(b. 1959)

Attended Interlochen Arts Academy and University of Michigan for Creative Writing.

Married to Duncan Spratt Moran, middle school instructor at Pathfinder School.

Three children: Zinzi, Tajín and Hart — all of whom attended Old Mission Elementary, Central High School and NMC.

I was born in TC and raised on a cherry farm in Yuba, MI, part of which is now the Yuba Creek Natural Area. I've attended TC area schools, taught at TC area schools, worked at TC restaurants and retail, raised a family, and started a business. Over the last 60 years, including nearly 6 years on the TC Planning Commission, I’ve witnessed the good, the bad, and the ugly of growth. But what has remained a constant over the years is our infrastructure, our good bones, and by that I mean the structures in place to protect our residents, our property, and our environment.  

However, a number of stresses threaten this infrastructure. You could call them density stresses. We all know what happens, for example, when we get 6 inches of rain in an hour. What about 2 days in a row? How do we plan for and create desirable housing opportunities for a changing population? How do we grow without sacrificing our natural stormwater systems (trees and green spaces)? How do we prioritize and pay for City projects beyond the 4 blocks of downtown? The climate crisis and its consequences, like population growth in surrounding townships and increased tourism, are challenging TC’s infrastructure. I would like to contribute to finding resilient solutions that put our good bones—our residents, property, and environment—first.

I hold office hours most Fridays from 10AM until noon at Mundos on Garfield. Feel free to stop by.

Work History

  • 2017 to 2023 : Appointed by Jim Carruthers to serve on the Traverse City Planning Commission. During that time, the Planning Commission studied, debated and voted on City-wide issues such as medical marijuana retail, zoning in the 8th Street corridor, Fishpass, parking minimums, the tree ordinance, vacation home restrictions, commercial setbacks, and street design.

  • 2015 to present : Partner with Anne Stanton and Doug Weaver at Mission Point Press

  • 2022 to present : Treasurer of Shaw Investment Company, a family-owned, commercial real estate company

  • 2015 to 2020 : Summer, holiday and sub employment at Toy Harbor

  • 2008 to 2009 : Senior Editor, Spirituality & Health Books

  • 2009 : Managing Editor, Spirituality & Health magazine

  • 2008 : attended Stanford Publishing Courses for Professionals

  • 2007 to 12/2009 : Book and Product Editor, Spirituality & Health magazine

  • 2007 to 12/2009 : Editor-in-Chief, ForeWord magazine (now ForeWord Reviews)

  • 2005 : Founding Committee Member of Traverse City Film Festival

  • 2003 and 2004 : Creative Writing instructor at Interlochen Center for the Arts

  • 2002 to 2010 : Board member, Michigan Writers, Inc.

  • 2002 to 2008 : Editor of the literary magazine, Dunes Review

  • 2000 to 2006 : Researcher for author Doug Stanton’s New York Times bestsellers In Harm’s Way and Horse Soldiers

  • 1993 to 1999 : Spanish instructor at Northwestern Michigan College

  • 1990 to 1992 : Owner of the design firm IAMO and publisher of weekly paper, Pomba Gira

  • 1982 to 1988 : Assistant to curator, Archive of the Diocese, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico

  • Youth employment includes: farm work, Elk Rapids Packing Company, Mr Steak. Pinestead Reef, Dill’s

A community that cares about its environment, cares about its future. We can strengthen our infrastructure—our stormwater management, energy usage—all the things that make a great neighborhood, including the economic engine that is tourism by promoting sustainable, resilient, and local solutions to growth.