I have the audacity to call myself a writer. 

Not in the way that bloggers who hide behind screens or a kid with an English degree throw around the noun. 

I'm a writer and editor who has effectively molded the best parts of the industry's past and future, a student of the Internet with a shoe-leather approach. In four years at the daily Aurora Beacon-News, I've perfected my craft in the state's second largest city, covering housing issues, municipal affairs and education in majority-Latino school districts. 

To date, I'm most proud to show you my stories about the plight of the now-demolished Jericho Circle, a storied public housing complex on Aurora's West Side. More on those stories here.

I also have a background in investigative work, which include a several-month project about former Manufactured Gas Plants and the toll they take on neighborhoods, which was published on the front page of the Chicago Tribune. 

When I say I'm proud of these stories, what I really mean is that I've finally forced my mother to admit that I might make it as a working journalist. And what could make me prouder than that?

As a product of the University of Illinois Media Department, I'm not afraid to work hard, write hard and make tough calls. Want to hire me? Contact me. 

I've been fortunate to work with some talented photographers during the half-decade I've been reporting. Portraits on this site are by Donnell Collins and all other photos are by my award-winning friend Brian Powers.