Joppa Communications is not your typical marketing communications firm. In fact, my business is an awful lot like me - sassy, creative, smart and a little quirky. And both my business and I continue to evolve and change as we grow. It’s pretty powerful stuff.

Now, if you want the official scoop, take a look at my profile on LinkedIn. You’ll learn more than you ever wanted to know about my education, work experience and writing gigs. But here, I want to give you a sense of the gal behind the business - my beliefs and values - not just what I do or have done.

So, what can I tell you?

I believe in community. I grew up on my grandfather's farm in Guilford, Connecticut. A native of New England, I have a strong sense of a place and a deep connection to the cultural heritage of the region. But I also love to travel and learn about other places, other cultures and other people's lives. I believe that we are all connected. And I value that connection.

I believe we can make the world a better place. I am an idealist. I believe that our connections to one another make the world a better, kinder, safer and more beautiful place. I love working with those who are passionate about what they do. I try to make responsible, sustainable choices - and I support small businesses and my fellow entrepreneurs whenever possible.

I believe in the power of the written word. One of the ways I make sense of the world in which we live is to write about it. When I am struggling with a difficult issue, writing helps me organize my thoughts. It helps me get perspective. These days, I am a contributing writer for Coastal Home Magazine. My hope is to get more of my writing published. It's a frightening and incredibly empowering journey that I will be sharing as Founder and Editor of The Scribbler's Journal, a collaborative blog currently under development.

I believe in the power of storytelling. Storytelling is an ancient art form and one of the earliest and most powerful communication devices. It goes right to the heart of the human experience and shows us how similar we really are. Storytelling reminds us all of our common humanity.

I believe we are always growing and changing. Had you told me 11 years ago, when I was a practicing attorney, that I would be a marketing mentor and writer, I would have never believed you! The paths we take to figure out what it is we want, and then how to get there, often meander through the most unlikely scenarios.

I believe that we are better together. Every one of us is a teacher. And every one of us is a student. One of the things I love about my work is helping other people build their businesses and realize their dreams. It is not always an easy or smooth process, but it is a powerful one. I love working for myself, primarily because it allows me to work with other passionate entrepreneurs.

I believe in truth in advertising. I am a bit irreverent and experience a jolt of satisfaction from the well-placed F-bomb. I do meditate. Well, sometimes. But I'm boisterous and opinionated and stubborn, too. I don't wear suits - or pantyhose. I do sport a couple of piercings and I'm in the process of designing a tattoo. I love brainstorming, coming up with creative solutions to challenging problems and igniting that spark of passion and possibility.

Well, that's it! I hope this gave you a good idea of who I am and what it might be like for us to work together. I know that my personal style doesn't fit everyone, and that's okay. So if we do work together, and it just isn't quite the fabulous combination you hoped for, let me know. I won't be offended - and chances are good that I know the perfect person to help you along the path to marketing genius!

I work with a motley crew of creative types who help me get the job done. From graphic designers to photographers, these folks know their stuff and are available to work with us to make your marketing dreams a reality. Of course, if you already have a creative team, I'm happy to work with them too!