Pursuing My Passion
After graduating high school with honors, I studied at UMass Amherst with a focus in science and humanities. Completing a variety of courses in natural sciences, music, art history, and literature, I was fascinated with the scientific nature of how things work and the influence of artistic expression.
I soon discovered the Interactive Media Design program at The New England Institute of Art. I found web design and development an exciting balance of science and art. Classes were conducted in Mac labs with web production software for design, audio/video editing, and animation. My instructors were mentors, teaching not only technical skills but what sells and succeeds for clients, efficient management of simultaneous projects, and how to stay fresh in a rapidly-evolving industry. The course work offered hands-on application, project development with peer critique, collaborative teamwork and field experience before graduation.
Shortly after graduation, I was hired as Web and Graphic Design Manager at DataOne Software, designing and coding custom auto dealership websites. In my first year, I created 62 websites, wearing all hats through the lifecycle of web production, from
- traveling on sales calls to help secure contracts,
- creating visual comps and managing client requests,
- coding the interfaces in HTML/CSS and integrating them with our inventory system,
- minor database and content maintenance in preparation for go-live, and
- domain management for launch.
In my second year, I hired two designers, a web developer and an SEO specialist. By year-end 2008, our department had designed, coded and launched over 150 websites for dealerships nationwide. When DataOne Software eliminated dealership services in its portfolio, I pursued freelance design and volunteer work, and continued to network with former clients.
In my current role as Principal Information Architect at Fidelity Investments, my focus is to create the best user experience possible to solve business problems. Collaborating with highly-talented members of the User Experience Design team is challenging and highly rewarding. I am pursuing a MS in Human Factors in Information Design at Bentley University to advance my craft and business acumen to the next level.
Personal Interests
State of mind and body go hand-in-hand. Exercise is meditation for me, clearing my thoughts, relieving stress, and allowing me to be level-headed, creative and productive.
I love swimming and am most at peace in the water. I swim laps at the gym and brave the New England ocean when possible. I find balance being outdoors, whether fishing, hiking trails, or biking on my beach cruiser. Cooking is a science/art meditation. I experiment with new recipes for stews, sauces, grilling, and roasting. I usually find a recipe online and modify it into my own creation. My downtime finds me on the couch watching a movie, playing board games, or having friends over for a campfire and s’mores.