I recently returned to the U.S. after working in China since 2005, teaching English, Journalism, Business and Western Culture-related courses at three Chinese Universities, while immersing myself in the language and culture.

Previously, I worked for six years as a staff reporter at the Pasadena Star-News, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Whittier Daily News and affiliated weekly newspapers in the suburbs of Los Angeles. I juggled a handful of different city beats, covering both breaking news and features, in addition to spending time on the business desk. My beats included everything from profiles of up-and-coming local musicians to the opaque dealings of secretive city councils. I parsed business earnings reports of major corporations and dug into the impact of the skyrocketing housing prices on local people. From an in-depth look at the behind-the-scenes development of a local high school musical from casting to curtain calls to quirky profiles of one-armed jugglers and a deaf pianist, I love finding the human story at the heart of every decision. In addition to daily deadlines, I frequently contributed photographs, video and social media presence.

I have a bachelor's degree in print journalism and a master's degree in intercultural studies. I have a passion for helping people to gain a better understanding of the world and one another.