I am a Vermont-based (and at times Israel-based) communications and political professional, known in Vermont public discourse both for my earlier career in state politics and government communications and, since Oct 7, 2023, for outspoken  advocacy about antizionism, antisemitism, Israel, and community focused local organizing.

My professional career in journalism began in Vermont with a job as a copy editor, paginator, and reporter for the Barre-Montpelier Times Argus after graduating from Northwestern University with a degree in the field. Like many journalists, I was driven by a desire to understand how societies function and how stories shape public perception. I worked in Vermont journalism for five years, as a producer, reporter, and anchor at CBS affiliate WCAX-TV and as a field reporter for MTV News’ Street Team ’08.

In 2011,  I left Vermont to spend a year in Israel as part of a MASA pilot program: Israel Teaching Fellows. Teaching students English as I was working to learn Hebrew and Arabic built a bond of shared vulnerability between us (and many hilarious moments.) It also exposed me to the complexities of a country that is often discussed in abstraction but experienced very differently on the ground.

When I returned to Vermont, I transitioned into public service, serving as chief of staff to then-Lt. Gov. Phil Scott. It was an opportunity to see how political leadership operates behind the scenes, how decisions that affect people’s lives are actually made, and how true heroes have the hard conversations and run towards the problem, not away from it. After Phil Scott was elected governor, I joined his administration in a senior role working on boards, commissions, and public engagement.

Service in the administration continued as the first Public Information Officer for the Vermont Department of Corrections during COVID, and as Chief of Communications and Legislative Affairs for the Secretary of the Agency of Human Services.

The career was everything that mattered. But on July 10, 2023, a rainstorm flooded my home in downtown Montpelier and I learned as I evacuated by canoe that everything I needed — except for my people — could fit in one bag.

But everything changed again after October 7, 2023.

Among those murdered that day was a young man, Roni Polvanov, who I taught during my time in Israel and stayed in touch with for years. He was a firefighter who was murdered running back into the Nova Party to save his friend.

He was not a headline to me. He was mine. Someone I had known. Someone with a future. And my Telegram was full of videos beyond description that morning.

The need to return to Israel was undeniable and immediate. The question was how, and what could I offer there after so many years?

I returned to bear witness and to stand with the people and communities of Israel. As I said at the time, his death motivated me to go back and see firsthand what had happened. This eventually led me to help found Shalom Alliance, a Vermont-based Jewish organisation focused on antisemitism in the K-12 space.

This work has not always been easy. Speaking out publicly carries risks. I have experienced intimidation and hostility as a result of my advocacy. But I believe deeply that silence is not an option.

My background in journalism and public service prepared me for this work in ways I could not have anticipated. Journalism taught me to value truth. Government service taught me how institutions function. And my personal journey taught me the importance of identity, community, and moral clarity.

Today, I continue to write, speak, and advocate. I have appeared in media, participated in public conversations, and worked to document and respond to the realities facing Jewish communities.

At my core, I remain what I have always been: someone who believes in the power of words, the importance of truth, and the responsibility to stand up when it matters.

I am proud to be Jewish. I am proud to stand with Israel. And I am committed to ensuring that Jewish voices are heard, understood, and protected.

If you like what I do, I’d love to hear from you. You can support my work here: