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Jobs that keep you physically active are great for people who want to live an active and healthy lifestyle. These jobs allow employees to get moving throughout their workday and can be both a rewarding and lucrative opportunity.
In this article, you’ll find physical jobs that pay well, entry-level jobs that keep you active, and work-from-home physically active jobs in addition to tips on what to look for in these types of jobs.
Key Takeaways
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The top three physically active jobs are personal fitness trainer, construction supervisor, and licensed practical nurse.
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Jobs that keep you active can help you live a healthy lifestyle as long as you’re careful to not do too much and get injured.
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Look for jobs that don’t have a lot of desk work if you’re wanting to be physically active at work.
- 5 high paying physical jobs
- 5 entry-level physically active jobs
- 5 Work-from-home physically active jobs
- What to look for in jobs that require physical activity
- The benefits of a physically active job
- The downside of physically active jobs
- Staying active in a sedentary job
- The best physically active jobs FAQ
- Final thoughts
- Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs
5 high paying physical jobs
You don’t need to work in an office or be glued to your computer screen behind a desk to earn the big bucks. Many careers that require employees to get moving, stay active, and engage in varying levels of exercise and physical activity, come with a pretty high salary.
By finding a high-paying and physically active job, you’ll be well on your way to reaching financial stability while also maintaining a healthy lifestyle and doing rewarding work that closely aligns with your professional goals and ambitions.
Here are the top five high paying active jobs that require regular physical activity while on the clock:
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Dental Hygienist
Average Annual Salary: $78,000Being a dental hygienist is one of the highest paying physical jobs that requires a lot of standing and walking around. Since this job is a part of the healthcare industry it promotes physical activity and fosters a healthy lifestyle.
To get a job working as a dental hygienist, you’ll need an associate’s degree in dental hygiene and a state license to practice.
Dental hygienist skills needed:
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Communication
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Compassion
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Manual dexterity
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Attention to detail
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Interpersonal skills
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Correctional Officer
Average Annual Salary: $40,000Working as a correctional officer is a strenuous and physically demanding job that pay well. It can be pretty dangerous as well, especially during confrontations with inmates. In this position, your job is to supervise people who have been arrested, are awaiting trial, or have been sentenced to serve time behind bars.
Working as a correctional officer certainly isn’t for everyone, but it can be a lucrative career choice for former police officers or people interested in law enforcement and security. To become a correctional officer you’ll need to make it through a vigorous training program and have, at least, a high school diploma.
Correctional officer skills needed:
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Interpersonal relationships and communication
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Negotiation
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Problem-solving
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Resilience
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Construction Supervisor
Average Annual Salary: $60,000Working on a construction site is one of the most physically active and intense jobs out there. Construction supervisors oversee all activities at a construction worksite, manage strenuous projects, and engage in intense manual labor.
For people who enjoy being outside and working with their hands, a job as a construction supervisor could be a great career option. Construction supervisors and managers are usually required to have a bachelor’s degree and previous construction experience.
Working as a construction worker, one of the ten fastest-growing jobs in Arizona, is a great way of gaining on-the-job experience and can help you land a high-paying physically active position as a construction supervisor.
Construction supervisor skills needed:
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Communication
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Time management
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Organization
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Problem-solving
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Postsecondary Teacher
Average Annual Salary: $47,000Teachers of all levels typically spend most of their workday on their feet, engaging in moderate physical activity. Postsecondary teachers are tasked with teaching students beyond the high school level and most commonly work at colleges, universities, and professional schools.
Health benefits and a heavy salary are some of the best job perks of working as a postsecondary teacher.
Postsecondary teacher skills needed:
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Speaking
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Lesson/lecture planning
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Resourcefulness
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Organization
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Installation and repair technician
Average Annual Salary: $40,984Working as an installation and repair technician is another physically active job that pay well. Installation and repair workers specialize in a variety of disciplines and work to install or repair different equipment and machinery.
Installation and repair workers can work in numerous industries. Some of the most popular installation and repair jobs include aircraft technicians, motor vehicle mechanics, electricians, general maintenance workers, heating, air conditioning, and electronics installers, and industrial machinery mechanics.
