About Me

Hello! I love words. But when asked to express what I do as succinctly as possible, I usually say this:

Creative change-maker.
Strengths encourager.
Mission-driven entrepreneur.
Family preservation advocate.

I went to art school in part because I wanted to avoid science and math. I picked my major because a recruiter told me I had a solid illustration portfolio. “Sounds like a plan,” I said.

Twenty years later I went back to school to study organizational leadership. It wasn’t that I was changing careers, but rather focusing it. After holding roles of increasing responsibility within creative teams, I wanted to learn more about what made me—and teams—work smarter.

My graduate program did not disappoint! The school I attended is a strengths-based institution; all incoming students take the CliftonStrengths assessment and receive relevant coaching. This was not the first time I’d encountered the assessment. But it was the first time I was required to take it, so I did. I’m so glad for that, because it changed how I understand myself and gave me language to talk about what makes me me.

I now use my design thinking and my leadership training as a strengths encourager.

If you’d like to see a more traditional resume, try my LinkedIn page or portfolio.

My Top 5 Strengths

Strategic | Communication | Ideation | Belief | Input

Education & Training

BFA, Illustration/Graphic Design
Art Center College of Design

MA, Organizational Leadership
Point Loma Nazarene University

Gallup Certified Strengths Coach

Trained in trauma-informed principles, appreciative inquiry;
Licensed foster parent since 2008