Mission and Key Strengths
With a Bachelor of Science in Interactive Media Design combined with extensive design and management experience, my mission is to provide winning solutions for my clients. I take great pride and satisfaction in my work, brainstorming new ideas and welcoming challenges to exceed expectations and continually grow in my career.

Key strengths I offer include:
• » Management experience with web design and development staff
• » Strong ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• » Focus on exceeding client expectations while maintaining time and cost efficiency
• » Exceptional communication skills with clients and coordinating teams
• » Detail-oriented, quality-focused, and organized work methods
• » Outgoing and enthusiastic attitude
• » Goal-oriented and career-motivated mindset

Pursuing My Passion
After graduating high school with honors in 1996, I studied at UMass Amherst with a focus in science and the humanities. I chose a variety of courses in natural and physical sciences, music, art history, and literature. I became fascinated with the intricate nature of how things work in science and the significance of artistic expression in the humanities.

As courses progressed, I explored more career possibilities that combined science and art. I spoke with a student enrolled at a communications college in Boston (now The New England Institute of Art in Brookline, MA) who described the web and graphics program to me. Classes were based in Mac labs with industry-current production software for graphic design and development, audio/video editing, animation, and more. They were limited to about 15 students per class, offered hands-on application, individual project presentation and peer critique. The artistic and technical study in an intimate team environment suited my interests and would prepare me for the workplace.

In 2002, I transferred my credits to NEIA and thrived in my studies there. I found web design and development to be the perfect balance of science and art. I enjoyed the team atmosphere of sharing ideas and problem solving with classmates. My instructors were mentors, teaching not only technical skills but what sells and succeeds for clients, efficient management of simultaneous projects from start to finish, and how to grow with a constantly-evolving industry.

After graduating in 2005 I became Chief Web and Graphics Designer at DataOne Software, designing and coding car dealership websites. As a one-person department in my first year, I created 62 websites from sale to launch. I was promoted to Web Design and Graphics Manager, hiring two designers, a web developer and SEO specialist. By the end of 2008, our department had designed, coded and launched over 150 websites for dealerships nationwide.

When DataOne Software eliminated dealership services in 2009, I shifted to freelance design and volunteer work as Social Network Coordinator for KEZA Fashion. I continue to network with former clients and develop sites for local companies, pursuing my passion in web production and management.

Personal Interests
State of mind and body go hand-in-hand. When idle for a few days I become restless, so I maintain a daily fitness routine. Exercise is a meditation, allowing me to clear my head, relieve stress, and focus my train of thought. I come up with new ideas and solutions to all sorts of things while working out which allows me to be more creative and productive.

Swimming is my favorite exercise; I am most at peace in water. I swim laps at the gym, brave the New England ocean when humanly possible, and float around in the hot tub when I have some extra time. I love biking, especially on my "Pee-wee" beach cruiser. I thrive on yardwork, constantly mowing, digging, planting, trimming, and planning for new additions. It is a great feeling of achievement to sit back at the end of a day in the sun, exhausted and dirty, and enjoy the view of a new garden or manicured lawn.

Cooking is both a science and art, so of course I love that too. I like experimenting with new recipes for stews, grilling, roasting, and sometimes baking. I usually find a recipe online and modify it into my own creation, and most of the time it results in something I will pass along to friends. I love being outdoors, especially freshwater and deep sea fishing, hiking through the woods, and sitting by the ocean. My nights off you will usually find me on the couch watching a movie, playing cards, or having a few friends over for a campfire and s'mores.