Work
Work
Documentaries
Speaking Grief
Producer | Director | Writer
This award-winning, feature-length documentary serves as the cornerstone of a larger multiplatform initiative to advance grief literacy and support. It aired in 82% of U.S. television markets, reaching over 64 million households, and continues to be used nationwide through a free-access model, with nearly 400 formal screening requests.
Pennsylvania Folklore: Woven Together
Producer | Director | Writer
A documentary exploring the craftsmanship and personal stories behind Pennsylvania’s textile arts. I helped secure NEA funding to support the project, which earned a Mid-Atlantic Emmy® nomination.
A Time to Heal
Co-producer | Director | Co-writer
A Time to Heal explores the lasting impact of the Vietnam War. My feature-length directorial debut, it aired nationally on the PBS World Channel.
Speaking Grief
Producer | Director | Writer
This award-winning, feature-length documentary serves as the cornerstone of a larger multiplatform initiative to advance grief literacy and support. It aired in 82% of U.S. television markets, reaching over 64 million households, and continues to be used nationwide through a free-access model, with nearly 400 formal screening requests.
Pennsylvania Folklore: Woven Together
Producer | Director | Writer
A documentary exploring the craftsmanship and personal stories behind Pennsylvania’s textile arts. I helped secure NEA funding to support the project, which earned a Mid-Atlantic Emmy® nomination.
A Time to Heal
Co-producer | Director | Co-writer
A Time to Heal explores the lasting impact of the Vietnam War. My feature-length directorial debut, it aired nationally on the PBS World Channel.
Programs and Shorts
You Can’t Say That
Producer
You Can’t Say That documents Penn State’s SOC119: Race and Ethnic Relations course to explore white supremacy, systemic inequality, and the power of open dialogue. The program won a Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Award and was selected for the International Public Television Conference (INPUT).
Speaking Grief: Message for Supporters
Producer | Director | Writer | Editor | Social Media Strategist
A short video produced for social media and web distribution as part of the Speaking Grief initiative. Designed to mobilize grief supporters, this piece is an example of how I built and sustain an engaged digital community of 43K+ followers and nearly 1 million page views for Speaking Grief across platforms.
I’m Your Neighbor: Aquila Kikora Franklin
Producer | Director | Writer
In this Emmy®-nominated episode of I’m Your Neighbor, Kikora Franklin — the first African American woman to earn tenure at the Penn State School of Theatre — shares how dance has shaped her life and how she uses it to build community among diverse groups of students.
Conversations from Penn State
Producer
A long-form interview series featuring a wide range of globally recognized guests. As producer, I had the opportunity to learn from master interviewer Patty Satalia, gaining firsthand insight into the preparation, deep listening, and guidance that make a great interview.
You Can’t Say That
Producer
You Can’t Say That documents Penn State’s SOC119: Race and Ethnic Relations course to explore white supremacy, systemic inequality, and the power of open dialogue. The program won a Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Award and was selected for the International Public Television Conference (INPUT).
I’m Your Neighbor: Aquila Kikora Franklin
Producer | Director | Writer
In this Emmy®-nominated episode of I’m Your Neighbor, Kikora Franklin — the first African American woman to earn tenure at the Penn State School of Theatre — shares how dance has shaped her life and how she uses it to build community among diverse groups of students.
Speaking Grief: Message for Supporters
Producer | Director | Writer | Editor | Social Media Strategist
A short video produced for social media and web distribution as part of the Speaking Grief initiative. Designed to mobilize grief supporters, this piece is an example of how I built and sustain an engaged digital community of 43K+ followers and nearly 1 million page views for Speaking Grief across platforms.
Conversations from Penn State
Producer
A long-form interview series featuring a wide range of globally recognized guests. As producer, I had the opportunity to learn from master interviewer Patty Satalia, gaining firsthand insight into the preparation, deep listening, and guidance that make a great interview.
Client Work
It’s On Us: Main Video
Producer | Director | Writer
Instructional video created as part of a university-wide campaign to raise awareness about sexual violence, available resources, and reporting options. This project reflects my broader commitment to using media to address challenging, critical topics with care and impact—and to my belief that learning, even on difficult subjects, can and should be engaging. It’s On Us received a Telly Award for excellence in public service media.
