Theatre, music, DESIGN, and community are my foundation.

My first gig as a creative director was in the 4th grade. I assembled my friends at recess to rehearse a 30-minute play I wrote based on The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. One day, my teacher looked outside and noticed a theatrical production in the works. A week later, we showed the whole school. That’s where it started.

CREATING, performing, and DESIGNING to make a difference drives me forward.

I come from a family and community of helpers, healers, and creators. I grew up in music, choir, theatre, and language. After graduating from college, I wanted to take on the world. I asked the universe to challenge my talents, fears, and capabilities. It replied, “Watch this, kid.”

Military service forged, tested, and strengthened my values, RESILIENCE, & CREATIVITY.

Joining the military was the plan. Working in medicine was not. At first, I auditioned and shipped off as a musician. Weeks before the end of bootcamp, I was told to “pick a new job” after learning the Navy’s offer and need for musicians “no longer existed.”

Thanks, universe.

“Give me the job that helps people the most,” I replied.

Within days, I was off to become a U.S. Navy Corpsman — the craziest role of my life.

I gained nearly a decade of experiential knowledge in public health programming, infectious diseases, science communication, and implementing strategies that move metrics. I was commended for designing, developing, and modeling effective community health programs and military preventive medicine resources that have since been implemented and sustained for Sailors, Marines, and their families.

I helped thousands of people learn, understand, and take action to treat and prevent disease. Then came the pandemic. I learned to truly practice that strategic and creative communication is preventive medicine.

TO MOVE PEOPLE WHERE YOU WANT, MEET THEM WHERE THEY ARE.

Leaving the Navy, I was inspired to study and practice how the science of communication, media, and design can support equity and strengthen community health. I finished grad school at Johns Hopkins University and started applying my talents to global health communication, research, and implementation science.

No matter the MEDIA, it MUST MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Today, I lead and advise a variety of global and local communication strategies, conduct and publish research, plan and direct technical and creative resources, organize community events, and teach people how to communicate through drama, music, and art. I work alongside creatives, academics, scientists, scholars, activists, community leaders, business owners, freelancers, and executives. I am passionate about creating real solutions and building community with strategic art and robust science.

I enjoy partnering with and learning from people and organizations who are fired up about making the world a better place.