I grew up in South Louisiana and discovered social justice through Catholic workers who worked towards beloved community. Since that time I have collaborated with community based organizations on campaigns for queer justice, racial equity, a transformed criminal justice system, and a world where women lives are celebrated. And, I have co-created programs designed for personal and professional transformation, including the Tzedek Social Justice Fellowship where I work as the Co-Director of Social Justice Education and Community Engagement.

One thing I know to be true is that writing stuff down is transformative. Words can change the world. My writing explores wide-ranging questions about feminism, anti-racism, romance, food, activism, and pop culture. My book Saving Face: Disfigurement and the Politics of Appearance illustrates how beauty culture and ableism collide to diminish our humanity.

As an editor and writing coach, I have collaborated with writers to bravely share their stories and expertise.  As a consultant, I have guided nonprofit organizations to re-think their taken for granted ways of doing the work and businesses.

Once upon a time, I was an award-winning teacher whose classes have been described as “personal boot camp.” As a college professor, I mastered the art of storytelling and guided students to experiment with looking at the world from a different vantage point. While at Vanderbilt University completing a Ph.D. in sociology and a graduate certificate in gender and sexuality studies, I began to understand sociology as a tool for fortifying personal wellbeing and political agency. Over and over again, I saw that by understanding the cultural trends, social structures, and policies that shape our lives, we can more effectively change our communities and ourselves.

I live in Asheville, NC, where I hike often and throw epic kitchen dance parties with my spouse Lee, our child Hollis, and two gorgeous mutt dogs. My greatest joy is cooking for and feeding chosen family.