Carly Winchell
Buena Vista,CO
Summary
A communication professional, known for high standards and a results-driven approach to journalism. Background includes valuable experience in generating impactful stories and engaging content. Recognized for collaborating effectively with teams and adapting to dynamic newsroom environments. Strong writing and editing skills combined with keen eye for detail and passion for storytelling.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Editor
Ark Valley Voice
Salida, CO
07.2025 - Current
- Edited articles for clarity, coherence, and adherence to publication standards.
- Coordinated publication timelines for articles, enhancing the flow of information in daily news operations.
- Crafted compelling marketing copy and designed targeted advertisements for events.
Journalist
Ark Valley Voice
Salida, CO
05.2023 - Current
- Produced engaging stories that captured local events, businesses, and board of trustee meetings. Enhanced community awareness by delivering timely news coverage. Contributed to informed public discourse through well-researched articles.
- Developed and implemented a content schedule for Instagram, focusing on engaging photos and stories to boost website traffic.
- Captured high-quality photographs at events to enhance news stories on the website.
- Executed publication and formatting of stories within a virtual WordPress newsroom.
- Collaborated with editors to ensure accuracy and clarity in published content.
- Developed compelling news stories through thorough research and interviews.
Communications and Training Coordinator
Aristata Communications (Colorado Central Telecom)
Buena Vista, CO
10.2022 - 03.2023
- Assisted in rebranding the company from Colorado Central Telecom to Aristata Communications.
- Partnered with outside marketing and design teams to establish brand identity and enhance community presence.
- Produced and optimized content for website, focusing on customer messaging, employee communications, and marketing strategies to strengthen brand identity.
- Participated in leadership meetings to define and execute long-term strategic initiatives aligned with company goals.
- Facilitated collaboration with internal IT team to execute transition of all employees from Google Business Suite to Microsoft Office 365 during company rebranding.
- Used Google Suite and Microsoft applications, such as Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams, and Outlook.
- Crafted training modules within the Trainual platform to facilitate learning for multiple departments, including Customer Care, Tech Support, IT, and Field Operations, to inspire a culture of excellence.
- Developed and implemented training programs to enhance employee skills and knowledge.
Communication and Customer Engagement Manager
Aristata Communications (Colorado Central Telecom)
Buena Vista, CO
08.2021 - 10.2022
- Created, curated, and posted content to the company’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
- Wrote, edited, and distributed internal and external communications, including a monthly newsletter.
- Designed and facilitated training programs to equip customer care personnel with essential skills from the outset.
- Created educational materials for customers to assist in operating and troubleshooting their fiber Internet, fixed wireless Internet, and Voice services.
- Developed new policies and procedures to streamline processes across departments.
- Ensured notifications appeared on the auto attendant, Facebook page, and website during maintenance, outages, and other unforeseen emergencies to keep customers informed.
- Cultivated a culture of communication and collaboration to help teams work together effectively.
- Developed and implemented customer engagement strategies to enhance client relationships.
- Analyzed customer feedback to inform service improvements and drive loyalty initiatives.
Customer Care Supervisor
Aristata Communications (Colorado Central Telecom)
Buena Vista, CO
02.2020 - 08.2021
- Trained and supervised new Customer Care representatives both in-person and remotely.
- Conducted performance reviews for existing employees and interviews to assess new hires.
- Researched, selected, and implemented Sonar, a modernized billing platform to replace five antiquated applications and save hundreds of man-hours each month.
- Coordinated the scheduling of field staff to upgrade over 400 pieces of equipment at customer locations to comply with FCC regulations.
Customer Care Representative
Aristata Communications (Colorado Central Telecom)
Buena Vista, CO
08.2019 - 02.2020
- Answered phones and emails to address all Tier 1 Customer Care tickets, such as billing, account changes, and sale of services to new customers.
- Trained in the Voice department to handle Tier 1 Voice technical and customer support requests, such as taking phone orders, setting up user accounts, and programming Analog Telephone Adaptors.
Writing Tutor
The Princeton Review (Tutor.com)
Remote
07.2016 - 08.2019
- Guided students through the learning process in a positive way, resulting in high satisfaction scores.
- Provided comprehensive writing tutoring in live and asynchronous sessions.
- Assessed student writing samples to provide targeted feedback for skill advancement.
