Born in Chicago, IL
Lives in & educated in Orlando, FL
When I was growing up, we went to Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, FL - a lot.
When Disney's MGM Studios opened, there was an Animation Tour. We all walked into a building filled with rough carpeting and freshly painted walls. One side of the hallway was a full length window. I walked over and peered through. My mouth dropped.
Artists were sitting at their desks. Each desk was covered with figurines of the characters they helped create. They were drawing and painting animation cells while we watched.
It was then that I realized you could be an animator for a living.
And I knew exactly what I wanted to do when I grew up.
Fast forward to January 2021. I was in training and leadership for over 20 years. The desire to be an animator never went away.
My education in physics, ergonomics, and satellite/space shuttle command and control have assisted me with learning Autodesk Maya because I was already used to dealing with a 3D space.
Animation and modeling are my two favorite parts about creating a film. The passion to make characters come to life is unlike anything else.
Education
University of Central Florida, Presidential Honors
Graduates May 2025
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Emerging Media - Character Animation
Creative Writing Minor
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Summa Cum Laude
Graduated July 2010
Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics
Management Minor
Relevant Skills
Animation and Design
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Two years experience in 3D animation, 3D modeling, Rigging, and creating a 3D Animated short film from start to finish. I’m a Production Manager for the team. Great at organizing, planning, directing, and project management.
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Competent in gesture, perspective, contour, value/light, proportion, form, anatomy, composition, and color theory
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Adobe software suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, PremierPro, Substance 3D Painter, Modeler, Designer, After Effects, and Animator.
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Maya, Z-Brush, Blender, Houdini, Nuke, Unreal, Toon Boom Harmony, and Procreate knowledge.
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Basic HTML and Python programming knowledge.
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Story writing, script, treatments, thumbnails, storyboards, beat boards, key framing, animatics, layout, environments, concept design, editing, sound design, special effects, prop design and production coordination.
Leadership and Team Development
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Lead and direct operations for 2 full-service restaurants, 7 quick-service restaurants, and 4 bars at Disney
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Mentored and developed the team to cover 25 positions without operational impact at Disney
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Responsible for scheduling all on-site training for employees at Disney and the USAF
Training
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Taught 3D animation using Maya to children between 8 and 17 years old. Began with basics of Maya and progressed through a walk cycle and creating emotions.
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Implemented new techniques, and trained 55 new hires with 0 safety incidents at Disney
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Taught over 500 customers to interpret reports and navigate websites virtually at ICUS, helped save business
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Collaborated with Raytheon engineers to create 15 training lesson plans and administer training for a new multi-billion-dollar missile defense program in the US Air Force
Work Experience
Elite Animation Academy
Maya 3D Animation Instructor
Orlando, FL, 2024
Walt Disney World
Guest Experience Manager, Sales, Customer Service, Disney Trainer, Disney Reservation Center, Merchandise, Monorails, Bus Super Greeter, Emerging Leader Alumni
Orlando, FL, 2010-2015, 2017, 2023
Chamberlain University
Admission Rep & Quality Evaluator
Downers Grove, IL, 2018-2021
Fairwinds Credit Union
Member Service Rep II
Orlando, FL, 2016-2017
Illinois Credit Union System (ICUS)
Trainer/Member Service Rep II
Naperville, IL, 2005-2010
US Air Force
Space Console Operator, Trainer
Beale AFB, CA, 2003-2005