I have always gravitated toward creative endeavors. Sometimes that meant drawing, or making things with Legos, or performing in a play. As I entered the professional world, I discovered that I enjoyed using my creative thinking skills to solve problems.

In education, this was evident in how I adapted curricula and designed learning experiences that engaged my learners in order to increase connection to the material and improve content retention. As a technology integration specialist, I developed materials and processes for onboarding educators to new SaaS adoptions, regardless of their comfort level with technology. I fostered relationships with future-thinking educators, collaborating on projects that encouraged learners to utilize technology in a way that showcased their creativity and personal passions. As a graphic recorder, I supported learner comprehension by synthesizing complex topics and translating them into visually appealing text and images.

When I discovered design thinking, I realized that problem solving IS creativity; creativity IS problem solving. We all possess creative skills; problem solving is merely us making connections and figuring out how to best apply which skill(s) to achieve the desired solution.

I am passionate about using my creative skills to find problems and design solutions (and to help others do the same). I also believe that visual design is crucial to helping others make connections and understand an organization's message. (When I was a Digital Innovation Coach, I was the one that “made things pretty” for our department.)

I am also an avid learner that is always eager to try new things (because, really, that just means more tools for my creative tool belt). Sometimes that “new thing” is a new SaaS tool, a new process, or a new piece of tech. As a technology integration specialist, I was often tasked with being an early adopter for new programs and “figuring out” how to best utilize the tool with students (as well as onboard staff and convince them to try it).