I grew up with returned Peace Corps volunteer parents, who had development careers. Their work meant that I spent most of my childhood in sub-Saharan Africa. In 4th grade I decided that I, too, would join the Peace Corps, and after attending Lewis and Clark College, I did just that. Later, I lived in both Albania and Ukraine as a Peace Corps staff spouse, and I began writing. As a writer, I write both creative non-fiction and fiction, and have had several essays, feature articles, and stories published. I've worked as a writer and editor with the U.S. Government, non-profits and, now, for Chemonics. But my passion is still creative writing, and I now have my sights set on publishing my first novel. Can I help you navigate the wilds of finding fulfilling work in Washington? Well, I can try. I'm a mid-career professional who has balanced motherhood with work, and creative pursuits with financially responsible ones. Not your typical Washington wonk, but instead an example of creating a career by trying different things and, ultimately, using instinct and a desire to do only do what I love.