- Implemented effective teaching strategies that fostered a supportive learning environment.
Writing Tutor
Pearson
Remote
07.2016 - 08.2019
- Created detailed feedback asynchronously for students to improve their writing skills.
- Facilitated one-on-one tutoring sessions focusing on grammar, structure, and style improvements.
- Developed personalized writing plans to enhance student understanding and engagement.
Customer Service Representative
Burns BV Camping LLC
Buena Vista, CO
06.2008 - 08.2018
- Handled conflicts with customers by communicating with guests to find practical solutions.
- Managed customer relations and site assignments in a campground serving over 300 guests.
- Operated a fast-paced retail environment selling souvenirs, essential supplies, pizza, and other food.
GTRA Writing Instructor
Truman State University
Kirksville, MO
08.2016 - 05.2018
- Taught four sections of ENG 190: Writing as Critical Thinking.
- Facilitated development of writing abilities to foster positive relationships with the writing process.
- Designed and implemented writing curricula for an undergraduate course, enhancing student engagement and skill development.
- Mentored diverse student groups, fostering critical thinking and improving academic performance in writing assignments.
Starbucks Barista
Starbucks Barista, Hy-Vee
Kirksville, MO
11.2015 - 03.2017
- Created hand-crafted, personalized beverages according to customer request.
- Cleaned and maintained operations in teams of one or two in a fast-paced environment.
Writing Center Consultant
Truman State University
Kirksville, MO
08.2013 - 05.2015
- Communicated one-on-one with students in personalized consultations to improve their writing.
- Provided personalized writing support to enhance student communication skills.
Installation Manager
Truman State University
Kirksville, MO
01.2013 - 05.2015
- Arranged and installed 2-4 art exhibitions per semester featuring students and professional artists.
- Managed student workers to efficiently run the gallery before, during, and after shows.
Education
M.A. - English
Truman State University
05-2018
B.F.A. / B.A. - Studio Art / Creative Writing
Truman State University
05-2015
Skills
- Writing and editing
- Creative writing
- Social media engagement
- Wordpress
- News reporting
- Proofreading
- Ensuring factual accuracy
- Experienced with Microsoft Office applications
ACTIVITIES
Spring 2018, Interned for The Chariton Review: Reviewed and analyzed poetry submissions for acceptance into the magazine under Dr. D’Agostino. 2014 – 2016, Game Moderator: Designed and supervised a campus-wide game featuring several hundred student players from across Missour
Timeline
Assistant Editor
Ark Valley Voice
07.2025 - Current
Journalist
Ark Valley Voice
05.2023 - Current
Communications and Training Coordinator
Aristata Communications (Colorado Central Telecom)
10.2022 - 03.2023
Communication and Customer Engagement Manager
Aristata Communications (Colorado Central Telecom)
08.2021 - 10.2022
Customer Care Supervisor
Aristata Communications (Colorado Central Telecom)
02.2020 - 08.2021
Customer Care Representative
Aristata Communications (Colorado Central Telecom)
08.2019 - 02.2020
GTRA Writing Instructor
Truman State University
08.2016 - 05.2018
Writing Tutor
The Princeton Review (Tutor.com)
07.2016 - 08.2019
Writing Tutor
Pearson
07.2016 - 08.2019
Starbucks Barista
Starbucks Barista, Hy-Vee
11.2015 - 03.2017
Writing Center Consultant
Truman State University
08.2013 - 05.2015
Installation Manager
Truman State University
01.2013 - 05.2015
Customer Service Representative
Burns BV Camping LLC
06.2008 - 08.2018
M.A. - English
Truman State University
B.F.A. / B.A. - Studio Art / Creative Writing
Truman State University
Awards
2024 Better News Contest Class 2 Editorial
1st Place Best Editorial Collaboration with Jan Wondra, Carly Winchell, Megan Verlee, and Tina Griego for “Voter Voices” - 2nd Place Best Breaking News/Deadline Reporting for “Interlaken Fire Burning Near Twin Lakes” – 2nd Place Best Social Justice or “Equity Reporting for White Nationalist Propaganda Found in Buena Vista”
ACTIVITIES
Political Campaign Volunteer, Indianola, Iowa, 2007, 2008, Assisted in the coordination of town hall meetings and other events and ran a table during the caucus. Called voters and canvased the district to communicate directly with the public about political issues.