more. More impact. More connection. More meaning.

That longing led me to take a bold leap. I took out a loan (a terrifying one) and went to grad school, setting my sights on teaching. I thought the path forward was clear—until one conversation changed everything.

Walking out of class one night, my professor, Dr. Christine Tulley, asked how my student teaching was going. I told her I loved it—more than I had ever expected. Then, she asked a simple question:

"Have you ever considered getting a PhD? I think you would love being a professor."

At the time, I couldn’t even fathom it. Me? A PhD? That’s wild. I’m not smart enough for that. But the seed had been planted. Over the next few weeks, the thought lingered. It grew. It shifted something inside me.

Eventually, I took another leap—one that led me to the front lines of research, deep into the study of storytelling, and ultimately, to a career that fused my love for narrative with my passion for impact.

My journey has taught me this: stories shape the way we see ourselves and the world around us. They build bridges between people. They expand our perspectives. They spark change. And, perhaps most importantly, the right story, told at the right time, has the power to alter the course of a life.

Now, as a professor, speaker, and founder of Homeplace Creative, I help leaders harness the power of storytelling—not just to communicate, but to connect, inspire, and lead with purpose.

Because your stories matter. They always have. The real question is: how will you use yours to make an impact?

Origin Story

From the time I was a little girl, I was captivated by the stories of Jo March and Anne Shirley—two bold, imaginative, fiercely independent heroines who refused to be boxed in by the expectations of their time. They were girls with big dreams, undeterred by obstacles, carving out paths for themselves in a world that often underestimated them. Through their stories, I began to imagine all the possibilities for my own life—how I, too, could shape my own narrative.

But imagining and believing are two different things.

I started my career in news, drawn to the idea of telling stories that mattered. I pictured myself traveling the world, chasing down important stories, shaping conversations. But instead, I found myself in a small-market newsroom, working weekends and holidays, telling stories—but not the ones that felt meaningful to me.

I wanted more. More impact. More connection. More meaning.

That longing led me to take a leap—one that eventually placed me at the intersection of storytelling, education, and leadership. Along the way, I discovered that stories are more than just narratives—they are tools for connection, influence, and change. They are how we make sense of the world, how we find belonging, and how we leave a legacy.

Now, as a professor, speaker, and founder of Homeplace Creative, I help leaders harness the power of storytelling—not just to communicate, but to connect, inspire, and lead with purpose. Because storytelling isn’t just about words on a page or polished presentations—it’s about relationships. It’s about shared experiences that bring people together, create belonging, and drive meaningful change.

A Storytelling Approach Rooted in Values
Everything I do is grounded in five core values:

✨ Connection & Empathy – Stories connect us. They help us see each other, understand each other, and build stronger, more inclusive communities.

✨ Empowerment Through Collective Achievement – When we share our stories, we lift each other up. We learn from each other, grow together, and create space for everyone’s voice to be heard.

✨ Transformative Change – The right story, told at the right time, can change everything. I believe in storytelling as a tool for personal, professional, and societal transformation.

✨ Inclusivity & Community – We need diverse voices at every table. I help people build communities where all experiences and perspectives are valued.

✨ Influence & Legacy – The stories we tell today shape the world we leave behind. I believe in using storytelling to create lasting impact.

Just as Jo March and Anne Shirley helped generations of young women imagine a bigger, brighter future, I believe in the power of storytelling to help thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers imagine what’s possible—and then bring it to life.

Because when we share our stories, we don’t just communicate. We lead. We inspire. And we create a legacy that lasts.