Madam President Trailer
Producer | Director
Funding trailer for a media project based on Madam President: Women Who Paved the Way by Penn State faculty member Nichola Gutgold, celebrating the history of women who have run for political office. Originally envisioned as an archival-driven piece, I proposed a more dynamic, present-day approach to better highlight the project’s relevance and engage funders. The trailer was honored with a Telly Award.
Matt Brezina Profile
Producer | Director
Produced as part of a college course on starting and growing a business, this video profiles entrepreneur Matt Brezina, founder of Sincerely, a company with a mission to make the world more thoughtful. Although created for an educational setting, the piece uses a branded content style to deliver an engaging, real-world look at entrepreneurship through personal storytelling and insight.
It’s On Us: Dear Katie
Producer | Director | Writer
This slam poetry-style video was created as part of Penn State’s It’s On Us campaign to raise awareness about sexual violence, available resources, and reporting options. Rather than using a literal call to action, the piece is designed to pique curiosity. It reflects my broader strategy of using emotionally resonant, creative approaches to drive engagement and spark learning.
The Clery Act
Producer | Director | Writer
Opening and closing segments created for Penn State’s mandatory Clery Act compliance training. Recognizing the power of the story behind the legislation, I used short documentary storytelling to build emotional connection, sustain engagement, and strengthen knowledge retention. These videos helped overcome affective resistance and made the case for why the content mattered. The project was honored with a Telly Award—my first professional award.
Epidemics – the Dynamics of Infectious Diseases
Producer
Remember when MOOCs were all the rage? Epidemics: The Dynamics of Infectious Diseases was a massive open online course exploring how infectious diseases spread and impact society. As part of a highly collaborative team, I produced educational videos that translated complex scientific concepts into accessible, engaging learning experiences for a global audience.
It’s On Us: Main Video
Producer | Director | Writer
Instructional video created as part of a university-wide campaign to raise awareness about sexual violence, available resources, and reporting options. This project reflects my broader commitment to using media to address challenging, critical topics with care and impact—and to my belief that learning, even on difficult subjects, can and should be engaging. It’s On Us received a Telly Award for excellence in public service media.
Madam President Trailer
Producer | Director
Funding trailer for a media project based on Madam President: Women Who Paved the Way by Penn State faculty member Nichola Gutgold, celebrating the history of women who have run for political office. Originally envisioned as an archival-driven piece, I proposed a more dynamic, present-day approach to better highlight the project’s relevance and engage funders. The trailer was honored with a Telly Award.
Matt Brezina Profile
Producer | Director
Produced as part of a college course on starting and growing a business, this video profiles entrepreneur Matt Brezina, founder of Sincerely, a company with a mission to make the world more thoughtful. Although created for an educational setting, the piece uses a branded content style to deliver an engaging, real-world look at entrepreneurship through personal storytelling and insight.
It’s On Us: Dear Katie
Producer | Director | Writer
This slam poetry-style video was created as part of Penn State’s It’s On Us campaign to raise awareness about sexual violence, available resources, and reporting options. Rather than using a literal call to action, the piece is designed to pique curiosity. It reflects my broader strategy of using emotionally resonant, creative approaches to drive engagement and spark learning.
The Clery Act
Producer | Director | Writer
Opening and closing segments created for Penn State’s mandatory Clery Act compliance training. Recognizing the power of the story behind the legislation, I used short documentary storytelling to build emotional connection, sustain engagement, and strengthen knowledge retention. These videos helped overcome affective resistance and made the case for why the content mattered. The project was honored with a Telly Award—my first professional award.
Epidemics – the Dynamics of Infectious Diseases
Producer
Remember when MOOCs were all the rage? Epidemics: The Dynamics of Infectious Diseases was a massive open online course exploring how infectious diseases spread and impact society. As part of a highly collaborative team, I produced educational videos that translated complex scientific concepts into accessible, engaging learning experiences for a global audience.
