Timeline of Impact

UX Design Consultant

Neudesic, an IBM Company

April 2023 - August 2024

Lead and contributed to teams focused on UX design and research for large scale software development projects for multi-million and multi-billion dollar companies
Leveraged techniques such as hypothesis formulation, persona development, empathy mapping, journey mapping, design theory, and ideation workshops to drive optimal outcomes, establish alignment on design strategies, and foster continuous improvement across iterative cycles
Developed comprehensive design systems to streamline rapid prototyping, ensure design consistency, and facilitate seamless handoffs to development teams
Projects included: top healthcare company B2B2C product (view project), car insurance company internal systems, top utility company internal systems redesign, emerging tech (AR) for B2C application

UXR Recruiting Coordinator

Google (on behalf of AnswerLab)

August 2022 - April 2023

Managed 5-8 Google User Research studies simultaneously, taking them from start to finish, beginning with leading an initial meeting, collaboratively and strategically developing a recruitment plan, using databases to communicate internally and externally while approaching all situations from a solution-focused, proactive perspective
Taken on more complex studies within 27 working days (excluding training days) due to a strong work ethic and trustworthiness as expressed by upper management

Co-Founder / VP

Grow with Words, Inc.

June 2021 - Mar 2022

Developed business plans, financial outlooks, marketing strategies, website, social media presence, and facilitated meetings with other professionals while providing therapy to 23 children weekly
Grew the clientele from 0 to full capacity within 6 months of opening via word-of-mouth (strong rapport in the community), marketing and virtual presence (web design/ marketing), and therapeutic interactions (being fully present, in the moment, with each client ensuring their needs are met and therapy is focused on client-centered, empathy-driven, research-based expertise).

Education

MSD Experience Design

ASU (MIX Center)

August 2023 - May 2025

Created VR, AR, and Immersive Art experiences using software such as Unreal Engine, Blender, TouchDesigner, and Pixera
Most notably, I created human-centered solutions for individuals with complete paralysis (Locked-in Syndrome) using eye tracking and UX best practices (research, personas, journey mapping, gaps analysis, and competitive analyses) View project
Additionally, I co-created an immersive art installation in the MIX Center’s EIS which depicted a narrative of the communities advice, memories, and reflections on their lives. View project

BS Speech and Hearing Science

ASU (Tempe)

August 2014 - May 2018

This degree enabled me to obtain my Speech-Language Pathology Assistant certificate and work as an SLPA for a few years prior to opening my own clinic
Courses like Language Acquisition, Speech Science, Acquired Speech/Language Disorders, and Applied Statistics helped me gain a holistic understanding of the brain, anatomy of the diaphragm and up, and mechanisms for speech and hearing
While I do not currently work as an SLPA, I still bring this sense of empathy, listening to understand, and critical assessment to the workplace in order to be a better human-centered designer

Leadership

XR Accessibility Panel

Panelist on “Addressing Accessibility in Immersive Experience Design” Panel at ASU’s MIX Center
Provided research-based and experience-based expertise on how to create more accessible immersive and digital experiences
Key takeaways:
Empathy-driven decision making creates positive competition, better user experience, and drives sales and brand loyalty
We have a responsibility as designers and developers to create an inclusive world
Accessibility as an afterthought is expensive

UX in AZ Portfolio Review

Facilitated a portfolio review session to allow those in the UX community to obtain feedback from peers, mentors, and hiring directors in the Tempe area
Provided best practices for obtaining feedback by being direct and intentional

UX in AZ Podcast

With industry experts, discussed user experience, how to market yourself as a job seeker, and what hard and soft skills are beneficial coming in as an entry level user experience designer
With Tony Quiroz, Brand Creative Research at GoDaddy, and moderated by Matthew Schafman, Global Sr. Director of Product Experience at Neudesic, an IBM Company

Interests

Healthcare

I started my professional career as a speech-language pathology assistant and clinic founder. While I am no longer in healthcare, it remains a central interest in my UX and XR pursuits.
Athletics

With a background as an athlete (20+ yrs) and coach (10+ yrs), I approach challenges with a collaborative mindset and love a healthy sense of competition.
Vehicles

I’ve always had a love for cars and I’ve been fortunate enough to work with a few vehicle-based clients! In the future, I would love to collaborate with super car manufacturers like Lamborghini.

About

My experience as a small business owner, speech-language pathology assistant, and coach has led to a passion for helping others in creative ways. I have taken a recent interest in accessibility. I’ve worked with disabled individuals for 7 years and been able to observe the accessibility (or sometimes, lack thereof) of the world around us. One of my professional goals is to make all my designs as accessible as possible. The following is a list of “soft skills” I possess that I bring to a team environment: