As a Director of Product Design with over a decade of experience, I specialize in leading cross-functional design teams to deliver scalable, user-centered digital solutions that drive business growth and long-term customer value. I thrive in mid-sized, growth-focused organizations where technology is a core enabler of innovation and efficiency.
My work is grounded in human-centered design principles, yet always aligned with measurable business outcomes. I bring a systems-thinking approach to product design—creating repeatable design frameworks, advancing design ops maturity, and building team cultures that foster experimentation, collaboration, and accountability.
I’m actively seeking a Director of Product Design role in a company where design plays a strategic role in shaping products and services for scale. My ideal environment combines the agility of a mid-sized team with the ambition to lead in their space—whether that’s SaaS, B2B platforms, or AI-enabled solutions.
Let’s connect if you're building products that blend innovation with real impact.
CORE COMPETENCIES
• UX & Product Design Leadership
• DesignOps & Scalable Systems
• AI-Augmented Workflows
• Accessibility & Inclusive Design
• Research-Led UX Strategy
• Design Thinking Facilitation
• Player-Coach
• DesignOps & Scalable Systems
• AI-Augmented Workflows
• Accessibility & Inclusive Design
• Research-Led UX Strategy
• Design Thinking Facilitation
• Player-Coach
EXPERIENCE
Principal | UX AI Studio | 2025-Present
UX AI Studio is my consulting agency that helps forward-thinking teams and brands harness the power of AI–without losing sight of the human experience.
• Leading Design Thinking workshops integrating AI tools.
• Helping brands find their Market Value (USP) and create a Brand Strategy.
• Enhancing design workflows that allows UX teams to work efficiently while maintaining AI ethics.
Driven Brands is the largest B2C automotive services company in North America. Brands: Maaco, Meineke, Carstar, Fix Auto, Take5, Auto Glass Now.
• Scaled a UX team from 3 to 9 designers, researchers, and engineers, reducing project turnaround time.
• Led the development of a global design system, improving design consistency across multiple brands.
• Spearheaded the UX research strategy, leading to data-driven enhancements that improved customer engagement.
• Launched an AI-driven design evaluation process, streamlining workflow efficiency and reducing design iteration time.
• Led accessibility initiatives, ensuring compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA standards across all digital products.
Director of UX | EdTech - Colibri Group | 2020-2022
Colibri Group is a B2C eLearning platform for professional education providing CEUs, licensing, and certifications for real estate, healthcare, and finance.
• Built a UX team from the ground up, hiring and mentoring 6 senior designers and researchers.
• Established scalable UX processes to meet diverse business needs, increasing design efficiency.
• Implemented a real-time UX feedback system, improving customer journey insights and driving product enhancements.
• Designed a learning experience framework, increasing student engagement and ensuring compliance with accessibility standards.
UX Manager | Restaurant Tech - NEXTEP SYSTEMS | 2017-2020
NEXTEP Systems (now part of Global Payment Systems) is a B2B technology company specializing in self-ordering and point-of-sale (POS) integrated platform solutions.
• Grew UX team from 4 to 10, optimizing the self-service kiosk experience and improving usability.
• Implemented new project management workflows, reducing backlog and accelerating project delivery.
• Led the transition from Flash to HTML/CSS, modernizing digital interfaces and enhancing cross-device compatibility.
UX Design Manager | eCommerce - STAHLS’ | 2012-2017
STAHLS' is the global leader in heat printing technology and specializes in B2B2C custom apparel and national sportswear decoration.
• Spearheaded website redesigns, transitioning static sites to responsive frameworks.
• Built and managed a UX team of 4, integrating research-driven design solutions.
Product Design Lead | HealthTech - Johnson & Johnson | 2009-2012
Former HealthMedia was a B2B pioneering digital health company that was part of Johnson & Johnson, we developed web-based behavior change programs aimed at improving wellness, managing chronic diseases, and promoting healthier lifestyles.
• Developed UX strategies for digital health applications, improving usability and compliance with Section 508 standards.
• Led mobile UX research, optimizing app interactions and accessibility features.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
The Associate in Liberal Arts Degree - Oakland Community College, Michigan - Summa Cum Laude
UX Certification - Nielsen Norman Group - Certification #1001617 - NN/g Featured People ArticleAdvertising Certificate - University of Washington - ADVERT CP CEDIS: 305428
AI X Design Thinking - IDEO Workshop
Machine Learning: From Data to Decisions - Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Professional Education Certification
Mobile User Experience Design - Interaction Design Foundation Certification
Google UX Design - Google Professional Certifications
UX Management: Strategy and Tactics - Interaction Design Foundation Certification
Gestalt Psychology and Web Design: The Ultimate Guide - Interaction Design Foundation Certification
MY STORY
As a passionate advocate for users and a champion of the experience narrative, I am deeply committed to understanding the nuances of customer needs and desires to improve business outcomes. By leveraging design thinking methodologies, I strive to lead a user-centric team to craft solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations, fostering value, credibility, and lasting loyalty. My leadership is driven by a desire to improve people's lives through intuitive and meaningful digital experiences.
I have spearheaded the design, implementation, and management of digital experiences across a broad spectrum of e-commerce platforms and software applications. My extensive experience in product design has allowed me to create solutions that increase revenue and also resonate emotionally with users, leading to impactful and customer-centered products.
I manage the UX strategy and processes throughout the organization while inspiring an innovative, customer-centric culture. I am a proven leader, an excellent communicator, and a cross-functional team player that thrives in a dynamic working environment.
Before stepping into leadership roles, I gained valuable experience working as a designer, researcher, and front-end developer. This firsthand knowledge of the unique challenges each role encounters enables me to effectively remove obstacles and foster a collaborative environment. As a result, I can build and guide high-performing teams that are motivated and empowered to excel. Discovering what is unique about each team member and working with them so they become the best person they can be is my leadership philosophy.