I am qualified.

I am a seasoned human centered design practitioner, CTI-trained & Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), and INELDA-trained End-of-Life Doula.

Throughout my 20-year design career, I've focused on helping the world's biggest and most innovative organizations create products and services that maximize people’s potential and reduce their suffering. I've walked alongside people as they navigate retirement, aging, sexual health, serious illness, chronic disease, debt, mental illness, and death.

I am drawn to taboo topics and life's messy struggles. In researching and designing for challenging life circumstances and everyday wellbeing, I've seen where people struggle, and I've come to understand what it takes to get to the other side.

When it comes to designing a life you're excited about, you need clarity to know what changes to make, and courage to take action. I use my gifts for providing insight and perspective towards helping you design a life you're excited about.

I have direct empathy.

I’ve experienced highs and lows as a high achiever in my professional and personal lives. I've struggled with and overcome personal, physical, and emotional setbacks. I’m passionate about living a life that I’m proud of. And while that doesn’t mean that work is always the center of my focus, right now this looks like applying my talents to work that makes me feel alive, connected, and fulfilled. My lived experience and personal expertise give me the empathy and resources to be a caring and skillful guide.

I'm the right partner for you.

Your struggles are more common than you think, you have more power than you realize, and it's never too late to work towards change. As a CTI-trained & Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), I partner with individuals to help them build meaningful lives and take action. As an INELDA-trained End-of-Life Doula, I empower individuals and families to explore, plan for, and face death with an open heart.

Let's work together to shift your perspective and create a meaningful life, for however long you may have.

Street cred and fun facts:

I spent 10 years working at the award-winning global design consultancy, IDEO, during its golden era (hot take!), where I led work across the organization's domains of health, wellness, and aging. I taught a consistently popular course at Stanford University called Design Execution: Bringing Ideas to Life, and this summer, I’ll be teaching a new course there called Design Your Departure: A Creative Approach to End-of-Life Planning. I’ve run my own business, Design Tugboat, for almost ten years!

I grew up in Miami and am a surfski kayaker, runner, and retired swing dancer (Lindy Hop and Balboa). I have a BA in Anthropology from Emory University and an MBA from Georgia State University. I now live in Mountain View, CA, where I'm able to both kayak and wear a parka on the same day, year-round—fortunately not at the same time. I love puns and birds.