I consider myself a senior-level business writer, editor and communications advisor.
As a seasoned communications professional and strategist I have spent the last ten+ years doing progressive communications work in the private and public sectors. In these roles, I have had extensive experience preparing and implementing communications strategies and plans, working closely with senior executives.
This work included developing and writing communications products, plans, articles, speeches, presentations, strategies and other required documents, including the web. I have been trained and am experienced in plain language writing and writing for general and target audiences.
My journalism experience includes daily inner city writing, developing story ideas, and researching features.
I have a university degree in French and English, my foundation for bilingualism (I am fluent in both official languages), a degree in Education, a reflection of my interest in people, and a diploma in Print Journalism, a practical qualification for the production and coordination of communications materials.
Work
- Senior-level business writer, editor and communications advisor
- Communications Officer at City of Hamilton (current)
- National Director in Employee Communications at global company (3.5 years)
- Trusted Special Advisor to federal government executives in Internal Communications (6 years)
- Published writer, author
- A weakness for the arts, learning.
- International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Member, Ontario College of Teachers Member (OCT)
- Bilingual (English & French)
- My TEST OF ATTENTIONAL AND INTERPERSONAL STYLE - (TAIS)* results say, "In many ways, fearless comes to mind to describe her. She is a bright, analytical person who is quick to think of solutions and can quickly spring into action. Bobbie has the profile of someone who can build relationships with people." *Test Developed by: Robert M. Nideffer, Ph.D.
Play
- Started a novel during 2009 3-day-novel contest--65,000 words done, and counting. Fleshed out same novel during Humber College Writing Program. (Fiction)
- Sporadic blog writer: Thursday Night Cafe, My Playground
- ENFP on the Myers-Briggs
- Born a Newfoundlander, always a Newfoundlander
- Addicted to reading, writing and knitting
- Living in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, just outside Toronto
- Guitar-playing a cappella singer - esp traditional songs
- Inspired and rejuvenated by reading quotations, writing about anything and listening to music
- Dedicated to doing Morning Pages for sanity
- Inexplicably drawn to libraries, art stores and eccentricity
- Proud own of a Coton de Tulear dog named Sophie
Education
Humber College School of Writers, Creative Writing Program-Fiction, Winter 2010, Mentor: Joseph Kertes, program founder, published, award-winning author and Dean, Humber School of Creative and Performing Arts
Registered Teacher (OCT) with the Ontario College of Teachers (2009-Present)
Journalism-Print Honours Diploma - Algonquin College (2001)
2001 Ontario Community Newspapers Association (OCNA) Awards:
• Best Student and Photography (2nd Place)
• Best Student Writing (3rd Place)
MBA & Undergrad Business Courses - University of Ottawa (1999)
Bachelor of Education (Language Teaching) - Memorial University of NF (1992)
Bachelor of Arts (French/English Literature) - Memorial University of NF (1990)
Mass Communications Graduate Course - Carleton University (1999)
CONFERENCES/TRAINING ATTENDED
Creative Non-fiction, Introduction-UofT, with Ken McGoogan, 2006
Writing Briefing Notes for Decision Makers: Algonquin College, through Health Canada (2003)
7th Annual Symposium on Internal Communications, The Canadian Institute (May, 2002)
Improving Communications: A Plain Language Training Session: Information Management & Economics, Inc., through HRDC (June, 2000)
Project Management Course: Algonquin College, through HRDC (May, 2000)
Women in Business Conference: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA (Jan., 1997)
Sales Training-Closing: Prentice Hall Regents, Marco Island, FL, USA (Jan., 1997)
Sales Training-Product: Allyn & Bacon, West Palm Beach, FL, USA (Jan., 1996)
Registered Teacher (OCT) with the Ontario College of Teachers (2009-Present)
Journalism-Print Honours Diploma - Algonquin College (2001)
2001 Ontario Community Newspapers Association (OCNA) Awards:
• Best Student and Photography (2nd Place)
• Best Student Writing (3rd Place)
MBA & Undergrad Business Courses - University of Ottawa (1999)
Bachelor of Education (Language Teaching) - Memorial University of NF (1992)
Bachelor of Arts (French/English Literature) - Memorial University of NF (1990)
Mass Communications Graduate Course - Carleton University (1999)
CONFERENCES/TRAINING ATTENDED
Creative Non-fiction, Introduction-UofT, with Ken McGoogan, 2006
Writing Briefing Notes for Decision Makers: Algonquin College, through Health Canada (2003)
7th Annual Symposium on Internal Communications, The Canadian Institute (May, 2002)
Improving Communications: A Plain Language Training Session: Information Management & Economics, Inc., through HRDC (June, 2000)
Project Management Course: Algonquin College, through HRDC (May, 2000)
Women in Business Conference: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA (Jan., 1997)
Sales Training-Closing: Prentice Hall Regents, Marco Island, FL, USA (Jan., 1997)
Sales Training-Product: Allyn & Bacon, West Palm Beach, FL, USA (Jan., 1996)