After graduating from Philadelphia College of Art (now University of the Arts), my professional life began by starting and owning my own Industrial Design business for 11+ years serving a wide variety of clients producing such products as toys, medical equipment and cutting edge flat screen monitors. I earned business acumen and agility which served me well in my next step as an art director developing graphic communication systems for some of the largest computer tradeshows and conferences in the industry.

During this time being a glutton for punishment I decided to further my education by earning a Certificate in Marketing with distinction, from The University of California Berkeley, all while raising my son as a single mother. These experiences and fortitude paved the way to ultimately serving as the Director of Global Marketing Communications for Symantec. My major initiatives for the consumer and small business segments included a global packaging re-design for the Norton consumer product line and the centralization of advertising for the company. Global advertising under my leadership won Icon and Effie awards for unique and compelling approach.

After working in Silicon Valley for years I decided it was high-time to return to my visual roots by earning a Master’s Degree in Illustration from Syracuse University. My rug design thesis combining my love for Asian culture, production knowledge and visual problem solving. My rug design business earned much critical acclaim and positive press coverage in all the major home and shelter category magazines. My business web site won an award for Outstanding Achievement in Web Site Development. Certainly, the highlight of this period was exhibiting one of my rugs at the prestigious de Young Museum in San Francisco.

The next phase of my professional career focused on giving back. I served as a lecturer in the Animation/Illustration, Graphic, and Industrial Design Programs at San Jose State University for 15 years retiring in 2020. Teaching is a passion of mine and also my privilege. I have been called inspiring by my colleagues and had a solid rapport with my students. I contributing to the Design Program in many capacities over the years including serving on curriculum committees and managing all aspects of the Distinguished Educator program with DreamWorks for three years. I also had the opportunity to create and drive many initiatives such as the Partners in Education, an outreach program to build relationships with local high schools. I am proud to have earned and retain Professor Emeritus status.

Currently I am focused in yet another area of art: Ceramics. Communing with clay has afforded me the opportunity to return to 3-dimensional exploration which is a cornerstone of my interests. Ceramics not only provides investigation opportunity in 3D but also surface design. My current plans are to integrate and synthesize my knowledge and experience in design and express it through this medium.

Those who know me personally would say I bring passion, enthusiasm and determination to everything in life, but most important to me; I try to be a good example. I talk openly with others about what it means to be a creative person and the struggles and challenges we live with. I try to learn about great artists who have illuminated the path of achievement for those of us who follow. I am most grateful for all my wonderful teachers and advisors including Barbara Dahlin, Robert Brackman, Julian (Winnie) Winston, Alice Carter and Gary Clarion because without their generosity I would be nowhere.