About
I’m an award-winning designer and developer with an extensive background in executing and managing large-scale projects and effectively leading teams. I possess strong hands-on UX experience and I’m a passionate teacher and presenter in the areas of graphic design. Driven by a design-thinking approach to problem solving, I insist on understanding the bigger picture in order to deliver the right details.
For recommendations, awards and other details, please visit my LinkedIn profile.
Skills
Design
I consider myself a designer at my core. I’ve worked as a designer in a variety of capacities for a number of years and know how to apply design-thinking and creative problem solving to many different situations.
- Responsive & Mobile Design
- Wireframing
- Promotions & Advertisement
- Information Architecture
User Experience
I approach any project with a wholistic view and that always includes the end user. Sketching, prototyping, testing and questioning are all areas in which I work.
- Sketching
- Prototyping
- Personas
- User Testing
Development
My developing experience is on the front-end, utilizing languages and tools such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, PHP, WordPress, Bootstrap, Drupal, Laravel (templating), CakePHP (templating), working with remote repositories and versioning.
- HTML
- CSS
- JavaScript
- jQuery
- PHP
- WordPress
Software
Tools are for getting the job done. I can pick up and learn anything, but it’s the idea that counts.
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Screen Recording
- Video Editing
- Various Presentation Platforms
- Various Prototyping Tools
- Google Apps and Analytics
Experience
Lead UI/UX Designer
Michigan Department of Transportation/Apex Systems
Lead UX efforts on agile project teams developing web and mobile applications serving various transportation departmental needs throughout the state. Conduct on-site user observations and interviews, determine user workflows, design wireframes, prototypes and high-fidelity solutions to various application interface needs. Work alongside developers in developing accessible front-end experiences, testing for ADA compliance. Act as a liaison to overarching State of Michigan design team to increase collaboration within our department as well as contribute to state-wide design system.
Instructional Designer
Michigan State University IT Services-Teaching and Learning Technology
Serve in the roles of creative director, art director, project manager, and lead designer for large-scale, multi-year projects with external and internal clientele. Facilitate trainings and workshops in relation to instructional design and pedagogical strategies. Develop courses within Desire2Learn learning management system. Create innovative learning approaches in collaboration with faculty.
- Executed and promoted project development in the areas of animation, course design and development, creative brainstorming, curriculum development, graphic design, learning assessment, marketing, photography, social media, and video production.
Founder
People Like Me, LLC
Conceptualized and created mobile application (People Like Me App) for the LGBT community. Oversee developers in continual iteration of app. Develop business model applications around the app for future use on profit endeavors. Conduct the following: prototyping, user testing sessions, and research of best practices.
Instructor
Michigan State University Evening College
Taught adult education courses to approximately 30 students in each of the following: PhotoShop 101 (Introduction to PhotoShop) and Facebook and Twitter (Getting Started)
Creative Producer/Project Manager
Michigan State University IT Services-Learning Design and Technology
Managed and executed creation of learning modules with faculty, in addition to creation of engaging and thought-provoking course content. Designed department and cross-campus websites.
- Utilized the use of learning management systems for the following: coded HTML and CSS for custom course solutions; ANGEL for course development.
Art Director/Lead Designer & Web Master
Michigan State University - College of Education
Directed and designed all promotional marketing materials and in-house publications for college. Included: print publication design and production, video shooting, event promotion, and campaigns.
- Established online presence of college.
Creative Services Coordinator & Web Master
Lansing Entertainment & Public Facilities Authority - Marketing Department
Oversaw and designed promotional marketing materials, marketing campaigns, and other creative works for a variety of events and initiatives.
- Directed these materials for the following: The City of Lansing, The Lansing Center, Oldsmobile Park, Lansing City Market, and Common Ground Music Festival.
Graphic Designer
The Saginaw News
Contributed to both sales and marketing staff as a graphic artist and advertising photographer. Responsible for all new and existing advertising account creative needs. Projects included campaigns, advertisements, product photo shoots, in-house marketing materials, and assisting in developing a stronger use of multimedia products within the company.