Nenia Ballard, MA, MFA

Knitting Copy and Tech Editor

About

In 2020, my world changed almost overnight when I got COVID and was subsequently left disabled by Long COVID. I handed in my badge and ended a decade-long career in law enforcement. I could no longer hike, work out, or even walk my dogs. I was debilitated by my disease and became a full-time wheelchair user. I've struggled with the grief of all I've lost to my illness, but one thing that really frustrated me was losing my ability to be out in nature. Outdoor spaces are often designed specifically with able-bodied people in mind, even though it would be easy to accommodate mobility aids if accessibility had been part of the initial design. As Ms. Wheelchair New Hampshire 2026, I am raising awareness in the Granite State about this issue and how we can be more intentional in our designs so the outdoors are accessible to everyone.

Country

United States

City

Canaan

Industry

Writing & Editing

Skill

Email Marketing, Audience Segmentation, email marketing strategy, Short-Form Video Creation, Social Monitoring, Content Strategy, Social Engagement, Social Media ROI, Social Media Policies, Content Editing, Grant Coordination, Grant Administration, Fundraising, Grant Preparation, Grant Monitoring, copyediting, Book Editing, Manuscript Evaluation, Line Editing, Manuscript Development

Experience

Knitting Copy and Tech Editor

Spoke and Skein

2017-3 - Present · 9 yrs 7 mos

I provide copy and tech editing for knitting patterns.

Grants Coordinator

Vermont Institute of Natural Science

2022-8 - 2025-3 · 2 yrs 8 mos

Remote

Police Officer

Town of Canaan

2018-12 - 2022-12 · 4 yrs 1 mo

Canaan, New Hampshire

Organized fundraisers, including a multi-agency event that collected several hundred pounds of food for the Friends of Mascoma Foundation. Orchestrated the introduction of public relations events such as National Night Out and NAMI NH Connect Suicide Prevention Programs. Developed and managed the department's R.A.D. program, a self-defense class for women. Oversaw the department's social media accounts, including content creation and press releases.

Police Officer

Town of Hanover, NH

2012-9 - 2018-12 · 6 yrs 4 mos

Developed and coordinated the Department's Coffee with a Cop program. Managed the department's RAD program as the lead instructor. Coordinated fundraising events and mailings, managed the Union's budget, and oversaw general union business.

Sports Editor

The Gatepost

2009-1 - 2011-5 · 2 yrs 5 mos

Framingham State University

I wrote content for the section, took photos and laid out the section each week. I also copyedited articles submitted by staff writers and worked closely with other team members.

Education

Southern New Hampshire University

Creative Writing

2018 - 2020 · 2 yrs

Southern New Hampshire University

English Language and Literature, General

2014 - 2017 · 3 yrs

UCLA Extension

Editing and Publishing

2024-8 - 2025-6 · 11 mos

This certificate combines core editorial skill development and publishing industry knowledge with practical hands-on experiential opportunities through internships. Graduates are well-positioned for jobs as editors in publishing or business, managing editors, copyeditors, and developmental editors.

Poynter Institute

Editing

2024-9 - 2024-9 · 1 mo

The ACES Introductory Certificate in Editing is a rigorous seven-part certificate program that ranges from basics on clarity and verification to deep dives that explain how errors get inserted into copy and how to fact-check online content with the latest techniques.