“There is no reason that function should not be beautiful. In fact, beauty usually makes it more effective.” - Spock
An award winning design director and creative director.
OG from Wisconsin, I have lived and worked in Chicago, Toronto, Milwaukee, New Orleans, NYC and currently in LA (15 years.)
I practice the ancient art of Zen & Siedo Budo, training of body, mind and spirit to work together. I apply this approach to my career and are the foundation to my core principals.
1 - Be of Service
2 - Always be Actively Curious & Learning
3 - Be Sincere & Thoughtful in Your Actions
Throughout my career I have translated my experience in the theatre to design.
I am a master student at The Groundlings, former conservatory member at Second City, write for Bootcamp/UX Pros; and a Cohort member of NBCU AI, Women in Tech and The Poynter Institute.
• Yes, And
• Active listening
• Pivot nimbly in the unknown
• partnered collaboration
I have 15+ years of experience in creative and digital product leadership and hand-on design.
I was the first design leader for L.A. Times (2018) and pivotal design executive at Food52 (2022) the as they moved through transformative change.
Prior, I have designed and developed a 120K sq. ft. Science & Technology Museum, UX for STEM+ education, including the Les Paul House of Sound, Reiman Aquarium and Clean Air Trek. Launched AR/VR OTT products for the live broadcast of the Olympics; led brand experience at Kohl’s and at a design firm specializing in social/community, content/media and e-comm.
Currently I am a founder of a STLR Studio working with start-ups and mission-based tech, crafting brand and user-first vision, product growth strategy, and market fit. I am also collaborating on AI/ML-powered tool for market-focused advertising.
Education
I graduated from Carroll University with a BA in Theatre, Art and Film.
Interactive Design Foundation Certifications (3)
ExperiencePoint / IDEO, Design Thinking
Apple
The Groundlings, master student
Second City, conservatory member
Upright Citizens Brigade
Comedy Sports
other
I write for Bootcamp/UX Pros; and a Cohort member of NBCU AI, Women in Tech and The Poynter Institute. I have spoken about design + advertising (Marquette University, WIT, AGIA), teaching how to develop your own Personal User Manual for the wellness sector.
I have been featured in CommArts, won multiple awards for my work in advertising, exhibits and website; and held an artist in residence at TED-X.
“Do what I do. Hold on tight and pretend it's a plan” - Dr. Who
