Hi, I’m happy to meet you!
Who's the person behind the screen?
I have dedicated the last 13 years of working and studying to fields that focus on helping, understanding, and connecting with people. This theme has radiated throughout my personal and professional interests.
My journey to self-discovery and growth
As a curious person by nature, I am frequently seeking out new experiences and exposure to diverse perspectives. Travel opportunities coupled with my work within the disability community, have provided me with unique ways to learn and empathize with others. Through these experiences, I have sharpened my ability to communicate effectively and form strong, meaningful connections, both in my personal and professional life.
A venture into the world of UX design
After completing my graduate education and honing my skills as an occupational therapist, I began to notice several accessibility barriers in the products and technology I was using with my clients. I started modifying materials to ensure my clients could participate and also had the opportunity to help design a sensory gym (as described in my case study) for my work.
These experiences coupled with an advanced practicum working at CASP in Peru, expanded my understanding of the wider needs and disparities impacting marginalized communities. This fueled my desire to make greater impact through my work, particularly in helping larger groups of people gain access to everyday products and experiences.
With careful research, networking, and self-reflection, I discovered user experience design, which allows me to combine my desire to help others with a focus on creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. It seemed like the perfect pivot as both UX design and occupational therapy prioritize designing and facilitating activities that are easy, meaningful, and enjoyable for all people to participate in. UX will allow me to focus on understanding user needs, researching, and testing solutions, to create inclusive products for everyone.
The next chapter in my story
I believe that by continuing to expand my knowledge and skills, I can contribute to the design of products that make a difference in people's lives. I look forward to new opportunities to learn from and collaborate with my colleagues to create innovative, inclusive, and user-centered designs.
A Few Things I am Proud of
June 2023 - August 2023
October 2022 - January 2023
October 2021 - July 2022
July/August Issue 2018
October 2017 - November 2017
Selected as the UX design intern at Fuzzy Math design consultancy
Completed my UX design immersive bootcamp with General Assembly
Co-designing a grant funded sensory gym space for neurodivergent students at Esperanza school - this project pushed me to take the formal leap into UX design
Research publication in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy: "Activity Engagement and Everyday Technology Use Among Older Adults in an Urban Area"
Completed an advanced occupational therapy practicum at the Centro Ann Sullivan del Peru (CASP), a non-profit organization providing services and support for individuals and families with developmental disabilities
I have a music minor in vocal performance for classical opera