When it comes to the challenges of student engagement and teacher burnout, I believe the solution must include learning experiences that center wonder rather than force. When adults rediscover the joy of learning, they bring renewed purpose and fresh inspiration to their classrooms. When young people participate in new experiences that expand their understanding of the world, they engage in deeper learning. That’s why I create playful, immersive experiences that not only build community but also help frame learning through a new lens.  

What’s my secret sauce?

The experiences I design reflect my unique background in game creation, theatrical design, and educational research. By weaving together these skills, I craft unforgettable experiences that challenge traditional ideas of learning. Here’s a glimpse of what I bring to the table:  

Game Design

My journey in game design began with building escape rooms to promote learning in my middle school classroom and later mentoring teenagers in creating their own. These early experiences ignited my fascination with learning through play, which I later deepened through research at Stanford’s Graduate School of Education. Since then, I’ve designed games on topics ranging from the legal history of abortion access to LGBTQ+ inclusivity. I’ve also collaborated with Stanford’s d.school to use game-based learning for major events like SXSW Edu and the LA Education Partnership’s Equity Camp. Along the way, I’ve led workshops in K-12 schools and community centers, helping educators integrate play-based design into their teaching. The collaborative problem-solving core of game design is at the heart of every experience I create.  

Theatrical Design

Before transitioning to education, I honed my skills in theatrical design as an artistic fellow at Studio Theater in Washington, DC, and through collaborations with Nightdrive Theater, and immersive theater company. I’ve studied directing at Brown University, the National Theater Institute, and Bard College Berlin. My background in theater gives me an eye for creating environments that inspire wonder, which helps people listen, engage, and connect more deeply. I approach learning experience design the same way I approach theater—crafting emotional journeys that leave lasting impressions

Educator & Researcher

I’ve taught 5th grade in a Title I public school, theater to students across K-12 grades, and game design to high schoolers. Currently, I design experiential learning programs for an alternative school in Philadelphia. During my time at Stanford’s LDT program, I studied the science of how people learn, gaining expertise in building experiences that make learning stick. I also became skilled in user research, working closely with educators and students to create tailored learning experiences that meet needs of specific learners. These skills have shaped my work in developing professional learning on topics like playful learning, equitable school design, and LGBTQ inclusivity. My diverse experience as a teacher, researcher, and curriculum designer enables me to serve educators across a wide range of contexts. 

Contact me to dream about what we might create together.