Carolyn Mikelson
Content Creator, Writer, Editor
Oswego,IL
Summary
Self-directed and successful blogger and influencer with proven track record of working on social media projects from concept to completion while prioritizing and creatively problem-solving to get results. Develops, writes and curates content to inform, engage, and shape opinions. Strong combined social network of over 15,000 followers.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Food and Travel Blogger, Owner
Chicken Soup With Dumplings
08.2020 - Current
- Produce original, creative written content for website and social media platforms, supplementing content with original photos and video to enhance reader engagement
- Continually increasing website traffic by consistently producing high-quality recipes and articles, and engaging with readers through blog comments and social media.
- Steadily growing social media followings by regularly posting engaging content on multiple platforms tailored to each channel's unique user base.
- Always improving search engine rankings with strategic use of keywords and SEO best practices in blog posts.
- Expanding brand partnerships by effectively pitching and negotiating collaborations with food and travel brands, service providers, and restaurants.
- Consistently responding promptly to inquiries from potential advertisers or clients seeking sponsored content or other promotional opportunities.
- Cultivating relationships within the food blogging community by attending conferences and networking events.
Lead Editor, Remote Position
Tiny Readers Publishing
06.2014 - Current
- Enhance publication quality by meticulously proofreading and editing copy for grammar, style, and content accuracy.
- Collaborate closely with writers to shape story ideas and develop engaging content by providing concise and constructive editorial feedback
- Coordinate with art editors and graphic designers on layout decisions, ensuring visually appealing final products that complement written content.
- Proofread, edit and evaluate final web and book copy to verify content is aligned with established guidelines.
- Assist company CEO in developing marketing materials and promotional campaigns to boost company visibility and attract new investors.
- Perform additional tasks as needed: authorship of a series of folk tale adaptations, narration of titles for audiobooks, art direction with illustrators, development of promotional materials and blog articles, conducting quality control assessments of organizational systems, and conducting training meetings.
- Managed a team of editors to ensure timely delivery of high-quality content while adhering to deadlines.
- Streamlined editorial processes for increased efficiency by implementing new workflows, creating a house style guide, and overseeing proper documentation to assess progress in the editorial pipeline.
Independent Contractor: Writer and Editor
Upwork
11.2010 - Current
- Expanded my scope to write a variety of literature for clients: website content, marketing materials, employee bios, romantic fiction, science fiction, blog articles, trivia and personality quizzes, and product reviews.
- Edit and proofread client materials: fiction, self-help books, website content, emails, presentations, children's books, and YA fiction
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines consistently.
- Provide and maintain client satisfaction by delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget constraints.
- Negotiate contracts with clients, ensuring clear understanding of project scope and expectations for both parties.
English Tutor
Dominican Literacy Center
09.2014 - 05.2023
- Developed personalized 1:1 tutoring sessions based on my students' personal needs and goals in reading, writing, and speaking English.
- Increased student confidence in spoken English through consistent practice and constructive feedback during formal and informal conversational exercises, both in and out of the classroom.
- Enhanced my students' reading skills by drawing from a variety of real-world materials, including restaurant menus, shopping websites, magazines, children's books, correspondence from schools, maps, and news articles.
- Provided assistance and feedback on my students' writing skills by engaging the student in multiple forms of writing: grocery lists, prompt responses, journaling, and grammar/mechanics practice.
- Supported my immigrant learners in acclimating to American culture while improving their language proficiency through practical conversations targeting American societal norms, such as arriving on time, shaking hands, making eye contact, and more.
Catechist
St. Anne's Parish
09.2005 - 05.2018
- Enhanced student understanding of religious principles by incorporating storytelling, games, skits, and real-life examples into lessons.
- Fostered a positive classroom atmosphere that encouraged open discussion while maintaining appropriate boundaries and respect for differing opinions.
- Assisted in the organization and implementation of special events such as "teaching Masses", sacrament initiations, vacation Bible school, and holiday celebrations, contributing to meaningful faith-building experiences for students.
- Supported the sacramental preparation process by providing relevant instruction and guidance to students and their families.
- Participated in ongoing catechist formation events and faith-building opportunities to establish relationships with catechists in other parishes and remain strong in my own faith.
Teacher, Kindergarten and Grade 1
Wheaton-Warrenville School District 200
08.2002 - 05.2005
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring equal opportunities for student success.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Collaborated with the school support team to develop individualized educational plans for each student in need, ensuring optimal progress throughout the year.
- Served as the first grade team lead for two years, conducting weekly grade-level meetings to share team strategies, plan units and special celebrations, and address concerns.
- Mentored new teachers and a student teacher, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
- Organized extracurricular activities, such as field trips, to enrich students' learning experiences outside the traditional classroom setting.
- Pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops and conferences to stay current with educational trends.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
National-Louis University
Wheaton, IL06.1996
Skills
- Exceptional Writing
- Proofreading and Editing
- Proficient on Google, Microsoft, and WordPress platforms
- Content Creation
- SEO Knowledge
- Social Media Expertise
- Audience Engagement
- Project Management
- Storytelling Abilities
- Clear Communication
- Local Expertise
- Adaptability and Flexibility
Timeline
Food and Travel Blogger, Owner
Chicken Soup With Dumplings
08.2020 - Current
English Tutor
Dominican Literacy Center
09.2014 - 05.2023
Lead Editor, Remote Position
Tiny Readers Publishing
06.2014 - Current
Independent Contractor: Writer and Editor
Upwork
11.2010 - Current
Catechist
St. Anne's Parish
09.2005 - 05.2018
Teacher, Kindergarten and Grade 1
Wheaton-Warrenville School District 200
08.2002 - 05.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
National-Louis University
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