Louise Rachlis Resume

Freelance writer/Communications consultant January 2011 – present
Established professional writer with a large portfolio of newspaper and magazine writing on a range of topics. Have completed a variety of writing and editing assignments for Adams Jette Marketing + Communications.

Author of two triathlon and running books, A Matter of Dreams, and 20 Steps, and contributor to Marathon Stories by Linda Wagar. Member of editorial committee to create What About my Kids? A Guide for Parents Living with Breast Cancer. Editor for more than 10 years of Challenge Life with Cancer magazine for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation.

Advertising Features Editor, The Ottawa Citizen 1985 - 2010
Working quickly and accurately, I wrote, edited, assigned freelancers, ordered and took photographs and supervised page designers to produce a huge variety of special features.
Under my direction (I was the first person in the newly created position), the Advertising Features Department grew into a vital and indispensible department responsible for hundreds of special sections, glossy magazines and in-paper features every year. In a high-pressure, tight-deadline environment, I was able to calmly and efficiently produce an award-winning product.

Other positions held previously include:
Information Officer, Ministry of Colleges and Universities, Toronto: Wrote and distributed press releases, answered oral and written inquiries, edited the Minister’s Annual Report and other publications. I was also the Information Officer for the Ontario Department of Education, editing and writing department magazines and press releases.
Campus Librarian, Seneca College, Glen Rush Campus, Toronto: Managed the book and media collections for English as A Second Language and Early Childhood Education.
I have also worked as a copywriter at Morris Saffer Advertising, Toronto, as a reporter at the Ottawa Journal, and spent eight years freelance writing from my home for a variety of publications.

FORMAL EDUCATION
Bachelor of Journalism, Carleton University. Ranked second in overall class standing.
Sociology courses, University of Toronto. Variety of fiction-writing and art courses.

OTHER SKILLS
Creative fiction writer. First prize and an Honorable Mention in City of Ottawa 55+ Short Story Contests. Vice-president, Communications, Canadian Authors Association, Ottawa Chapter.
Acrylic and watercolour painting, marathon running, triathlon, European cycle touring.
Weekly volunteer leader at “The Art Studio for People Living with Mental Illness” at the Hintonburg Community Centre. Frequent writer of articles and media releases to assist local non-profits such as the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa. Member, Board of Directors, Parkinson Society Ottawa.