I am a designer and educator with a background in graphic design, book arts, printmaking, and mixed media installation. I embrace an interdisciplinary approach in both my teaching and creative work. I try to bring dedication and perseverance to every project and believe that good design can make the world a better place. To that end, I am fortunate to mentor the next generation of graphic designers with rigorous, yet nurturing instruction, at California Polytechnic State University in pastoral San Luis Obispo, where I teach all levels of graphic design and typography. 

I was born in the Panama Canal Zone and grew up in a series of strangely similar Air Force Bases scattered throughout the world. While living on Guam in middle school, I fell in love with all things tropical as I soaked up the natural beauty, food, and culture of Micronesia. After this island adventure, I found myself in the Midwest, where I attended college (University of Notre Dame), worked as a designer (Chicago), and went to graduate school (University of Wisconsin-Madison). I moved to California for my first teaching job and never left. When I'm not teaching, I enjoy cooking, yoga, and being a dance mom. 

color: pink
tea: Murchie's Afternoon
citrus: Meyer lemon
movie: Pride and Prejudice (2005 version with Keira Knightley)
book: The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay
tv show: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
car: Ford Mustang 1966 fastback
song: Sometimes it Snows in April by Prince