About Me
"Welcome!
I am a designer and maker passionate about positive social impact. With a background that bridges arts and technology, I've had the privilege of collaborating with innovation leaders like The Jim Henson Company, Blue Man Group, and NASA.
Growing up in a household where environmental activism and craftsmanship were central, I draw deeply from my upbringing to center my disability, environmental consciousness, and joy in my designs. As a mother of two, my family's journey has embraced Deaf Culture since welcoming our Deaf daughter seven years ago. My roots in theater, where my creative path began, continue to shape my collaborative spirit and actionable approach to design.
There is transformative potential in how strategic and discursive design can create equitable systems and products through the convergence of disciplines, objects, access, sustainability, and repair. I am motivated to help make that potential actionable.
I am based out of Rochester, NY and am always excited to discuss custom projects and collaborations. Let’s connect and explore how we can create positive change together!"
Let's Work Together
1. Workshops and Facilitation
Currently a Design Strategist contracted at NASA, and with a long performance and storytelling background, I'm passionate about de-mystifying the design and creative process for a wide range of stakeholders.
2. Impact Analysis and Builds
Assessing trends, needs and capabilities, how might your current concept be elevated to something transformative?
2. Product Design | Fabrication
Through research, ideation, prototyping, and manufacturing, bring your ideas into form with a tried and true human centered design process. With over 20 years of experience in fabrication, I specialize in soft goods. This includes bags and accessories, LED wearables, upholstery and everything in between.
4. Installation
Installation can turn stories into unforgettable experiences. From environmental design to video installation make your next project an event.
Awards + Publications
- Co-Presenter, “Preventing and Reducing Wasted Food in Counties, Towns, and Villages—Case Studies from the Rochester and Albany Metro Regions” Locally Sourced: Municipal Green Policy Solutions, Rockefeller Institute of Government, 2022
- RIT College of Art and Design Graduate Showcase Finalist: “Compostable Kidswear,” 2022
- Linked contribution under “Unexpected outcomes when design students use AI as part of their process” by Stuart Constantine, Core 77, 2022
- Team Member, “Discovering and Harnessing the Breadth and Depth of Artificial Intelligence at RIT” Poster Presentation, AI@RIT Summit, 2022
- Featured Work in “Artificial Intelligence in Design” by Juan Noguera, RIT Featured Profiles and Work, 2022
- Co-Author “Could little snacks reduce food waste?” Blog post, Multiscale RECIPES for Sustainable Food Systems, 2022
- Alliance for the Arts in Research Universities (a2ru) Emerging Creatives Student Summit, 2023
- Climate Corps Fellowship Finalist, 2023
- RIT College of Art and Design Graduate Showcase Finalist: “Mothership,” 2023
- MFA Thesis Show: “Welcome to Club SODA: Ways of Welcoming a Hearing Sibling into the Deaf Community to Encourage Feelings of Acceptance, Belonging, and Lifelong Allyship,” 2023
- 2023 Outstanding Graduate Award Recipient for the College of Art and Design, RIT
- Co-Facilitator for “Artifacts of Annoyance: A Convergence Workshop” 2023
- Co-Author “Whither Convergence” How Design has activated convergence in the Mulitscale RECIPES Food Waste Grant. Part of a special issues in the journal, Ecology.