Installation and repair technician skills needed:
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Customer service
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Electrical and mechanical systems
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Manual dexterity
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Problem-solving
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5 entry-level physically active jobs
For people just out of college, in the middle of a career change, or simply on the hunt for a perfect entry-level job, there are plenty of roles that incorporate regular activity on the job and require little to no previous work experience.
While some of the best entry-level jobs that promote a physically active lifestyle do require training or certification courses, the majority of them are attainable with a high school diploma.
The top five entry-level jobs that require you to be active:
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Licensed Practical Nurse
Average Annual Salary: $45,000Licensed practical nurses, or LPNs are required to be on their feet throughout the workday and exert a fair amount of physical activity when assisting patients. Your job is to provide the most nursing care to patients, including helping with bathing and toileting, assisting with basic medical tests and procedures, changing dressings, inserting catheters, and monitoring vital signs.
To become a licensed practical nurse you’ll need to complete a state-approved licensure program, which could take up to one year.
If you’re interested in the healthcare industry, an entry-level LPN position is a great way to gain experience and break into the nursing field. Throughout on-the-job training and additional schooling, licensed practical nurses can go on to become registered nurses or even nurse practitioners, one of the best-paid careers in Alaska.
Licensed practical nurse skills needed:
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Patience
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Adaptability
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Communication
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Attention to detail
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Hair stylist
Average Annual Salary: $36,000Working as a hairstylist can mean you are physically active because you spend the majority of your workdays standing up, cutting and styling hair, and interacting with clients.
Working as a hairstylist is a fun and active career opportunity for professionals interested in the cosmetology and beauty industries. The gig requires state licensure, so most successful hairdressers attend a state-approved cosmetology program before securing work in the industry.
Hair stylist skills needed:
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Customer service
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Time management
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Listening
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Creativity
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Dog Walker
Average Annual Salary: $23,000Dog walking is a physically active job because you are taking brisk walks and playing games like fetch with the dogs that you are caring for. If you’re an animal lover, working as a dog walker could be right up your alley.
The only real requirements to become a successful dog walker are trustworthiness, reliability, and a love for animals, which makes it a great entry-level role and one of the top ten best jobs for senior citizens.
Dog walkers typically work part-time — although depending on the location, a full-time gig could be possible — and help people who are traveling or at the office care for their pets throughout the day.
Dog walker skills needed:
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Caring for dogs
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Reliability
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Time management
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Communication
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Landscaper or Groundskeeper
Average Annual Salary: $26,000Being a landscaper or groundskeeper can be strenuous and extremely physically demanding because it often involves heavy lifting and long bouts of time outside performing manual labor. If you love spending time outside in nature, this is the perfect entry-level position for you.
Landscapers are responsible for the upkeep of gardens and grounds at private residences, parks, and businesses. Since there are no formal education requirements or qualifications necessary to become a landscaper or groundskeeper, it’s a great opportunity for entry-level job-seekers.
Landscaper or groundskeeper skills needed:
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Lawn maintenance
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Soil and irrigation management
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Organization
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Physical stamina
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Baggage Porter or Bellhop
Average Annual Salary: $20,000As a bellhop or baggage porter, you stay physically active when you help customers and travelers transport their bags and luggage at hotels, terminals, and other establishments.
Although it might not be the most interesting job, working as a baggage porter or bellhop is a great way to break into the hotel and hospitality industry.
Baggage porters and bellhops are typically trained on the job and don’t need any formal education, making it a great gig for entry-level applicants.
Baggage porter or bellhop skills needed:
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Interpersonal relationships
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Customer service
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Physical stamina
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Teamwork
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5 Work-from-home physically active jobs
While the majority of remote jobs are sedentary positions that require very little physical activity, there are still career options available to professionals interested in working at home in a more active and physically stimulating professional role.
Many work-from-home jobs that require physical activity also require people to have their own businesses with an appropriate home office. Although these work-from-home positions are best suited for established industry professionals, they are attainable through hard work and dedication.
Some of the best work-from-home jobs for improved health and physical activity are as follows:
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Massage Therapist
Average Annual Salary: $45,000As a massage therapist you stay physically active by being on your feet all day and using your own body to work out the tension in muscles from others. Massage therapists focus on minimizing tension by massaging the client’s muscles. A masseuse can work at their own home or their client’s home or in spas, fitness centers, hotels, and physicians’ offices.
