Experience

City of Ypsilanti

• United States
• Government Administration
• 1 - 100 Employee

• City Planner

  • Oct 2022 - Present

  Fulfilling the role of city planner for a great community where everyday we celebrate and embrace our diversity. We create opportunities across the board equitably, and we honor the differences that make us whole. The incredible team I get to work with collaborates to plan for a present and future that serves everyone who lives, works, visits and/or studies here. Together we have passed zoning text amendments supporting equity, fair housing and mobile healthcare establishments. From affordable housing to public transit, mixed-use neighborhoods, vibrant small businesses, and safer non-motorized travel -- my work ethic and values strongly align with our local master plan and the feedback I receive from residents and stakeholders alike on a daily basis. Show less



Saline Main Street

• United States
• Civic and Social Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Executive Director

  • Feb 2018 - Nov 2022

  Completed the duties of executive director for a Main Street program with infinite heart and soul. Worked with a bountiful bevy of passionate volunteers, small business entrepreneurs, city officials and stakeholders to host meaningful community events and put Downtown Saline on the map. Shed light on the great potential for local change. Discovered the propensity of folks to find the dream job or small business there -- and, simply enjoyed the beauty of that small Midwest city among the Great Lakes. Show less

• Executive Director

  • Feb 2018 - Nov 2022



4Barrel&Design | Community Planning & Placemaking

• Independent Consultant

  • Mar 2017 - Mar 2018

  Provided consult and design services for community planning and small business development in the New England region. Created connections and placemaking opportunities with artists and entrepreneurs. Advised business plan development, web content and on-line link ups to increase outreach. Networked to build regional economic development and a creative voice for influence and impact. Provided consult and design services for community planning and small business development in the New England region. Created connections and placemaking opportunities with artists and entrepreneurs. Advised business plan development, web content and on-line link ups to increase outreach. Networked to build regional economic development and a creative voice for influence and impact.



Downtown Framingham, Inc.

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Executive Director

  • Mar 2012 - Mar 2017

  Founding executive director of Framingham Downtown Renaissance, a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to the revitalization of historic downtown Framingham, Massachusetts. Spearheaded a locally designed modification of the Main Streets Program model developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Developed partnerships and events as cornerstones for FDR's efforts, building a base for bolder initiatives that included placemaking projects, community development, business support programs and arts advocacy. Engaged locals with tried and true methods based on the Orton Family Foundation's Heart& Soul Community Planning model. Created connections and explored solutions with residents, stakeholders and members of the business community where more than 20 different languages are spoken. FMI www.fdrms.org | Like www.facebook.com/DowntownFramingham | Follow @FDR_MainSt Show less



Orton Family Foundation

• United States
• Investment Management

• Consultant

  • Sep 2011 - Feb 2015

  Solicited to design and develop a website for a place-based learning curriculum to engage high school students in local government and community planning efforts. Co-designed the curriculum and facilitated classroom discussions to inform the 2009 Biddeford Master Plan project. Spearheaded youth engagement projects early in the development of Orton's Heart & Soul Community Planning approach. Solicited to design and develop a website for a place-based learning curriculum to engage high school students in local government and community planning efforts. Co-designed the curriculum and facilitated classroom discussions to inform the 2009 Biddeford Master Plan project. Spearheaded youth engagement projects early in the development of Orton's Heart & Soul Community Planning approach.



Kennebunk Conservation and Open Space Planning Commission

• Committee Member

  • May 2011 - Mar 2012

  Participated with the commission to advise on matters of conservation and open space preservation, and acted as liaison by bringing policy and decision-making opportunities to the public. Provided outreach expertise, map development and graphic design skills for community organizing and local communications. Participated with the commission to advise on matters of conservation and open space preservation, and acted as liaison by bringing policy and decision-making opportunities to the public. Provided outreach expertise, map development and graphic design skills for community organizing and local communications.



Maine Sea Grant

• United States
• Higher Education
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Community Outreach Assistant

  • Jan 2011 - Sep 2011

  Assisted with the design and implementation of outreach activities used to evaluate coastal community awareness of and responses to climate change adaptation research, tools, and strategies. Assisted with the design and implementation of outreach activities used to evaluate coastal community awareness of and responses to climate change adaptation research, tools, and strategies.



Heart of Biddeford

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Project Coordinator and Community Organizer

  • Nov 2008 - Dec 2010

  Helped shape a new planning approach called Heart & Soul Community Planning developed by Vermont-based Orton Family Foundation for downtown Biddeford, Maine. Gathered community stories, developed GIS maps embedded with story multi-media, and spearheaded a place-based learning curriculum for Biddeford High School. Organized broad public participation through grassroots outreach and 30+ neighborhood meetings. Recorded and disseminated data for the development of the downtown master plan as part of the municipal comprehensive plan update in 2011. Show less



National Children's Study

• Graduate Assistant

  • Jan 2010 - Sep 2010

  Developed a multi-layered GIS map to profile environmental and socioeconomic conditions studied alongside birth data in Cumberland County, Maine. This geospatial research was part of a collaboration with the National Children's Study, Maine Medical Center and the University of Southern Maine. Developed a multi-layered GIS map to profile environmental and socioeconomic conditions studied alongside birth data in Cumberland County, Maine. This geospatial research was part of a collaboration with the National Children's Study, Maine Medical Center and the University of Southern Maine.



Blackrock Farm

• United States

• Greenhouse Manager and Garden Design

  • Jan 2003 - Sep 2009

  Former year round grower at Blackrock Farm. Managed the farm greenhouses and worked with landscaping crews in coastal Southern Maine throughout my tenure. Designed the greenhouses with a conservatory feel, and maintained them with organic pest controls and earth friendly products. Grew most of the annuals and perennials from seed, and propagated a great deal of plant material from cuttings and bare root. Participated with owner and landscape designer, Helene Lewand to create and embellish client gardens throughout the Greater Kennebunk coastal region in York County. Show less