ABOUT

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     An intellectual and strategist by nature, I enjoy thinking deeply, spotting patterns, diagnosing unresolved issues, and generating alternative options. A benefit of my nature is an ability to learn and adapt to new information, environments, and people quickly. 

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     As a reporter, I was only as strong as my ability to quickly connect with sources, understand the information they had, and translate it to readers who may or may not have had any connected prior knowledge. As a high school teacher, at an alternative school that focused on students with behavior and anger issues born by trauma, I was only as effective as my ability to connect with students, understand how they arrived at their present situations, and then offer attainable alternatives.

 

     As a responsible adventurer, thriving on new challenges, I've lived and worked in Asheville, NC; Chapel Hill, NC; Camden, NJ; Watertown, NY; Princeton; NJ; Absecon, NJ; and Charlotte, NC. Each location has a very distinct culture from the others. My personal and professional success in each location has been tied to my ability to connect, understand, and adapt. 

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     For years, I underestimated how important and distinctive these strengths are. They allow me to live on the "bridge" between worlds. 

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     It is a gift to finally realize I want to live in this between place where I get the opportunity to constantly learn and adapt, and I get to provide access to the "bridge" to others who want to go from where they were to somewhere new.

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     Instructional Design became an intentional and obvious career choice when I settled into being who I naturally am an intellectual, strategist who enjoys spotting patterns, understanding perspectives, solving new problems, and helping others access their potentials. ​

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But what about the flight attendant from Kentucky?

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     It was 5 a.m. and snowing heavily. As a frequent traveler with no fear of flying, I hadn't truly listened to pre-flight announcements in years. I was focused on getting settled and napping. Sitting beside me, on the small plane making a quick trip from Syracuse to Philadelphia, was a woman who was not settled and was quite afraid of flying.

 

     The only flight attendant on board was a shorter-than-average, slightly-round, middle-aged man from Kentucky. I know this because interspersed with the pre-flight announcements he introduced himself as if were the subject of a speed, get-to-know-you icebreaker at a retreat. Between every legitimate, required instruction was his take on spicy foods, favorite colors, the best bathrooms at the Philadelphia airport, etc. He was unapologetic with his clear accent, funny without trying too hard, professional, and having a good time.  The "extra" personality he interjected added, maybe, two additional minutes to the standard announcements. More importantly, rather than make him seem silly or flippant, his approach made us feel confident that he was the kind of guy who had everything under control.

 

     It was the first time I'd fully listened to pre-flight instructions in years, and I watched the woman beside me settle. She told me later that his humor had helped her feel secure.

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Delivery and human connection matter. You will see this in my work and in my communication with our team.