Over the course of my career I’ve had the opportunity to tell stories and craft messages in a variety of settings. I’ve served as director of communications for an educational nonprofit, run a news website, penned grant applications and donor communications, written for newspapers, developed marketing collateral and worked in network news. Here are a few samples of my work.
Commentary
‘Affordability’ could eventually bite Democrats in the bum
Without an accompanying longer-term vision, owning the issue of affordability could leave Democrats exposed for 2028 and beyond.
The Hill | April 5, 2026
The inflation message Massachusetts politicians are missing
You wouldn’t — no, you shouldn’t — pay $4,500 for $166 worth or groceries. It would be nice if Massachusetts politicians said that out loud.
MassLive | September 21, 2026
Institutional Storytelling
New Opportunities in the Field of Ethical Research Oversight
Delia Wolf leads a burgeoning profession that seeks to make advances in ethical research while slicing through red tape and increasing on-the-ground compliance.
Harvard Chan School | 2015
Questioning skills: teaching the next generation of journalists
The Right Question Institute worked with high-school journalists at Boston University’s Summer Journalism Academy, exploring connections between journalism, democracy and the art of asking questions.
The Right Question Institute | July 19, 2023
Betsy Smith joins the Right Question Institute as executive director
Betsy Smith brings more than 30 years of experience as a nonprofit director and educator.
The Right Question Institute | May 14, 2021
Questions and ‘The Quest for Significance’
The Right Question Institute’s Dan Rothstein spoke to hosts of The Quest for Significance Podcast about building people’s ability to ask questions for education, advocacy, and democracy.
The Right Question Institute | May 8, 2025
Podcast: ‘Cultivating Curiosity Through Questioning,’ Columbia University
RQI’s Dan Rothsten, Luz Santana, and Sarah Westbrook joined the Teaching Today podcast at Teachers College, Columbia University, to discuss the beautiful messiness of learning.
The Right Question Institute | June 6, 2024
Sparking Joy in the Classroom with Student-Formulated Questions
Imagine starting your first unit of the year not with what students know, but with what they wonder. What would your students ask?
The Teaching Channel | July 2019
Media literacy means asking questions
Build students’ question-asking skills around media and primary sources. (In honor of Global Media and Information Literacy Week and, in the United States, Media Literacy Week.)
The Right Question Institute | October 25, 2019
8 Challenges to Customer-Driven Health Care
Health care is increasingly driven by patients who are behaving more like consumers and customers as they seek the best care at the most affordable price.
Harvard Chan School | 2015
Local Journalism
What Winter Hill Thinks of Whitey
Whitey had nothing to do with it: Winter Hill natives talk about their neighborhood and the Winter Hill Gang.
Somerville Patch | June 28, 2011
City Releases Major Plan for Redevelopment of Union Square
The “2012 Union Square Revitalization Plan” calls for the city acquire up to roughly $26 million worth of parcels in Union Square for disposition to developers.
Somerville Patch | August 17, 2012
Somerville Marathoner Guides Blind Runner Yards Away from Explosions
Ray Charbonneau finished the Boston Marathon minutes before Monday’s explosions. He was guiding a blind runner from Texas. Their long day was just beginning.
Somerville Patch | April 15, 2013
Bulger Trial Begins, Lawyers Lay Out Arguments
Lawyers for the prosecution and defense gave opening statements in a trial that mesmerized the Boston community.
Somerville Patch | June 12, 2013
Profiles and Local Interest
Teen Throws ‘Super Sweet 16’ Party To Raise Money For Children’s Hospital
Charlotte Schofield uses her “Sweet 16” party to raise money for Boston Children’s Hospital.
Somerville Patch | February 8, 2012
In Memory Of Son, Mass. Family Supports Special Needs Kids
The Brian Higgins Foundation has been supporting special needs causes, large and small, for 10 years.
Somerville Patch | April 3, 2012
