Meet the SNO Patrol: Andrea

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Meet the SNO Patrol

We may be a pretty small crew here at SNO Sites, but we still have a few people left to introduce before the spring National High School Journalism Convention at our home turf in Minneapolis. In January, you met the first of our talented trainers, Kyle Phillips. This month, you’ll meet Andrea Bell, our other trainer on staff who can teach you about all the “bells” and whistles on your site (see what we did there?).

Want to meet Andrea (and the rest of the SNO gang) in person? There’s still time to register for the National High School Journalism Convention this April. We hope to see you there!

Meet Andrea Bell

Q: How many years have you worked at SNO?  

A: 4.5 years

Q: What is your position and what do you do at SNO?

A: My official title is “Education & Training Specialist.”

My primary responsibilities include meeting with clients for training sessions, meeting with prospective clients for sales demos, and planning/facilitating our SNO workshops. I also plan and write most of our weekly SNO Reports, coordinate our site overhaul and logo order services, help with site migrations, and serve on the Distinguished Sites committee. No two days are the same!

Q: What did you do before you worked at SNO?

A: I was a high school English teacher for several years.

Q: Where did you go to high school?

A: Devils Lake High School in Devils Lake, ND

Q: Where did you go to college?

A: University of Jamestown in Jamestown, ND

A: Currently working on my master’s degree through Purdue University

Q: What do you like to do outside of work? 

A: I’d describe myself as a bit of an “old soul.” I enjoy taking my dog for walks, watching the birds in my yard, reading books, cross-stitching, napping in my hammock, and brewing a nightly cup of tea.

Q: What’s one interesting story about yourself? 

A: My now-husband and I briefly hosted a talk radio show together in college. A good friend of ours worked for the station and was looking for new ideas, so we agreed (after some minor pleading). That same friend also talked me into copy editing for the print publication. That took much less convincing!

Q: As an English major and former copy editor, what is your grammar pet peeve? 

A: Comma splices – they make me cringe every single time.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do in the Twin Cities? 

A: Anything involving the outdoors! I especially love to walk or kayak around the lakes in the warmer months.

Q: What recommendations do you have for NHSJC attendees in the Twin Cities? 

A: It’s tough to narrow it down, but here are a few ideas:

  • Go shopping at Mall of America in Bloomington (a first-tier suburb). This is sort of a “must-do” Twin Cities item.

  • Visit one of many museums. The Science Museum in St. Paul or the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis are two great ones. You’ll also find the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry at the Sculpture Garden outside the Walker Arts Center. Taking a picture with it is sort of another Twin Cities “must-do.”

  • Explore the water! We’re called the Land of 10,000 Lakes for a reason. Trek around a nearby lake, visit Minnehaha Falls, or stroll across the Stone Arch Bridge.