Background

I’m a first-generation college graduate with a Master of Architecture from Portland State University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Pacific Northwest College of Art. My work is deeply informed by a 20-year background in the social sciences, alongside my training in architecture and fine arts. I believe that thoughtful design can make a lasting, positive impact on individuals and communities — and this philosophy drives my professional practice.

Job experience

• August 2023 - December 2024
  Architectural Designer Level II
  Mackenzie Engineering
  

  Portland, OR, USA

  - Construction administration work - mostly requests for information(RFIs), submittals, architectural supplemental information (ASIs) and proposal requests (PRs)
  - Coordination between multiple cross-disciplines at firm, as well as outside mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) consultants
  - Graphic design work for all building design phases
  - Assisted with training the summer intern

• January 2020 - October 2022
  Designer
  Salazar Architects
  

  Portland, OR, USA

  - Designer at firm that specializes in affordable housing
  - Former co-chair of the Wellbeing Design Lab
  - Lead researcher in the Wellbeing Design Lab, examination of best practices in architectural design including but not limited to Trauma-Informed Design, Permanent Supportive Housing, Biophilic Design
  - Former member of the Beyond Empowerment (BE) Working Group which focused on justice, equity, diversity and inclusion through a variety of intersectional lenses
  - Events Steering Committee affiliate, scheduling and organization of both internal and external presenters for the firm's weekly Tuesday Thinktank sessions

• November 2016 - August 2019
  Art Teacher
  Helen Gordon Child Development Center
  

  Portland, Oregon, USA

  - Managed preschool-aged children in a Reggio-Emilia educational facility
  - Served as teacher's assistant in the art studio, emphasis in ceramics and fiber art
  - Obtained 24 hours of childcare training every academic school year
  - First Aid, CPR, and food handler certified
  - Background registration with the CCD in Oregon

• September 2017 - March 2018
  Collaborative Researcher
  Bora Architects
  

  Portland, Oregon, USA

  - Daylight optimization building science collaborative research project
  - Model design through the use of Rhino, including Diva daylighting simulations and proposal of modifications of two skylights in an educational facility
  - Utilized Grasshopper’s geometrical parametric simulation software, including daylighting data collection through the plugin Galapagos
  - Graphically represented model proposals, diagrammatic sun path sections and radiance simulations

• December 2011 - June 2016
  Assist. Director of Human Resources + Site Director + Art Teacher
  Art4Life
  

  Portland, OR, USA

  - Trained, managed and led a staff of 13 teachers, as well as engaged with and maintained records for over 110 students, over 210 parents and any prospective enrollments via an Excel waitlist
  - Created, proposed and executed art and craft-based lessons for students in an after school art program
  - Maintained relationships with parents, Portland Public School teachers and staff, Child Care Division (CCD) employees, the fire department and health inspectors
  - Assisted in the assembly and implementation of new employee and parent handbooks
  - Monitored employee performance and administered employee evaluations
  - Served as art gallery liaison for students’ work, including photographed documentation of work as well as preparation and participation in First Friday gallery events
  - Attended six-monthly meetings, record notes and revisited goals and pertinent information
  - Implemented art-based field trips throughout Portland area via TriMet
  - Executed and maintained CCD regulations
  - Obtained fifteen hours of childcare training obtained every academic school year
  - First Aid, CPR, and food handler certified
  - Background registration with the CCD in Oregon

Education

• Portland State University
  M.Arch
  

  2016 - 2019
• Pacific Northwest College of Art
  BFA
  

  2007 - 2010