Journalist ✮ Editor ✮ Communications Strategist
I’m a nationally recognized journalist and editor with 20 years experience in the education space. I’ve led editorial teams at Education Week, U.S. News & World Report, and WETA, and am now using my proven communications skills to help you get your message across.
HI, I’M LIANA.
What I do
I work with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations to tell their stories – and get them to the right audience. Whether you have an inkling of an idea or are most of the way through a project and need someone to clarify and refine your voice, I’ll take you to the finish line.
My expertise is in K-12 education, including the science of reading, math instruction, teacher policy issues, and special education. I also have experience in higher education, health care, and fitness, but I can truly tackle any topic.
I’m an accomplished writer and editor, but more than anything I’m a problem-solver. I’ll figure out the most effective way to get your message out into the world, bringing more eyes and business your way.
Services
Writing & Editing
I’m passionate about helping you distill and communicate your message. I can refine and elevate existing content or work with writers from start to finish.
Communications Strategy
Whether you’re at the outset of a project or preparing to launch, I’ll craft a plan for getting your message to the right people at the right time.
Coaching & Media Training
I’ve built high-performing teams at various news outlets, and can coach you on getting the most out of your own communicators. I can also help you get prepared for radio, print, or TV interviews.
Audience Development
I’m an expert at identifying target audiences and figuring out how and where to reach them. I’ll help you boost engagement and loyalty in a changing media environment.
About me
I’m a journalist, editor, communications strategist, and education expert with a passion for getting stories just right. Whether I’m crafting a profile, wrangling a team of writers, or teaching a media training, I bring high standards, clear thinking, and relentless enthusiasm to my work. (A former boss once said the publication “suffered a major personality outage” when I left.)
I’ve spent most of my career writing and editing about education for national news outlets. I worked at Education Week for 12 years as a reporter and assistant managing editor, and built a talented team there that led the newsroom in readership and engagement metrics. I then served as the managing editor for education at U.S. News & World Report, where I oversaw advice content on applying to and paying for college. Most recently, I was the managing editor of Reading Universe, a grant-funded teacher-training project at WETA, D.C.’s local PBS station.
I started my career as a special education teacher and literacy specialist trained in research-based instructional strategies. I still love being in classrooms and will take any chance I can get to spend time with kids and teachers. (Please, invite me in!) I’ve also worked as a health-care reporter and written freelance stories about fitness and food.
I live in Takoma Park, Maryland, with my husband and “the two most exciting children” (as dubbed by my aunt). We’re an outdoorsy bunch and can frequently be found running and hiking on area trails.
Contact Liana
Interested in working together? Wondering if we’re a good match? Fill out some info and I’ll be in touch soon!