Product Design & User Experience Research
About Me
I found my way to user experience after working at a PR firm and wanting to work in a more impactful field. Luckily, the firm also provided marketing services, which introduced me to the concept of User Experience. From there, I taught myself the basics of design thinking and strategy, dove head-first into the Philly UX community, and never looked back!
Since then, I've been working in health insurance, where I helped grow my organization's UX team from a two person operation to a 10 person team. I introduced formal research and testing practices through our team on our Customer Service Desk and Member Portal projects to highlight the strategic value of User Experience throughout the organization.
After four and a half years, and knowing the team was in good hands, I transitioned to the Innovation Team to challenge myself to apply design thinking beyond digital products. Today, I hope to continue using design thinking and research to address systemic issues and create technology and processes that leave the world a better place than when I found it.
Work Experience
January 2023 - Present
Senior Innovation Consultant at Independence Blue Cross
I educate internal and external clients on the design thinking process through tailored Innovation Sessions that help clients solve their problems in a collaborative and effective way. To prepare for sessions, I conduct primary and secondary research on stakeholders, users, and the department / industry our client is working in.
May 2022 - January 2023
Senior User Experience Designer at Independence Blue Cross
I led a small team within the User Experience department in research and discovery for a major, multi-year overhaul of our existing Member Portal for members. On this team, I established research strategy practices and educated collaborating departments on our research methods.
September 2018 - May 2022
User Experience Designer at Independence Blue Cross
I produced research artifacts and wireframes for various products, including our Member Portal and our internal Customer Service Desk.
Education and Certificates
October 2023
Foundations In Humane Technology
Center for Humane Technology
This program renewed my commitment to building technology that serves to better our earth and humanity and gave innovative tools to be able to accomplish this goal.
August 2023
Advanced Design Thinking
Ideo
This program gave me valuable insight and additional knowledge to strengthen my understanding of the design thinking process and add new techniques to my practice.
April 2018
Visual Thinking for Human Centered Design
Visual Academy
This course strengthened my skills in drawing, storytelling, synthesis and creativity. Through this course I built a visual thinking toolkit that I use and teach in my daily work.
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2011 - 2015
Rowan University
BA, Public Relations
Interests
In my free time I enjoy playing video games and soccer. I also enjoy traveling, hiking, and kayaking. When I need to relax, I’ll stay home and hang out with my two cats!
