Thank you for being curious about me!
My Experience
How my qualifications meet and exceed this pivotal moment for the Town of Friday Harbor
Award-winning brand strategist, nature artist, educator, and communications expert with decades of experience guiding businesses, nonprofits, and civic initiatives through ethical, nature-based, and creatively strategic solutions. Combines deep design expertise with advanced public affairs knowledge to foster community engagement, visual storytelling, and trust in institutions. Author of Natural Self Discovery and candidate for Mayor of Friday Harbor, Washington.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
• Strategic Communications & Brand Development
• Creative Direction & Visual Storytelling
• Public Speaking, Teaching & Workshop Facilitation
• Community Engagement & Nonprofit Leadership
• Cross-Sector Collaboration & Civic Strategy
• Adobe Creative Cloud, Web, and Print Design
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Founder & Principal
Natural Brand Studios – Friday Harbor, WA / Stuart, FL
2005–Present
Led branding and creative communication projects for mission-driven businesses and nonprofits. Developed identity systems, campaign strategies, and brand roadmaps focused on authenticity, purpose, and connection.
Fine Artist & Educator
Nationally Exhibited
2000–Present
Recognized painter known for nature-focused works. Taught classes and gave public talks on the link between creativity, resilience, and well-being. Completed large-scale commissions and public art.
Civic Leader & Nonprofit Board Service
WA & FL
2000–Present
Board service includes Soroptimist of Stuart, and Alzheimer’s Community Care, served as MartinArts Project Lead, and other sustainability and community based organizations. Promoted ethical governance and collaborative problem-solving.
EDUCATION
Executive Master of Public Administration – University of Washington, Evans School
Bachelor of Fine Arts – The Ohio State University
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS & MEDIA
Natural Self Discovery – A guide to reconnecting creativity and nature for personal and civic resilience.
Winning Kickstarter Campaign 2013 for first version of book, Natural Self Discovery.
Martin Arts Plein Air Arts Day for Students, Project Lead
2007 Woman of Distinction Nominee, Soroptimist Int’l of Stuart
Natural Earth Paint, Featured Artist, 2024
Feature in Palm Beach Post for Port Salerno Monthly Art Festival
My Policies & Plans
How I plan to help strengthen our community through strategic collaboration and communication.
My Priorities should I be graced with the opportunity to serve as your mayor
As your Mayor, I would commit to leading by example, with integrity, transparency, and care. I believe Friday Harbor thrives when we listen to each other, work together, and hold ourselves, in both government and community, to high standards. These are the priorities I’ll focus on, shaped by decades of civic leadership, creative problem-solving, and a deep connection to this island we call home:
- Affordable Housing & Community Care
I will WORK TO BRIDGE DIVIDES ON ISSUES AROUND affordable housing AND HELP FOSTER creative solutions, OUR RESILIENCE MUST ensure every ONE OF OUR residentS, from working families, OUR YOUNG ADULTS to seniors and veterans, haVE access to stable, dignified living. - Disaster Readiness & Community Health
I believe in strengthening direct communication in times of crisis, TO ENCOURAGE AND INFORM, WHILE CONTINUING OUR WORK ON expanding access to essential healthcare, including mental health, addiction support, and often-overlooked needs like dental and vision care. - Stronger Small Business & Local Economy Ties
I WIll WORK TO build collaborative partnerships with our small businesses, farmers, independent workers, AND ENTREPRENEURS to support a resilient, local REGENERATIVE economy that reflects our island’s strengths. - Engaging Youth & Supporting Seniors
I want to CONTINUE OUR WORK TO SUPPORT OUR youth, AND INCREASE ENGAGEMENT into civic life TO CREATE AN ALIGNED PATH TOWARDS intergenerational programs that celebrate our elders and ensureS ALL ARE CARED FOR. - Arts, Culture & Nonprofit Collaboration
I’ve seen firsthand how vital the arts and service nonprofits are to our identity and well-being. I’ll ensure these organizations have a voice AND ARE ENGAGED in town planning and policy decisions. - Transparent & Accessible Communication
I will ENCOURAGE modernizING how OUR Town government CAN MODEL EFFECTIVE communicatIONS; using plain language, video, and tools that make it easier for everyone to STAY INFORMED AND engageD, no matter their background or tech comfort. - Restoring Trust in Local GovernANCE
I will work to RESTORE trust IN OUR CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS, by making sure both government and our civic nonprofits COLLABORATE, HOLD EACH OTHER accountaBLE WITHIN a clear commitment to serving the people — because nonprofits belong to the community, too. - Environmental Stewardship & Resilience
Every decision I make will consider the long-term health of our land and sea, AND HOW BOTH ARE DEEPLY CONNECTED TO THE HEALTH OF OUR PEOPLE. I believe in nature-based solutions, local sustainability, and infrastructure that RESPONSIBLY AND SENSIBLY prepares us for the future.
Let’s restore trust
In ourselves, each other, and our civic organizations.
Please join this inspired journey
“When we learn to value taking time to pause and reflect upon any situation or circumstance, we empower ourselves into responses which are more balanced with our natural strengths.“