Hi, I’m Mary.

As a reporter, I tell solution- and human-centered stories focusing on healthcare, affordability, community development, and sustainability.

As an editor and producer, I’ve managed investigative and feature projects; developed training for staff; advocated for equitable and healthy newsrooms; and mentored emerging journalists.

As a digital strategist and designer, I help newsrooms, nonprofits, and individuals reach audiences in authentic & sustainable ways.

Award-Winning Journalist with 10+ Years Experience

  • Documentary & Feature Writing

    Best Feature Series 2024, Chicago Headline Club

    Senior Producer, Change Agents Season 4

    HEAL Fellowship, Solutions Journalism Network, 2023-2024

    American Documentary Film Festival Selection 2020

    Midwest Travel Feature Award, 2016

  • Trainer & Educator

    Solutions Journalism

    Trauma-Informed Reporting

    PTSD Prevention for Journalists & Newsrooms

    Building Relationships with Vulnerable Sources

    Narrative Structure

    Cross-Platform Storytelling

  • Digital Design

    Cross-Platform Project Management

    Web Design & Brand Strategy

    Data Visualization

    Graphic & Information Design

    National Press Foundation Award, Multimedia Investigation (team), 2022

    Best Infographics, Illinois Press Association, 2015, 2016, 2017

  • Leadership

    Chicago Headline Club/SPJ (Co-President, VP Membership, Secretary, & Board Member), 2022-24

    FOIA Fest (Volunteer Coordinator, Panelist), 2022-24

    Poynter Institute’s Lead with Influence, 2021

    DEI Council, Chicago Public Media (Co-Facilitator of Recruitment & Retention), 2020-21

What others say …

  • “As a print journalist, (documentary) is something that I don’t have experience doing but Mary was really supportive and helped to get my script to where it was. At times I felt like giving up but she really pushed me. … My episode is all the better for it.”

  • “Mary was able to breathe new life into the section and work with correspondents and reporters, often twice her age, in a professional manner. She is organized, a self starter, team player and can juggle a heavy workload.”

  • “I never had to worry about Mary getting things done, from creating story budgets, writing, editing, taking photos or assigning photos, design, proofreading and producing video content. She always met deadlines, even when they were tight.”

  • “Mary initiated investigations and collaborations, going far beyond the expectations or requirements, showing her natural leadership and organizational skills as well as her impressive reporting, writing and producing abilities."

  • "Mary produced a hard-hitting documentary, playing a lead role in securing funding for the project, arranging travel, cultivating relationships with sensitive and challenging sources.”

Let’s Work Together!