TEACHING + SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

As a former lecturer for several undergraduate programs in Florence, I designed and taught a range of storytelling-centric courses, including fashion media and journalism, travel writing, and first-year writing seminars. When Covid-19 put many study abroad programs on pause, I launched my own virtual classes on the art of the first-person narrative essay. (Though I don’t have plans to run this specific course in the immediate future, you can download the brochure and see testimonials here to get a sense of my style.)

I still regularly guest-lecture around Florence and Italy, and love the energy and fresh perspectives of students. I’ve worked with institutions including Georgetown University (Villa Le Balze), Santa Reparata International School of Art, Florida State University, the European Institute of Design and many others. If you see me fitting into your next lineup of panelists or guest lecturers, let’s talk.

TRAVEL TIPS + ITINERARY PLANNING

I used to do this now and then. Here’s what I learned: I’m terrible at spreadsheets as I’m way too long-winded for them. (There are loads of lovely people who will plan your Italy trip better than I would!). If you ask for help in that realm, I’ll politely decline. If you’re just looking for a local take on what to eat, drink, see and do in Florence, this episode of the “Where to Go” podcast that I recorded with the delightful James and Lucy of DK Eyewitness is jam-packed with specific tips to get you started, as is Laura Itzkowitz’s recent guide to Florence in Travel + Leisure, in which I’m quoted as a local expert.