CRAFTING MEANINGFUL STORIES Through
CONTENT AND UX Writing in san Diego
Cultivating a connection with your target audience necessitates a compelling story. To tell that story well, one needs a unique combination of creativity, word-smithing, tenacity, technique, psychology, and strategic thinking (which just so happens to be one of my top strengths on StrengthsFinders). As a seasoned content writer and editor, I bring each of those qualities to every project I work on.
I suppose I’ve always been a storyteller–I just didn’t realize it. Writing was my safe haven as a child, filling pages upon pages of journals with everything from angsty teenage poetry to languid existential essays. When pen hits paper, I feel like I can be my most authentic self.
As my writing has grown, I’ve found a penchant for telling the stories of others. I learned that I’m quite good at explaining complex ideas and information in a way that is clear, concise, yet still interesting. My extensive background in yoga and yoga therapy has taught me how to listen intently, ask good questions, and understand the emotions and pain points that drive people to act. I know how to empathize with my audience–and that is at the heart of good content and UX writing.
My fascination with people’s stories lends nicely to my career as an editor, content, and UX writer in San Diego. People and brands need engaging stories told in thoughtful, compelling ways to build credibility and interest. They want to stand out, be known, and be found, which is where my on-page SEO experience and content design come in handy. This requires research, a keen eye for details, and the ability to see the bigger picture. It means being able to strategically place and draw connections between different pieces of content with a consistent brand voice.
At the core of everything I do, both personally and professionally, is the belief that people and brands have value. When I pause and truly take time to listen to someone, whether it’s a client or a friend, I always find something relevant and interesting. In essence, I am validating their experience–and that is how we connect. It’s a core question that I ask myself at the beginning of every project: ‘What does this audience need to feel validated?’ And from that place, the storytelling begins.
Experience
Senior Web Content Editor
February 2021 - March 2023
Researched and edited medical content about addiction and substances
Distilled complex information into useful content for our audience
Collaborated with UX and SEO to develop data-driven, user-friendly content including microcopy to enhance CRO and long-form articles
Managed a comprehensive topic clustering project to boost traffic, streamline URL structure, and improve IA
Published and maintained content in WordPress
Managed workflow and projects in Jira and Confluence
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Senior Content Writer
September 2019 - February 2021
Wrote SEO-driven content for B2B, B2C, FinTech, and SaaS clients
Collaborated with SEO, paid media, and client services to develop data-driven content
Managed editing and revision process for client deliverables
Assisted in managing a team of 20+ contract writers
Developed internal processes to enhance inter-departmental efficiency
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Wayward Kind Digital Marketing
Content Strategist + Copywriter
March 2019 - September 2019
Wrote SEO-driven, audience-focused copy for various clients
Helped develop a Brand Voice Guide for new clients
Published content in MailChimp, WordPress, and Hootsuite
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Hologic
Technical Writing Intern
July 2018 - September 2018
Developed technical writing style guide in Adobe FrameMaker and Microsoft Word to establish consistency in consumer-facing documents
Conducted thorough research about regulatory guidelines, AMA Manual of Style, medical devices, and audiences to develop a style guide
Collaborated with R&D, regulatory, marketing, and clinical departments
Managed a large-scale project to completion while adhering to deadlines
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San Diego State University
Writing Fellow
August 2017 - May 2018
Tutored developmental writing students in group and one-on-one environments
Assisted professor with editing and revision of student essays
Supported students during in-class activities
Skills
Praise for Kelly
Interests
Gardening
Soil regeneration
Yoga
Baseball
Travel
Cooking
All things ocean
Hiking
Family
FEATURED WORK
Education
SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
B.A. RHETORIC AND WRITING STUDIES
Graduated Dec 2018
Magna Cum Laude
PHOENIX RISING YOGA THERAPY
CERTIFIED YOGA THERAPIST
Completed Fall 2010
EL CAMINO COLLEGE
A.A. GENERAL STUDIES
Graduated May 2001