About Me
Born and raised in Chicago, I've always had a deep connection to the city that shaped me. From cheering on the White Sox at Rate Field (aka Comiskey Park) to browsing at Soldier Field for Bears games, my Chicago roots run deep. That Midwestern work ethic and straightforward approach to problem-solving influences everything I do.
When I'm not designing digital experiences, you'll find me exploring the city with my camera, capturing unique perspectives of Chicago's architecture, or sending my drone up to get those impossible aerial shots that tell a different story about familiar places.
My approach to design blends technical expertise with a human-centered mindset. I believe the best digital products not only function flawlessly but also connect with users on a meaningful level. This philosophy has guided my work across finance, logistics, e-commerce, and retail sectors.
Whether I'm collaborating with cross-functional teams or diving deep into user research, my goal is always the same: to create intuitive, impactful experiences that make a difference in people's lives.
With 8+ years of remote collaboration experience, I excel at working with distributed teams across multiple time zones. My hybrid design-development skill set eliminates handoff friction and accelerates project delivery.
Passions & Interests
Photography
Capturing Chicago's urban landscape and architecture through my lens
Drone Flying
Getting a bird's-eye view of Chicago and exploring new perspectives
Chicago Sports
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Educational Background
Human Computer Interaction
Master of Science - 2018
DePaul University
My graduate studies deepened my understanding of user-centered design, cognitive psychology, and the principles that lead to intuitive digital experiences.
Design
Bachelor of Arts - 2008
Chicago State University
My undergraduate education gave me a strong foundation in design principles, visual communication, and creative problem-solving.
Core Strengths
User-Centered Design
I approach every project with a deep understanding of the people who will use the product. By putting users at the center of the design process, I create experiences that feel intuitive and purposeful.
Frontend Development
My technical expertise in modern web technologies allows me to bridge the gap between design and implementation, ensuring that the user experience vision is faithfully realized in the final product.
Problem Solving
I thrive on finding elegant solutions to complex problems. By breaking down challenges into manageable pieces, I can address user needs while meeting business requirements.
Technical Toolbox
Design & UX
Frontend Development
Backend & Systems
Tools & Methods
Core Expertise
UX Design & User Research
10+ yearsUser interviews, personas, journey mapping, usability testing
Phoenix LiveView & Elixir
6+ yearsReal-time applications, interactive prototypes, server-side rendering
Frontend Development
12+ yearsHTML/CSS, JavaScript, Tailwind, Bootstrap, responsive design
Design Systems
4+ yearsComponent libraries, style guides, design tokens, documentation
Remote Collaboration
8+ yearsDistributed teams, async communication, project management
Accessibility & Performance
2+ yearsWCAG compliance, performance optimization, inclusive design
Cross-Framework Frontend Development
5+ yearsReact, Next.js, Vue, Tailwind CSS, component architecture
UX Strategy & System Thinking
10+ yearsBridging user goals and business outcomes through design systems, scalable frameworks, and team alignment.
Prototyping & Design Tools
8+ yearsFigma, Adobe Creative Suite, Miro — creating high-fidelity interactive prototypes and system documentation.
Professional Journey
My career has been shaped by a passion for creating intuitive digital experiences that solve real problems for users. I've had the privilege of working across various industries, from logistics and transportation to finance and retail, each opportunity adding new dimensions to my approach.
At NFI Industries, I've been bridging the gap between complex logistics systems and the people who use them. Working on Transportation Management Software has taught me the importance of simplifying complexity without losing functionality, a challenge I embrace daily. My collaboration with cross-functional teams has reinforced my belief that the best digital products emerge from diverse perspectives working together.
Prior to this, my work at Calamos Investments allowed me to hone my skills in the financial sector, where precision and clarity are paramount. Creating interfaces that make complex financial information accessible to different audiences taught me valuable lessons about designing with the end user in mind.
My earlier experiences in web design at companies like GKIC and PMall built the foundation of my approach: clean, purposeful design that serves both business needs and user expectations. Each role has contributed to my understanding that effective digital experiences are those that disappear into the background, allowing users to accomplish their goals without friction.
UX Design & Frontend Development @ NFI Industries
UX Design & Frontend Development
Leading UX design for transportation management systems, I work at the intersection of complex logistics and user-centered design. My focus has been creating intuitive interfaces for sophisticated software that makes daily operations smoother for logistics professionals.
UX Designer @ Calamos Investments
UX Designer
Designed user interfaces for financial platforms, focusing on making complex investment data accessible and actionable for different user types.
Web Designer & Developer @ GKIC
Web Designer & Developer
Created marketing websites and digital experiences for business education company, focusing on conversion optimization and user engagement.
Frontend Developer @ PMall
Frontend Developer
Developed e-commerce interfaces and improved conversion rates through user-centered design and A/B testing.
Looking Forward
I'm passionate about creating digital experiences that make a real difference in people's lives. Looking ahead, I'm particularly interested in opportunities with:
Innovation-Driven Companies
I thrive in environments where innovation is valued and where design is seen as a strategic advantage.
Human-Centered Teams
I'm drawn to teams that put people—both users and team members—at the center of their work. Creating positive experiences is as much about the process as it is about the end result.
Remote-First Cultures
Companies that embrace distributed work and understand that great talent isn't limited by geography. I thrive in environments that prioritize clear communication, documentation, and results-driven work cultures.
Impact-Focused Projects
I'm eager to work on products and services that solve meaningful problems and make a positive difference in users' daily lives, whether that's in healthcare, education, sustainability, or other impact-driven fields.
Collaborative Environments
Places that value cross-functional collaboration, where diverse perspectives come together to create solutions that wouldn't be possible in silos. The best work happens when different disciplines inform each other.
Let's Connect
I'm always open to discussing new projects, creative collaborations, or opportunities to be part of something meaningful. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to discuss how my skills and experience could benefit your team or project.
Ready to start a project?
Let's discuss how I can help solve your design and development challenges.