I teach designers to think strategically and create with intent.
To start with the problem, build systems instead of one-offs, and defend their work in a room full of people who don’t speak design.
How I teach
Real stakes.Students learn faster when someone is counting on them. At College of the Canyons, my students did brand work for real clients, with real deadlines and real feedback.
Reasons before pixels.Every project starts with a brief, a tension and a point of view. Students who can name the problem stop decorating and start designing.
Systems over one-offs.A logo is one decision. A brand is hundreds of them. I teach students to build visual and design systems that keep working after they hand them off.
Teaching experience
College of the Canyons, Intersect GMDTaught and directed brand identity projects in a student-led creative agencyJan 2022 to June 2023
CSULAGuest LecturerUX Design
CSULBGuest LecturerDesign Sprints & Research
CSUNGuest LecturerDesign Sprints
CSUCIGuest LecturerDesign Systems
General AssemblyGuest LecturerDesign Sprints
Education
Master of Arts, Design & InnovationCalifornia State University, Northridge · In progress, 2025–2027Focus: Brand Strategy, Design Strategy, Design Research, Systems Thinking
Bachelor of Arts, DesignCalifornia State University Channel Islands · 2013–2015Focus: Brand Identity Design, Packaging Design
Certifications
Brand Strategy AcademyCertified Brand Strategist
University of SydneyDesign Led Strategy
IDEOHuman Centred Service Design
IBMEnterprise Design Thinking Practitioner
AJ & SmartDesign Sprint Mastery