Resumé
EDUCATION
University of Connecticut
Bachelor of Fine Arts | Major: Graphic Design, Photography
Key Roles Held During Undergraduate Studies:
Designer, Jorgensen Center for Performing Arts: Created visual materials for performances and events.
Manager, Student Design Center: Led a team of student designers, overseeing project workflows and client communications.
Designer, UConn Poetic Journeys Program: Designed visual storytelling pieces for literary initiatives on campus.
Art Director & Designer, Long River Review: Directed the visual identity and layout for the university’s award-winning literary magazine.
Graphics Editor, The Daily Campus: Managed graphics production for the university’s student-run daily newspaper.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Equuvation
Founder, Executive Director | 2016 – Present
Certified ESMHL and CTRI | 2016 – Present
Non-profit dedicated to promoting innovation, education, and ethical service delivery through equine-assisted and nature-based therapies, specializing in trauma, disability, and chronic illness services.
Spearhead strategic planning, program development, and long-term organizational growth in alignment with the mission.
Collaborate with the board, staff, and volunteers to deliver impactful programs and community outreach initiatives.
Secure funding through grant writing and resource development to ensure financial stability.
Oversee and report on organizational impact, ensuring transparency and effectiveness in services.
Cultivate, lead and manage a diverse, highly-qualified team of staff, contractors, and volunteers, providing continuous education and development opportunities.
Design and implement culturally competent equine-assisted and nature-based curriculum for youth, teens, and adults.
Facilitate a think tank to drive innovation and community-driven projects within the equine-assisted services (specifically behavioral health) industry.
Develop branding, design, and marketing materials to support awareness and fundraising initiatives.
Lead and co-facilitate therapeutic and educational sessions, including retreats for corporate clients, focusing on leadership and team-building.
Maintain certifications and credentials as an ESMHL (equine specialist in mental health and learning) and CTRI (certified therapeutic riding instructor) to deliver clinical mental health and therapeutic riding programs.
The Summer House
Founder/President, Designer, and Photographer | 2008 – Present
Creative agency providing design, branding, and photography services to businesses, individuals, and non-profits.
Manage business operations, including client relationships, project oversight, and coordination of freelance teams.
Develop and implement comprehensive brand strategies and marketing plans.
Lead the creation of print and digital design projects (brochures, posters, catalogs, websites, packaging, books, etc.).
Provide photography services (journalistic, portrait, event, and corporate).
Present design concepts to clients, iterating based on feedback to ensure alignment with final deliverables.
Oversee file preparation and production, establishing standards for artwork files and maintaining archives.
The Boat Company
Contract Designer and Photographer | 2008 – Present
Non-profit providing luxury eco-cruises in Southeast Alaska, with a focus on conservation and sustainability.
Design and produce print, branding, and digital projects, including newsletters, magazines, event displays, and customer experience materials.
Execute journalistic photography, including shooting, styling, and editing, for use in marketing and promotional campaigns.
Manage all creative assets, ensuring consistency across logos, photography, written content, and final design files.
Tribble Creative Group (now TCG Events)
Senior Designer and Art Director | 2007 – 2008
Contract Designer (Part-time through The Summer House) | 2008 – 2010
Design and production agency specializing in corporate, nonprofit, and personal events.
Designed print and digital collateral for event branding, including invitation suites, brochures, posters, presentations, displays, and websites; translated client feedback into final visual designs, ensuring alignment with event objectives.
Provided art direction for creative installations, production setups, and video/photography sessions to ensure cohesive event experiences.
Collaborated with sales and production teams, traveling on-site to oversee the execution of design elements and brand consistency at events.
York Technical College
Adjunct Professor | 2007 – 2008
Developed course curriculum for Design I/II and Photography I, ensuring alignment with the college’s academic standards and credit requirements.
Taught and mentored students in design theory, typography, layout, color theory, and digital imaging techniques; as well as photography composition, lighting, camera techniques, and post-production editing.
Evaluated student progress through projects, critiques, and assessments, guiding their development in both technical skills and creative thinking; encouraged student engagement through interactive lectures, practical assignments, and peer critiques, fostering an environment of collaboration and learning.
Pure Creative LLC
Senior Designer + Creative Director | 2006 – 2007
Boutique creative studio specializing in branding, design, and digital marketing for small businesses. (Dissolved in 2007)
Led the creation of logos and brand strategies, delivering tailored branding solutions for small business clients.
Presented and refined design concepts through multiple rounds, ensuring client feedback was integrated into final brand packages.
Directed the application of branding across a variety of print and digital projects, including brochures, websites, product packaging, and marketing collateral.
