Dorothy Distefano

Hi, I'm Dorothy Distefano, the Writer on the Verge. My website is http://wotverge.com

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My name is Dorothy Distefano and I am a Freelance Writer. One of my freelance writing clients, DDS.com, hired me as their freelance Copywriter and editor. After a year of working there, I was offered the position of Director of Client Services. I managed the process of the creation of dental websites for our clients from start to finish. I learned a great deal about website creation, working for an online company, leadership, and how to create a great team. That experience is something I hope to be able to utilize in other businesses in the future. I enjoyed the position very much and would welcome the opportunity to use those skills in another company. I have recently returned to freelancing as the Writer on the Verge, due to recession-related layoffs. I wrangle words into the perfect combinations to meet my clients' needs. My experience includes multiple genres including: eBooks, online lesson plans, articles, research, web content, fiction, nonfiction, and children's writing. I have also ghostwritten a YA science fiction novel. I am currently engaged in some ghostwriting for one client as well as writing reviews for AppAppeal. I am taking new clients and open to new opportunities. I am especially interested in finding a leadership position in client services. Team building, project management, and client communications are my strengths and I would welcome the opportunity to work in this type of position again. Previous work experiences in nursing and education settings included writing policies and procedures as well as chairing the PTA and founding a family literacy effort. Please contact me for information regarding my services.

Director of Client Services/Copywriter at DDS.com

2010 - February 2012

I welcome new clients to DDS.com and see them through the process of building their own, unique web presence.

Substitute Teacher at HCSD

September 2003 - March 2009

I substituted for teachers in grades Pre-K through grade 12.

FIRST Founder/Facilitator at HCSD

January 2000 - January 2005

• Authored and copyrighted a non-fiction manual concerning creating family book discussion groups in communities or schools. • Researched and developed FIRST (Families Invited to Read and Share Together) book club, a club that promotes family reading, book discussion and literacy for grades K-6. • Wrote for and received grants from the Target Corporation for FIRST. • Created all materials for FIRST program, including advertising flyers, information booklets for parents and teachers, and various materials for students. All materials revised yearly.

Religious Education Teacher at St. Lawrence Church

January 2000 - January 2005

Taught grades 1-6 religious education and faith building.

Registered Nurse at Office of Lou Antignano

January 1990 - January 1992

I organized medical files, welcomed patients, provided treatment, and assisted the doctor.

Residential Program Nurse at United Cerebral Palsy Association

January 1988 - January 1990

I traveled to residential homes for developmentally disabled adults to supervise their health care needs. I also provided training to staff members in CPR, First Aid, and medication administration as well as writing policies and procedures for client care.

Nurse I, RN at Rochester Psychiatric Center

January 1985 - January 1988

I worked in both triage, when a patient is first admitted, and in Crisis Residence, where patients were admitted for short term stays when in need of housing.

Freelance Writer at Writer on the Verge

September 2004

I am currently working as a freelance writer. I have experience with SEO, web content, article writing, social networking, blogging, ebooks, fiction, and non-fiction. I began working for DDS.com as a Copywriter and was offered the opportunity to move up to project management. I gained knowledge in working within the pixelsilk CMS, team building and management, client service, and project management. I returned to freelance writing full time to use my new skillset in various environments and projects.

Genesee Community College

1983 – 1985

AAS

SUNY Geneseo

1982 – 1983

Reading, writing, and more writing.