E-mail: Erica.Jackson@Patch.com
Phone: 631-605-9648 Facebook: HamptonBaysPatch Twitter:  Westhampbayspatch A graduate of the Smithtown School District, I found my journalistic calling while attending Suffolk Community College.  It wasn't until a college professor asked me to write an article for the campus paper, the Compass, that I  realized I wanted to be a reporter.  I changed my major to journalism and graduated with an associates degree in communications. I went on to attend Hofstra University where I earned a Bachelors degree in print journalism. I  started my professional career working for the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce as an administrative assistant. There, I created a monthly newsletter for chamber members. In 1999, I moved on to work for the Smithtown Messenger,  covering local politics and happenings.  After five years, I took a position as an associate editor for The Traveler Watchman Newspaper in Southold.  There, I thrived on local politics, covering a wide-array of topics.  During my tenure at The Traveler, I received an honorable mention for investigative reporting from the New York Press Association.  The Traveler Watchman was sold in 2006 to the East Hampton Independent and I took a position with the East Hampton Independent as editor of the newly named, Independent Traveler Watchman. I took some time off after my daughter, Karen was born, but soon started freelancing for papers, including the News Review of Riverhead and the Long Island Advance of Patchogue.  Two years later, my son, Cole was born and I took time to spend with my children.  Missing the thrill of journalism, I got back to my computer and started working for SmithtownMatters.com and now, Patch.com. I am married to my high school sweetheart, Lee. We have two children, Karen and Cole and live in Shirley, NY. I enjoy hiking, reading, camping, writing and spending as much time as I can with my family.