To work from home as a massage therapist, you’ll need to have a home studio and an excellent rapport with customers. Massage therapists are also typically required to hold a state-issued license or certification and must have high stamina since they’ll be on their feet for most, if not all, of the workday.
Massage therapist skills needed:
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Communication
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Customer service
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Empathy
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Adaptability
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Personal Fitness Trainer
Average Annual Salary: $41,000Working as a personal fitness trainer is perhaps the best way to engage in exercise and physical activity at work. Personal fitness trainers help clients meet their health and fitness goals, lose weight, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Many self-employed personal fitness trainers work at home, gym, or fitness studio or travel to a client’s house to guide them through aerobic exercise and strength training.
In addition to leading an extremely healthy lifestyle, personal fitness trainers and instructors make attractive salaries.
Personal fitness trainer skills needed:
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Teaching/coaching
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Motivating others
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Patience
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Problem-solving
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Athlete and Sports Competitors
Average Annual Salary: $61,000For highly active and talented gymnasts and sportsmen and women, pursuing a career as a professional athlete or sports competitor can be extremely rewarding and a great way to stay physically active while working.
To be successful as an athlete and sports competitor, you must be at the top of your game and have extensive knowledge of your sport. Many of the best athletes train at home and periodically compete in events and competitions across the country.
A career as an athlete and sports competitor is one of the best ways to lead a healthy lifestyle and meet career and personal goals through vigorous exercise and physical activity. That being said, it can be extremely hard to break into this industry and requires years of hard work and determination.
Athletes and sports competitors skills needed:
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Self-discipline
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Teamwork
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Reliability
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The technical aspects of their sport
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Personal Veterinarian
Average Annual Salary: $126,000Veterinarians are required to engage in regular physical activity throughout their workday to give animals the best possible care. If you love animals, a career as a personal veterinarian could be for you. Personal vets are typically self-employed and work out of a home office or travel to private households, to care for animals.
Although it may be unconventional to work at home as a personal veterinarian, it is possible under the correct circumstances. To work at home as a veterinarian, you’ll need a home office, where you can tend to patients or complete and file paperwork after completing home visits at private households or farms.
In addition to the health benefits that come with this active career, there are also big financial benefits.
Personal veterinarian skills:
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Time management
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Compassion
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Problem-solving
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Manual dexterity
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Babysitter
Average Annual Salary: $20,000Working as a babysitter or childcare worker, you need to be physically active to take care of the children under your care. Babysitters and childcare workers help foster early development and care for children.
With the right professional network, babysitters can easily work from home, run their own daycare centers from their house, or travel to and work from a client’s private household.
Successful babysitters typically only need a high school diploma and childcare experience. The job comes with a decent amount of workday flexibility, depending on a client’s specific childcare needs, and requires lots of physical activity. Since babysitters attend to children’s needs, they’re on their feet most of the day.
In addition to the health benefits of a physically active job, there are also many benefits of working with kids. Babysitters have high job satisfaction, build a valuable skill set, and have good job security.
Babysitter skills needed:
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Communication
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First Aid/CPR
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Reliability
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Decision making
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What to look for in jobs that require physical activity
If you’re interested in staying active on the job, there are many career options available to you. The key is just knowing what to look for when you’re looking for jobs.
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Opportunities to get away from the desk. As a rule of thumb, you should stay away from desk jobs that will keep you confined to a cubicle or office all day, and instead, look for jobs that require you to perform moderate-intensity activities throughout the workday.
By looking for blue-collar careers that don’t chain you to a desk or require a whole lot of screen time to complete your work efficiency, you’ll find jobs that require daily physical activity at work and promote an active and healthy lifestyle.
Focusing on roles that prioritize activity and exercise during your job search will make you less likely to wind up in a role that centers on physical inactivity and sedentary responsibilities. Many jobs that require physical activity will advertise a fast-paced work environment and highlight the physical tasks employees are typically expected to perform.
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The right amount of physical activity that you can handle. When looking for jobs that require a high level of physical fitness and regular exercise, it’s important to consider the intensity of the job. Careers with too much vigorous-intensity activity, like construction jobs, for instance, aren’t for everyone.
Looking for a position that allows you to engage in a level of physical activity you’re comfortable with will set you up for career success, reduce your stress levels on the job, and increase your confidence and productivity.
