About Me
Hi! Thanks for stopping by. My name is Samantha Cora Christian Haas. Most people call me Sam (she/her/hers). I'm a writer, editor, photographer, and marketing specialist from Madison.
Wisconsin’s ever-changing environment inspired me to pick up a pencil and camera at a young age and document everything I sensed around me. Needless to say, I haven’t put them down.
I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in 2010 at St. Norbert College studying English and art. Since then I have blended my passions for writing and photography as a community journalist, lifestyle photographer, real estate marketer, publication designer and editor, nonprofit communications coordinator, freelance writer and copy editor, event planner, web designer, and volunteer grant writer.
My first children's picture book, "Waverly Braves the Breeze: The Story of a Galápagos Albatross," was published in 2024 and inspired by a class trip to the Galápagos Islands.
In 2023, I launched an organization called Playful Acorns, which encourages meaningful connections and learning opportunities between caregivers and their kids (primarily ages 0-5), nature, and the community in Dane County, WI. I also help plan the Madison Area Green & Healthy Schools Summit, now organized through Every Child Outside (ECO) Madison.
I love to connect with others and create meaning through words, images, designs, and process art and nature play with my toddler. I also enjoy hiking, biking, yoga, tennis, and kayaking.
My Storytelling Process
Nature inspires me, and I'm an optimist at heart. I believe there is still good in the world waiting to be discovered and that we all have a story worth sharing. I enjoy listening, observing, and helping stories take flight. Interested in joining me on this transformative journey? Contact me today!
Stage 1: Information Gathering
Sharing your story requires vulnerability and trust. Rest assured, I will treat you and your story with care and respect during each stage of this process. During our interview, I'll learn more about you and your goals. We'll come up with a timeline and plan for sharing your story together.
Stage 2: Reflecting & Creating
Creating a meaningful story takes time. Although little may be happening from the outside during this stage, inside is swirling with ideas. I love nothing more than to blend interesting facts from my own research with our raw conversations and turn them into something beautiful.
Stage 3: Storytelling
Word by word and image by image, your story emerges and is ready to take flight. Perhaps it lands on a newspaper, social media platform, website, or grant application. Maybe your story takes on a life of its own. No matter the size, it makes a difference in the world.
My Latest Work
PICTURE BOOK
My first children's picture book, "Waverly Braves the Breeze: The Story of a Galápagos Albatross," written by Samantha Cora and illustrated by Rosie Eve, was published by Tra Publishing in 2024 and inspired by my 2009 St. Norbert College class trip to the Galápagos Islands. I am currently booking library, bookstore, and school visits (geared toward ages 4-8).
FEATURE ARTICLES
Once a journalist, always a journalist (though I prefer the Oxford comma for clarity). I first worked as a photographer in 2007 for the student-run St. Norbert Times, where I became a reporter, copy editor, managing editor, and editor-in-chief. I even served as a photojournalist during a class trip to the Galápagos Islands leading to my first children's picture book. Since then I've held community and freelance reporter roles for several local publications (2010-present).
NATURE PHOTO ART
GREENTREE GIFTS (COMING SOON):
I'll be creating some nature photography art available for purchase soon, including greeting cards, postcards, prints, puzzles, games, and more. A portion of proceeds will go to nonprofits that support the environment where photos were taken.
NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHTS
While working with the Mad City Dream Homes team (2017-2023), I had the opportunity to write over 100 articles and spotlight dozens of local nonprofits -- particularly those focused on promoting social and racial justice, providing affordable housing, and protecting the environment -- through blog and newsletter articles, photographs, social media posts, and videos.
GRANT WRITING AND DESIGN
I have been involved with the Foundation for Dane County Parks in paid and pro bono roles to help write a winning grant, develop its social media and website presence, create content for newsletters and fundraising materials, and take photos of many local parks for promotional purposes. I volunteered with Tri 4 Schools to write several grants and a video script. I also served as the editor of "Pathways Across America" (2017-2020) and coordinated marketing efforts for the Partnership for the National Trails System.
SHARING YOUR STORY
Your story is waiting to take flight. Let's create something spectacular together!