Thurston Talk, Olympia, Washington article on Exchange Student Host Families:

Saint Martin's International Students Get Taste Of America - ThurstonTalk

International Teaching Experience, Nord Anglia Guangzhou Panyu and Dalian American International School:

https://nae.proferotech.com/ism-moscow/teachers/brooke-mckenzie

Past Work & Professional Experience

Overview

Brooke McKenzie brings a multidisciplinary background spanning journalism, public service, education, writing, and international experience. This diverse foundation informs a distinctive storytelling voice shaped by real-world systems, human behavior, and cross-cultural perspective.

Her work blends analytical understanding with narrative craft, drawing from careers in journalism, urban planning, education, and public administration.

Education

Brooke McKenzie holds advanced academic training across communication, public policy, and education:

  • B.A. in Journalism
    Edward R. Murrow College of Communication

  • M.A. in Urban and Regional Planning
    Focus on community development, infrastructure, and systems planning

  • M.A. in Public Administration
    Concentration in governance, policy, and organizational leadership

  • Teaching Certification (K–12)
    Certified in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language (ESL)

Professional Experience

Journalism & Writing

Brooke has worked as a journalist for city and county newspapers, producing published articles focused on local government, community issues, and civic reporting. This experience established a foundation in investigative research, narrative clarity, and deadline-driven writing.

She continues to develop as a memoirist and article writer, expanding into reflective and long-form storytelling.

Public Sector & Planning

Experience as a City Planner and Grant Writer includes work in urban development, community planning, and public funding applications. This background provides deep insight into systems, infrastructure, and policy implementation at the local government level.

Education (K–12 & International)

Brooke has extensive experience in U.S. public education (K–12) as well as international teaching in China.

Roles have included classroom instruction, curriculum delivery, and ESL education, working with diverse student populations across cultural and linguistic contexts.

This experience strengthens her ability to communicate across audiences and understand human development, learning, and narrative engagement.

Additional Experience

  • Certified Scuba Divemaster, with experience in underwater exploration and technical diving environments

  • Cross-disciplinary professional background spanning education, journalism, and public administration

  • Strong emphasis on communication, storytelling, and human-centered systems

Creative Direction

Brooke McKenzie’s professional journey directly informs her writing voice—blending structured analytical thinking with emotionally driven storytelling.

Her work as an emerging author and writer draws from lived experience across education, governance, journalism, and international cultural exchange.

Current Focus

Brooke is currently focused on:

  • Memoir and narrative nonfiction writing

  • Article-based storytelling

  • Contemporary fiction development

  • Expanding her author platform: Brooke McKenzie Writes