Unicomm LLC
Senior Designer | 2003 – 2006
Conference and expo production company specializing in adventure and luxury travel markets, producing large-scale annual events across the U.S.
Designed and developed comprehensive print, digital, and display materials for conferences and expos, ensuring cohesive branding across all event elements.
Contributed to copy-writing for marketing, public relations, and website content, supporting both company and client initiatives.
Provided on-site support at national events, overseeing brand implementation, coordinating client setups, and managing media relations and PR coverage.
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Backroad Portfolio | Co-founder and Art Director | 2023 – Present
Led the creative direction and visual storytelling for a seasonal publication celebrating America’s backroads through modern narratives and compelling imagery.
The Society Guide | Co-founder, Designer, and Photographer | 2018 – 2020
Developed and launched a membership-based program connecting nonprofits with donors and advisors through impactful design and photography.
Coker College | Guest Presenter for Design Courses | 2008 – 2012
Curated and led classroom workshops on essential design topics, including “Top 10 Tips for Designers,” client management, workflow optimization, and file standards.
Race2Ring | Chairman of the Board / Board Member | 2008 – 2013
Oversaw strategic planning and board activities for a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming off-the-track (ex-racing) Thoroughbred horses.
Tribble Creative Group | Executive Leadership Team Member | 2007 – 2008
Contributed to leadership development and continuing education initiatives within the company, enhancing team skills and collaboration.
Charlotte Chamber | Member, Creative Services Council | 2007 – 2008
Flagship member of the Creative Services Council, bridging connections between local businesses and creative service providers through chamber activities.
Misty Meadows Mitey Riders, Inc. | Board Member | 2007 – 2013
Supported governance and strategic initiatives for a nonprofit providing therapeutic horseback riding for children with disabilities, free of charge to families.
drumSTRONG [DrumsForCures] | Board Member | 2007 – 2011
Helped organize and promote global drumSTRONG events, raising awareness and funds for cancer survivorship, education, and research.
AWARDS + RECOGNITION
Gold Magellan Award for Consumer Direct Mail Campaign by Travel Weekly
Silver W3 Award for Web Design from International Academy of Visual Arts
Communicator Gold Award of Excellence from the International Academy of the Visual Arts for Print Design
Telly Awards for print and display design in the categories of Education, Social Issues, Charitable/Non-Profit and Live Event
EVIE Award for Best Print Design from International Special Events Society
Photo Laureate – Published Summer 2008
First Place from the Carolina Arts Commission Film Festival
Best Print Design Award for International Assoc. for Exhibition Management
National Director’s Prize for Undergraduate Journal Design – UConn
DESIGN + PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITIONS
Collective128: Photography IV - Exhibiting Artist (photography)
Street Dogs - Exhibiting Artist (photography)
Lille Liv - Exhibiting Artist (photography)
For Sale - Exhibiting Artist + Student Curator (design)
Long River Review - Exhibiting Artist + Student Curator (design)
Class Action - Exhibiting Artist Collaborative exhibition focusing on social issues (design and photography)
University - Exhibiting Artist + Student Curator “Poetic Journeys” (design)
THEATRE, FILM + TELEVISION
Salon Theatre Co. – Co-founder and Producer – a theatre concept that created short plays in collaboration with chefs/restaurants or in private homes for special events and fundraisers; collaboration with playwright, Terry Roueche.
“Mitey Riders” – Producer – Mini-Documentary
“Assa Abloy” – Producer and Art Director – Product Trailer for International Manufacturing Company
“Grape Jelly” – Producer and Art Director – Award-Winning Short Film
“Tracey Reynolds” – Producer, Director and Concept – television commercial for Real Estate Attorney
“LickMyDorito.com” – Producer and Art Director – television commercial concept and site for the Superbowl (Doritos)
SKILLS
Adobe Creative Suite
Apple OS
Art Direction
Asset Management
B2B Marketing Design
Book Design
Branding & Identity
Content Management Systems Editorial
Figma
File Standards
Film & Video (Production)
G-Suite
Iconography
Microsoft Office
Mixed Media
Packaging
Painting
Photography
Public Speaking
Prepress & Print Production
Print & Collateral
Printmaking
Project Management
Sculpture
Strategy
Typography
VOLUNTEER
Haven’s Foundation
Circle de Luz
One7 Academy / Nest Academy
DrumsForCures, Inc. / drumSTRONG
GIL Project, Inc. – Faces of Diversity
KinderMourn
Alexander Youth Network
Race2Ring
Misty Meadows Mitey Riders
Brook Hill Farm
High Hopes Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Special Olympics
YALE Riding Program for the Inner-City
Local Food Pantries and Animal Shelters