How I Work
Strategic communications that build capacity, not just content
Most organizations working in science and nature don’t need more blog posts — they need strategic direction, sustainable systems, and communications capacity that actually supports their mission.
I work with botanical gardens, research institutions, environmental nonprofits, nature educators, and mission-driven teams in three ways, depending on what stage you’re at and what you need most. I’m based in Kansas City, MO, and work with organizations locally and nationally.
1. Part-Time Communications Leadership
For organizations that need strategic direction but can’t justify a full-time hire
You know your communications could be better. Maybe everyone on your team “does communications” as 20% of their job (and it shows). Maybe you’ve been winging it for years and need someone to bring strategic thinking to the table. Or maybe you had a communications person but can’t afford to replace them full-time.
I serve as your part-time Communications Director — bringing strategic oversight, building sustainable systems, and ensuring your communications actually support your organizational goals.
What this looks like:
- Monthly retainer relationship (typically 8-15 hours/month)
- Strategic planning and content calendars
- Systems development and documentation
- Team mentorship and capacity building
- Hands-on execution when needed
- Regular check-ins and strategic guidance
Best for:
- Organizations or teams with 5-20 staff members
- Teams where communications feels scattered or reactive
- Groups navigating growth or transition
- Organizations that need strategic thinking, not just task completion
How it works:
We start with a strategy session to understand your goals, challenges, and current capacity. From there, I develop a communications framework and ongoing plan. Most clients work with me month-to-month with a quarterly strategic review.
2. Organizational Development & Launch Support
For new or growing organizations that need infrastructure built
Starting something new? Launching a major initiative? You have the mission, the passion, and the expertise — but you need someone to build the organizational and communications infrastructure that makes it all work.
I help organizations build their foundation: strategy, systems, messaging, digital presence, and the operational frameworks that allow you to scale sustainably.
What this includes:
- Strategic communications planning
- Messaging and positioning development
- Website development and launch →
- Communications systems and workflows
- Process documentation
- Team structure recommendations and hiring support
- Fundraising narrative and materials
Best for:
- New nonprofits or initiatives getting off the ground
- Established organizations launching new programs
- Groups transitioning to new operational models
- Founders who are experts in their field but not in organizational development
How it works:
These are typically 3-6 month project-based engagements. We start with discovery and strategic planning, then build the systems and content you need to launch or scale. Many clients transition to an ongoing relationship after launch.
Case studies:
Botanical Belonging — I served as founding Board President and built all organizational systems, communications infrastructure, and strategic frameworks. Read the full story →
Compost Man Stan — A complete digital presence refresh including strategic communications planning, new website, YouTube channel launch to showcase decades of music, and reorganization of educational resources for an environmental educator. Visit the site →
Association for Advancing Participatory Sciences — As part of the Lunaris Creative team, I led the information architecture and resource reorganization for their rebrand and website relaunch, surfacing valuable materials and creating navigable systems. Explore the resources →
3. Strategic Writing & Science Communication
For organizations that need expert content that accurately represents complex science
Sometimes you just need someone who can translate complex science into clear, compelling stories — someone who understands both the research and the audience, and can communicate accurately without oversimplifying or sensationalizing.
I create content that connects people with science and nature, whether that’s for fundraising, public engagement, research communication, or education.
What I create:
- Research communication and science storytelling
- Blog posts, articles, and newsletters
- Grant narratives and impact reports
- Educational materials and interpretation
- Website content and landing pages
- Press releases and media materials
- Editorial direction and script editing
Best for:
- Research institutions sharing their work
- Organizations with complex science to communicate
- Teams that need occasional high-quality content but not ongoing strategic support
- Publications and projects that need editorial expertise
How it works:
Project-based or retainer arrangements depending on your needs. I can handle one-off pieces or serve as your go-to writer for ongoing content needs.
Current work: Holden Forests & Gardens (4+ years as their Science Communications Specialist, bridging their Science and Marketing departments), Marquette University Magazine (feature writing), In Defense of Fandom podcast (script editing), Natural Areas Association (webinar summaries)
Not sure which model fits?
Most organizations I work with fall into one of these three categories, but every partnership is a little different. The best way to figure out what you need is to talk it through.
Book a free 30-minute consultation and let’s discuss your goals, challenges, and how I can help.
What to expect when working with me
Clear communication: I work primarily in Google Docs and Sheets, use Zoom for meetings, and communicate clearly about timelines and deliverables.
Flexible collaboration: I adapt to your tools and workflows. Whether you use WordPress, Squarespace, or something else entirely, I can work with what you have.
Strategic thinking: I don’t just execute tasks — I help you understand why we’re doing what we’re doing and how it supports your goals.
Realistic expectations: I’m excellent at writing, strategy, and systems thinking. I can handle basic website work and design, but if you need sophisticated branding or complex web development, I’ll tell you when it makes sense to bring in a specialist.
Sustainable solutions: I build systems and capacity that outlast our engagement. The goal is for you to be better equipped to handle communications even after our work together ends.
Values that guide my work
I come from the worlds of science and journalism — fields united by the creative pursuit of truth. Now, as someone who works in communications and marketing, I’m committed to helping organizations that share those values.
Ampliflora exists to amplify the voices of people doing work that matters: protecting landscapes, advancing knowledge, connecting people with nature, and bettering our world through science and conservation.
If that’s the work you’re doing, I want to help you tell that story.