Celeste Erickson joined The South Whidbey Record editorial staff this week, replacing Michaela Marx Wheatley as a part-time reporter/photographer/page designer.

She grew up in Ellensburg, Wash., but headed west to Western Washington University. At the Bellingham school, Erickson wrote for the student newspaper, The Western Front, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2011.

“We are ecstatic to add Celeste’s skills in reporting, photography and especially page design to our staff,” said Record editor Jim Larsen.

After a brief stint in her hometown, Erickson was hired by The Record for general assignment and features coverage.

Look for Erickson at the Langley Library, where she’s likely to check out apocalyptic novels. When she’s not busy with the paper, Erickson said she plans to travel around South Whidbey, taking in its natural wonders of forest and sea.