Multimedia
Speaking Grief
Creator & Project Lead | Documentary Producer & Director | Digital Content Creator | Instructional Designer | Brand Developer & Manager | Media Strategist
Emmy®-nominated, nationally recognized multiplatform initiative to foster a more grief-aware society; cited as a trusted resource with nearly 1M page views
Learning Grief
Creator & Project Lead | Digital Content Creator | Instructional Designer | Brand Developer & Manager | Media Strategist
Sister initiative to the Emmy®-nominated Speaking Grief, Learning Grief is a free online resource designed to equip caring adults to help kids and teens navigate loss. It expands grief literacy across generations and includes content for PBS LearningMedia, reaching more than 1.6 million educators nationwide.
Follow the Nudge
Content Creator
Web app that helps you provide meaningful, ongoing support to people you care about who are grieving.
Speaking Grief
Creator & Project Lead | Documentary Producer & Director | Digital Content Creator | Instructional Designer | Brand Developer & Manager | Media Strategist
Emmy®-nominated, nationally recognized multiplatform initiative to foster a more grief-aware society; cited as a trusted resource with nearly 1M page views
Learning Grief
Creator & Project Lead | Digital Content Creator | Instructional Designer | Brand Developer & Manager | Media Strategist
Sister initiative to the Emmy®-nominated Speaking Grief, Learning Grief is a free online resource designed to equip caring adults to help kids and teens navigate loss. It expands grief literacy across generations and includes content for PBS LearningMedia, reaching more than 1.6 million educators nationwide.
Follow the Nudge
Content Creator
Web app that helps you provide meaningful, ongoing support to people you care about who are grieving.
Podcasting
The Apologies Podcast
Creator, Producer, Host, Brand Developer
A podcast about healing that’s really a podcast about humaning.
12 Degrees: A Wellness Podcast
Creator, Producer, Host, Media Strategist
The podcast that offers real-life strategies for nurturing full spectrum wellness. Produced by WPSU in collaboration with the Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
News Over Noise
Producer
A podcast that helps you balance the need to stay informed with the need to protect your wellbeing by giving you tools to separate inflammatory spin from fact-based journalism. Produced in partnership with the Penn State Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, it’s the cornerstone of the Penn State News Literacy Initiative.
The Apologies Podcast
Creator, Producer, Host, Brand Developer
A podcast about healing that’s really a podcast about humaning.
12 Degrees: A Wellness Podcast
Creator, Producer, Host, Media Strategist
The podcast that offers real-life strategies for nurturing full spectrum wellness. Produced by WPSU in collaboration with the Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
News Over Noise
Producer
A podcast that helps you balance the need to stay informed with the need to protect your wellbeing by giving you tools to separate inflammatory spin from fact-based journalism. Produced in partnership with the Penn State Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, it’s the cornerstone of the Penn State News Literacy Initiative.
Speaking Grief
Speaking Grief
In addition to serving as the creator and project lead of the full Speaking Grief initiative, I developed its social media branding and manage all content creation and strategy. I have built and sustain an organic community of 43K+ followers and have generated nearly 1 million page views, demonstrating strategic audience growth and authentic engagement while leading the broader project.
In addition to serving as the creator and project lead of the full Speaking Grief initiative, I developed its social media branding and manage all content creation and strategy. I have built and sustain an organic community of 43K+ followers and have generated nearly 1 million page views, demonstrating strategic audience growth and authentic engagement while leading the broader project.
The Apologies Podcast
As the creator and lead producer of The Apologies Podcast, I developed the show’s branding, built its website, and manage all social media content in addition to hosting, editing, and producing each episode. This passion project explores themes of accountability and repair, blending thoughtful storytelling with strategic design to foster authentic audience engagement across platforms.
As the creator and lead producer of The Apologies Podcast, I developed the show’s branding, built its website, and manage all social media content in addition to hosting, editing, and producing each episode. This passion project explores themes of accountability and repair, blending thoughtful storytelling with strategic design to foster authentic audience engagement across platforms.
12 Degrees: A Wellness Podcast
As the creator, lead producer, and co-host of 12 Degrees: A Wellness Podcast, I developed the concept with a focus on differentiating the show within a saturated wellness market. In addition to producing and co-hosting, I lead the branding and marketing efforts, ensuring that our messaging, design, and outreach resonate with audiences seeking practical, research-informed strategies to enhance daily life. 12 Degrees is produced by WPSU in collaboration with the Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing and launches in May 2025.
