Bonnie East

Bonnie East
Educate. Lead. Strengthen. Thrive

EDUCATION
Ohio State University, M.S. Family and Consumer Science, 1987
Concentration: Education
Ohio State University, B.S. Family and Consumer Science, 1987
Concentration: Family Relations and Human Development
WORK EXPERIENCE - Writing
● Published Columnist for award-winning Smoke Signals newspaper
○ Created and wrote Tapestry, a regular column gathering oral history from regional residents, converting their story to written form
Note: this column won first place – Georgia Press Association
○ Created and wrote SideRoads, a travel column gathering background and history – also acknowledged by Georgia Press Association
● Published Writer and Editor for Blue Ridge Digest - Current
○ Magazine covers six Blue Ridge Mountain states; in print for 35 years
○ Edited magazine to add history and first-person editorials
○ Transitioned publication to new online/website format
○ Designed and write The Blue Ridge Foodie Plate – covering food
○ Designed and write Just Off The Next Exit – regional venues
○ Expanded readership and distribution territory
● Freelance Writer – Current
○ Departments of Tourism, Chambers of Commerce
○ State Parks, County Governments, Restaurants and Lodging
○ Educational events and venues
○ Travel/write throughout: NC, GA, VA, TN, and KY
● Published photographer – Current
○ I am an accomplished photographer accompanying my written work
● Wolfscratch Performing Arts – Program Director
○ Write content for original plays, stage theater, marketing

Georgia Press Association 2021 Judge’s Comments:
Bonnie East's bio says she's an avid listener. She definitely has an ear for a good story. And the writing skills to repeat it. Her bio of an original Rosie the Riveter stood out in this judge's mind. Like the story about Iris Harris that led to the Riveter story, her writing is engaging and interesting with good use of selected quotes. While the "Tapestry" column took top spot, East's "Side Roads" is also worth the trip. First Place Living Feature – Tapestry – GPA 2021 Awards
WORK EXPERIENCE - Education
Bright Horizons, Education Management (1997 -2020)
● Program Director
● Field Director, Mid-Atlantic Region
● Regional Trainer for Leadership Development
● Curriculum Development and Technical Writer

Department of Education, Adjunct Faculty, 1994-2007
● College of Southern Maryland (MD)
● Patrick Henry Community College (VA)
Topics: supervision, curriculum development, program management, behavior management, co-worker relationships, professionalism, leadership development

ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
● Certified Civil Mediator, Maryland Institute for the Continued Professional Education of Lawyers, Washington DC
● Approved Trainer, State of MD and DC - Department of Social Services, Health and Human Services Division
● Asset Development Trainer, Search Institute

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