I have loved to read and write for as long as I can remember. One of my favorite childhood memories was when the bookmobile visited my school. I remember the excitement of looking out the classroom windows and seeing it in the parking lot, and then being enamored by the rows and rows of new books inside--each one more fascinating than the next. For me, this was truly my own personal “kid-in-a-candy-store” moment. And when it came time for the annual science fair, I was the quintessential bookworm asking if I could write a report instead of creating an exploding volcano or solar system made out of Styrofoam. (Sometimes the teachers even let me.)

As I grew up, I added magazines to my list of fascinations, savoring Seventeen’s back-to-school issue each fall.  So it comes as no surprise, then, that after pounding the pavement as a freelance writer for several years, I landed my dream job as a magazine editor for both Lehigh Valley Marketplace (www.lehighvalleymarketplace.com) and Good Taste magazines (www.lehighvalleygoodtaste.com) while living in the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania. While living there, I also founded and facilitated a book club (Friends of Fiction) which ran for nearly 10 years before my family and I moved to Central New York.

Since moving to Syracuse, I’ve found great satisfaction in volunteering and fundraising for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York. In 2015, I was the chairperson of their annual Bella Casa Fashion Show, helping to raise more than $50,000 for this fine organization. I also work with the outreach committee of St. James' Episcopal Church in Skaneateles, New York, aiding the less fortunate members of our local community. In addition to volunteering, I work as a freelance grant writer, and public relations and fundraising consultant. I've had an essay published in the book, "Nothing But the Truth So Help Me God: 73 Women on Life's Transitions." My essay, "Bloom Where You are Planted," was later picked up by The Shriver Report (www.shriverreport.org).

Some more about me: I'm certified in Mental Health First Aid, I've been a Girl Scout Troop leader, and have taught a children's Spanish class. In my spare time,
I enjoy reading (but you probably already knew that!), trying new workout classes, practicing yoga and meditation, and spending time with family, friends and the best dog ever, our Wheaten Terrier Poodle named Fiona.

Biography

I’m an award-winning writer, former magazine editor, a blogger and fundraiser.

Before moving to Central New York, I was the editor of Lehigh Valley Marketplace and Good Taste magazines. One of the highlights of my career was meeting Chef Emeril Lagasse at the opening of Emeril’s Italian Table in Bethlehem, Pa. As editor, I created the editorial calendar and themes for each issue, managed freelance writers and interns, and consistently recruited new writing talent to ensure top-quality editorial content.

My blog, "CeliacSavvy" is the result of having nearly 25 years' experience managing the gluten-free diet for one of my daughters. This experience also led me to develop a presentation titled, “Gluten-Free Before Gluten-Free was Cool: Raising a Child with Celiac Disease," which I presented to the Central New York Celiacs in November 2014. 

My latest essay, "Bloom Where You are Planted," appears in the anthology, Nothing But the Truth So Help Me God: 73 Women on Life's Transitions (NBTT Publishing, 2014). The essay was picked up by The Shriver Report and appears in its May 15, 2014 edition (www.theshriverreport.org).

My magazine feature article, “Seven Tips for a Successful Book Club” received an Honorable Mention in the Writer’s Digest’'s Writing Competition in 2011. An essay about my grandmother—“The Most Meaningful Legacies Can’t be Measured”--appears in the Hallmark book, 50 Truths Worth Knowing (Rodale, Inc.). I am also a contributor to the book, Tell Me What to Eat if I Have Celiac Disease and have had Op-Ed pieces published on domestic violence as well as on my experience at Opening Day at the new Yankee Stadium.

I’ve also had great success in the nonprofit sector. As the development director for a private high school in Pennsylvania, I increased annual appeal donations by more than 30% and garnered more than 40 press clippings for the school in less than three months. While working for a New Jersey-based nonprofit organization, I obtained more than $75,000 in grant funding as a result of written proposals. While working for the same organization, I coordinated a scholarship program for special needs children and helped raise over $300,000 in charitable gift annuities in just one year. I secured a $1,000 grant for a Pennsylvania-based elementary school to implement an after-school Spanish language program; I also taught a Spanish class for preschoolers and have been a Girl Scout leader.

As the former vice-president of the General Federation of Women’s Club’s (GFWC) Easton Area Club, I was responsible for all facets of public relations for the chapter.

I founded and facilitated the Friends of Fiction Book Club, which ran for nearly 10 years in the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania; In my spare time, I raise funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York; in 2015, I had the honor of chairing its 7th Annual Bella Casa Fashion Show. I also work with the Outreach Committee at St. James Episcopal Church in Skaneateles, NY, leading several efforts to aid less fortunate members of the local community. I'm certified in Mental Health First Aid, and a licensed Zumba instructor.

Contact me at Christine.Krahling@gmail.com or follow me on Twitter @celiacsavvy.