I am an experience designer of interactive technology, who applies a design lens to social causes, using design methods of inquiry to develop sustainable technological experiences with deep and meaningful outcomes. I have a passion for design pedagogy, and my teaching philosophy emphasizes reflection.

Teaching Philosophy

I believe the best way to teach is through hands-on learning. As an manager in retail, I trained new employees in how to use the point of sale check-out system. My supervisor asked me to train another manager in this, as my "students" were learning faster than his, and were up and running check out on their own in about one day. The difference was I put the trainee at the register from the start. I guided them through the process, but the students were the ones pressing all the buttons. They learned so much faster this way!

Influenced by the works of Donald Schön and others, I believe anyone can be a great designer given they develop a reflective practice. Reflection is very important to me as a teacher and as a designer. I believe the tools, vocabulary, and communication techniques students receive are vital, like the nouns of a sentence. But teaching the student to actively reflect on what they are doing, to consciously think about how they are thinking, is crucial as well. Like the verbs of a sentence, to me reflection is what makes Design happen.