But, over-exerting yourself in a role that requires moderate to vigorous physical activity that is too strenuous or much higher than your fitness level can lead to exhaustion and injury.
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Benefits that fit your needs. Just as it’s important to be honest with yourself on the activity level you’re capable of at work, it’s also essential to be frank when it comes to specific benefits and the employee perks you’re looking for in your dream job.
Be sure to consider work hours, salary, health insurance benefits, employee retirement accounts or programs, and paid time off when applying for job openings. Without these, you’re less likely to be satisfied with your job long-term no matter how much you enjoy the physical activity.
The benefits of a physically active job
Physically active jobs can benefit you both physically and mentally.
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Physical health benefits. The health and fitness benefits that come with engaging in moderate activity at work are vast. The amount of regular exercise you get each day directly affects your daily routine and overall health. Having a sedentary job and sitting behind a desk for eight hours a day, 40 hours a week, can have detrimental effects on your physical health and mental well-being.
Getting active at work is scientifically proven to reduce the risk of developing diabetes mellitus, depression, high cholesterol, cardiorespiratory diseases, dementia, high blood pressure, and heart disease, among other chronic conditions.
Bouts of aerobic, high-intensity, strength training, and even moderate-intensity exercise, like brisk walking, jogging, and biking, promote an active lifestyle and help employees sleep better, increase their cognitive function, and lose weight.
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Mental health benefits. People working physically active jobs often have higher employee satisfaction rates than professionals employed in inactive occupations.
This is because engaging in exercise and physical activity throughout the workday releases endorphins, which make employees even more productive on the job by increasing energy levels and feelings of positivity.
The downside of physically active jobs
Too much physical activity at work can also be a risk factor. Jobs that require employees to be on their feet and moving for the duration of the workday can be strenuous and lead to back pain, extreme fatigue, and hip, knee, and foot problems.
Finding a career that encourages regular physical activity while also allowing for rest and balance is key. Taking breaks throughout a physically demanding workday will increase employee stamina and help professionals maintain a high performance and efficiency level at work.
Staying active in a sedentary job
If you’re looking to boost your performance levels and be more physically active in a primarily sedentary career, there are a few hacks you could try before throwing in the towel and changing career paths entirely.
Taking the stairs, using a height-adjustable standing or treadmill desk, taking walks during lunch breaks, stretching throughout the day, joining employee exercise programs, and working out instead of watching television during leisure-time are great ways to supplement a lack of physical activity at work.
The best physically active jobs FAQ
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What jobs keep you physically fit?
Working as a physical fitness trainer is a job that will keep you physically fit. Your responsibility as a fitness trainer is to help clients meet their fitness goals, lose weight, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. You will also spend most of your time in a gym which makes it a great opportunity to stay fit.
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What jobs allow for a lot of walking?
Being a dog walker will allow you to get a lot of walking done during the day. Depending on the dog you are walking, you can be walking for a few minutes to a half hour per dog. When you are a dog walker, you can schedule as many dogs for a day as you want meaning you can get a few miles in to help you stay active and fit.
Final thoughts
Working in a career that puts a high emphasis on health and fitness and promotes activity and exercise at work can increase productivity levels, boost overall health and well-being, and reduce an employee’s risk of developing various illnesses and diseases.
Finding a job that will get you moving throughout your work week and has the appropriate level of physical activity for you will allow you to lead a physically active lifestyle and even help you live longer.
By using the tips outlined in this article, you can break free from your sedentary and inactive career and land a good-paying job that is rewarding and requires a certain amount of exercise and physical activity.
- Best Jobs
- Best Environmental Jobs
- Best Remote Jobs
- Best Automotive Careers
- Best Physically Active Jobs
- Best Jobs With Computers
- Best Jobs For Empaths
- Best Delivery Apps To Work For
- Jobs With Best Work Life Balance
- Best Jobs For Digital Nomads
- Best Jobs For Retired Teachers
- Best Part Time Remote Jobs
- Best Online Jobs For Students
Author
Elsie is an experienced writer, reporter, and content creator. As a leader in her field, Elsie is best known for her work as a Reporter for The Southampton Press, but she can also be credited with contributions to Long Island Pulse Magazine and Hamptons Online. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Stony Brook University and currently resides in Franklin, Tennessee.
