I am a designer, speaker, and educator in DC, specializing in UX/UI design. I create tools that help people navigate complex processes.
I've been designing in DC for over a decade, and have been lucky to collaborate with some great teams—as a freelancer, in-house, and at an agency managing other designers. I work with mission-driven organizations and in civic tech. Most recently, I was a founding team member of IRS Direct File, a groundbreaking new tool that allows taxpayers to file their taxes online, for free, directly with the IRS.
For me, how you build something (and who you include in the process) deserves just as much care and intention as the product itself. I work hard to foster supportive teams that build empowering tools together.
I shape my role to the needs of the project. Sometimes this means leading the team. Other times it’s about pitching in wherever I can be of help. I can often be found:
Early and often, so we’re grounding our work in the goals, needs, and challenges of real users.
And other diagrams, to help us better understand complex processes and map out early ideas.
Organizing and structuring content so people can find what they’re looking for with ease.
Or other low-fidelity sketches, to help center early conversations around content.
With details on how a tool will look and function, which will be handy for usability testing.
On in-progress work, so we can make decisions based on real user feedback and experience.
That increase brand consistency and provide a shared framework for designers and engineers to work with.
Aka the team feasibility experts, whose input is key to designing work that can actually be implemented.
With cross-functional teams, to problem solve and iterate on ideas together.
And then inviting teammates with those key perspectives and expertise to the next meeting.
Designed a new tax tool that allows eligible taxpayers to file their taxes online, for free, directly with the IRS.
Created a design system and updated tool for tracking professional licensure and certification for US-based architects.
Worked closely with government teams to improve how people access federal government services.
Built a new site to help the Foundation better tell their story to potential donors and increase donations.
Redesigned application forms for food assistance, to make it easier for North Carolinians to apply for needed benefits.
Conducted extensive user research on the Alliance’s credentialing process for yoga teachers and schools.
Designed a site empowering progressive grassroots groups to organize and take meaningful action in their communities.
Led an agency design team with a focus on telling complex advocacy stories to non-policy experts.
Designed marketing materials providing clear and simple healthcare information to members.
I’ve learned so much from the DC design community over the years and do my best to pay that generosity forward.
I've taught courses at General Assembly and American University, and guest lectured at MICA. Topics include design fundamentals, web design best practices, tech ethics, career lessons learned, and strategies for thinking through design problems.
I’ve presented on a variety of design topics at DC Design Week, NoVA UX Meetup, Public Affairs Council, Buzz Advocacy Summit, and Advocacy Leaders Network. And I’m open to new speaking opportunities.
Hometown | Pensacola, FL
Favorite typeface | Ostrich Sans, of course
Favorite book on design | You’re My Favorite Client, by Mike Monteiro
Desk bobblehead | Terminator (T-600)
Claim to fame | 3-time semifinalist in the Washington Post Peeps Diorama Contest
Looking for a strategic web design partner, a speaker for your next event, or just want to say hi? Drop me a line.
Send an email