Jen Baires is an award-winning freelance journalist based in Bend, Oregon. She contributes stories to OPB from communities around Central Oregon. Jen has over a decade of experience in breaking news, investigative reporting and feature writing. Her work has appeared in national newspapers and magazines. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism. She can be reached for story ideas and feedback at jbaires@opb.org.