Hi, I am Sandi Schwartz, an author; freelance journalist specializing in parenting, wellness, and environmental issues; and freelance editor/proofreader. I am an expert in simplifying science to educate others on challenging topics that affect our lives.
My articles have been featured in publications including Scary Mommy, Motherly, Very Well Family, Environment Defense Fund’s Moms Clean Air Force, The Week, Green Child Magazine, One Green Planet, Your Teen, Urban Mommies, and over 70 regional parenting magazines like NY Parenting, Washington Family, Georgia Family, and Connecticut Parent. In addition, my essay “How My Love For Science Shook Me Out of My Comfort Zone” is featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul’s new title Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Empowered Woman: 101 Stories about Being Confident, Courageous and Your True Self.
To see more of my work, please check out my portfolio.
For nearly 6 years, I managed the blog, Happy Science Mom, a parenting toolkit for raising happy, balanced children. I wrote about key positive psychology tools including emotional intelligence; kindness; gratitude; mindfulness; awe; healthy sleep, nutrition, and fitness habits; and spending time in nature. My blog is now part of my new venture, Ecohappiness Project, where I help families build a nature habit to feel happier and calmer. I explore many of these same positive psychology tools, now through a nature lens.
Past Positions
My prior experience includes freelance writing and research projects with environmental, energy, transportation, and health organizations and publications such as Union for Concerned Scientists and EM Magazine of the Air & Waste Management Association. I also held positions with the National Academies, United States Environmental Protection Agency, and Cadmus Group, a consulting firm where I worked on EPA’s ENERGY STAR program and projects addressing indoor air quality and asthma.
Education
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies at The George Washington University, a Master of Arts in Government with an Environmental Focus at Johns Hopkins University, and a Specialization Certificate in Foundations of Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. I also completed The Science of Happiness course offered by the University of California, Berkeley and served as a Community Teaching Assistant.
Affiliations
I am a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, Children & Nature Network, Editorial Freelancers Association, International Positive Psychology Association, National Center for Science Education, National League of American Pen Women, Nonfiction Authors Association, Parenting Journalists Society, and Union of Concerned Scientists.
Some Other Fun Tidbits About Me
- My hobbies include piano, watercolor painting, reading, community service, and working out.
- I am always craving new knowledge and prefer non-fiction over fiction.
- The environment has been my passion since I cleaned up a river in high school with the student nature club.
- I have enjoyed writing since I served as an editor for my high school newspaper.
- My Graduate School Masters Thesis explored the effectiveness of policy options in bringing more fuel-efficient vehicles to market, and now I am the proud owner of an electric car.