Professional Experience
SAIRA Creative; Principal Consultant + Lead Artist
Sept 2022 – Current
Lead artist at SAIRA Creative Arts and Principal at SAIRA Creative Consulting. Bi-coastal artist and consulting firm with a decade of experience in placemaking, community engagement and creative facilitation.
Local Initiatives Support Corporation; Community Development Officer
Oct 2019 – April 2023
Manages neighborhood planning programs, commercial corridor programming, creative placekeeping initatives, and grantmaking and administration in support of small business.
Hillsboro Downtown Partnership; Executive Director
Sept 2015 – Oct 2017
Directed the 501c3 non-profit organization focused on downtown revitalization and historic preservation in Hillsboro, Oregon.
La Grande Main Street Downtown; Executive Director
Oct 2013 – Aug 2015
Directed the 501c3 non-profit organization focused on downtown revitalization and historic preservation in La Grande, Oregon using the Main Street 4 point approach.
Professional Art Experience
Niagara Falls National Heritage Area Muralist
October 2023
Hertel Alley Muralist
June 2023
The Peace Dots Project
July 2021 – 2023
NYSCA funded community-based mapping project. Maps intangible moments of peace and random acts of kindness via an intake survey. Community driven ‘data’ will be visually represented in a baby of work currently being produced. www.peacedotsproject.com
NFFT Redevelopment Project & Community Mural
2022 – Current
Managing historic building improvements. Hosted community workshops to inform a community mural. Community paint day will ensue after building improvements are completed.
The Cosmic Wanderer Collective; Business Owner
March 2019 – Current
Custom henna design & hair shimmers www.thecosmicwanderer.com
Leadership
Buffalo is Creative; Board Member
Current
NFTA DL&W Train Station; Public Art Jury
Current
Albright Knox; Northland Advisory Committee Member
2020-2023
Buffalo Arts Studio; Board Member
2020-2023
Rhode Island Council on the Arts; American Rescue Plan Act Jury
2022
Cultural Coalition of Washington County (Oregon); Board Member
2016-2017
Union County Transportation Advisory Council (Oregon); Council Member
2014-2015
Education
Buffalo State University; M.S. Multidisciplinary Studies
Class of 2023
Certificate in Creativity & Change Leadership
Coursework in UB’s Master of Fine Arts Department & Buffalo State’s Creative Studies Department
Portland State University; Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit & Public Management
2016-2017
University at Buffalo; B.A. Environmental Design
Class of 2013
Minors in Studio Art and English