As the creator, lead producer, and co-host of 12 Degrees: A Wellness Podcast, I developed the concept with a focus on differentiating the show within a saturated wellness market. In addition to producing and co-hosting, I lead the branding and marketing efforts, ensuring that our messaging, design, and outreach resonate with audiences seeking practical, research-informed strategies to enhance daily life. 12 Degrees is produced by WPSU in collaboration with the Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing and launches in May 2025.
Heather Stang, Grief Thought Leader, Author, Speaker, PR Yoga Therapist, Podcast Host
Heather Stang, founder of the Mindfulness & Grief Institute, hired me to revitalize her social media branding and infuse more of her personality into her content—including playful features of her dog, Aerial, who already had a following of her own! (I also supported Heather in wordsmithing her latest book, Navigating Loss).
Heather Stang, founder of the Mindfulness & Grief Institute, hired me to revitalize her social media branding and infuse more of her personality into her content—including playful features of her dog, Aerial, who already had a following of her own! (I also supported Heather in wordsmithing her latest book, Navigating Loss).
Interviewing
Take Note: Tashel Bordere
On-air Host
30-minute radio interview with Dr. Tashel Bordere about her research on suffocated grief.
The Apologies Podcast: Hui-wen Sato
Producer and Host
Hui-wen Sato discusses her experience as a pediatric ICU nurse and what she’s learned about navigating burnout. She also shares how finding herself in the role of patient has changed her perspective on nursing.
Take Note: Jenn Hepton
On-air Host
30-minute radio interview with Jenn Hepton about her motherhood journey and the trauma she didn’t know she was carrying.
Take Note: Jeff Daniels
On-air Host
30-minute radio interview with Emmy Award-winning actor Jeff Daniels.
Take Note: Tashel Bordere
On-air Host
30-minute radio interview with Dr. Tashel Bordere about her research on suffocated grief.
The Apologies Podcast: Hui-wen Sato
Producer and Host
Hui-wen Sato discusses her experience as a pediatric ICU nurse and what she’s learned about navigating burnout. She also shares how finding herself in the role of patient has changed her perspective on nursing.
Take Note: Jenn Hepton
On-air Host
30-minute radio interview with Jenn Hepton about her motherhood journey and the trauma she didn’t know she was carrying.
Take Note: Jeff Daniels
On-air Host
30-minute radio interview with Emmy Award-winning actor Jeff Daniels.
Media Strategy
I first stepped into media strategy leadership with Speaking Grief, helping shape messaging that brings hard topics into public conversation in accessible, emotionally resonant ways. Since then, I’ve consulted internally, presented externally, and continued to use media to drive meaningful change.
As creator and media strategist for Speaking Grief, I led the content, outreach, engagement, partnership, and strategic media efforts that turned a complex, emotionally sensitive topic into a nationally recognized public media initiative. By integrating broadcast, digital platforms, social media engagement, professional outreach, strategic podcast appearances, and relationship-building efforts, Speaking Grief has reached millions, sparked national dialogue around grief, and became a trusted educational resource across communities and networks.
Broadcast
- Documentary aired in 82.7% of U.S. television markets including 46 of the top 50 markets
- “Outstanding Documentary” award from the PA Assoc. of Broadcasters
Outreach and Community Engagement
- Nearly 400 individuals and organizations requested a copy of the documentary to host their own screening events
- 21 mini-grants were distributed to facilitate community screening events
- Nominated for a Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Award for “Community Service”
Online and Social Media
- Nearly 1 million page views from more than 320,000 unique users in all 50 states and more than a dozen countries Website nominated for a Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Award for “Interactive Media”
- Web video nominated for the “Human Interest – Short” category
- Instagram Micro-Influencer
- Facebook premiere event:
- 13,900 live views; 50,000+ total views
- 24,000 engagements including
- 998 shares
- 100% of post-event survey respondents agreed that they would recommend the project
Brand Development & Social Media