Jen Anderson

Raising kids, running, running after kids, art, food, education and the outdoors: these are my passions. I try to write about them as much as possible. I've been doing that for the past 12 years, as a reporter for the Portland Tribune. I grew up in Hawaii and graduated from Whitman College, and yes, I miss the sun.

I specialize in writing about schools and profiling leading ladies around Portland, including Oregon First Lady Cylvia Hayes, Former Mayor Vera Katz, First Lady Nancy Hales, Former First Lady Karin Hansen, Mayoral candidate Eileen Brady, Portland Public Schools Superintendent Carole Smith, and many more.

I also write freelance stories about travel and parenting. My favorite recent getaway: a mom-cation in Cabo. This year I'm hoping/bracing for trips to Legoland and Maui, as well as treks to the Oregon coast and Walla Walla wine country.

My boys, age four and seven, are my daily inspiration. They've helped me see the beauty in bugs, stomping in mud puddles and making zombie cakes for Cub Scout auctions. My husband is pretty rad too.

My biggest weakness: pie. Yes, I've written about that too!