The Path of a Builder & Creator
How do we build systems that allow both people and the land to thrive?
I began exploring that question in 2003 through ecological footprinting work at Penn State. But for me, it wasn’t just academic—I wanted to see if I could actually live those values. While pursuing my graduate studies, I lived in a self-built yurt powered by a wind generator and solar panels. This 'living lab' taught me the realities of resource management—from tracking every watt of energy to the hands-on maintenance of off-grid systems. It was this intersection of data-driven research and daily, practical survival that set the stage for my career in renewable energy
From there, I set out to apply those ideas in practical ways—starting with my role as a Renewable Energy Analyst at the Oregon Department of Energy in 2006, where I worked on early efforts to expand clean energy adoption across the state.
I later moved into community-based work with Community Services Consortium (CSC), where I designed and implemented an energy education program while also working directly with low-income households as a case manager. That experience grounded my work in real human need—helping people understand their homes, reduce energy costs, and improve daily living conditions.
My path then led to the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, where I developed the curriculum for the Solar 4R Schools program, bringing renewable energy education into classrooms. From 2008-12 the program expanded to more than 150 schools, giving students and teachers hands-on experience with solar and wind technology and energy literacy geared towards state and federal teaching standards.
This work eventually expanded internationally. I began traveling in Africa to support solar installations in communities without reliable electricity, which led to opportunities with international development organizations. I work in emergency response environments, including time in Sierra Leone during the Ebola crisis, where access to energy played a critical role in healthcare delivery and infrastructure support.
Alongside this work, I founded Stomping Grounds Management in 2008. Licensed, bonded, and insured in Oregon (CCB #182348), a contracting and remote forested property stewardship business based in Corvallis, Oregon. Through this work, I’ve spent nearly two decades renovating homes, managing properties, and caring for land—bringing a hands-on approach to sustainability that connects directly to how people live day to day.
Across these experiences—policy, education, international fieldwork, and construction—the common thread has been the same: building systems that are grounded, resilient, and designed to serve both people and the environment.
I believe the best work happens at the intersection of technical skill and human understanding.
In addition to hands-on experience in construction, land stewardship, and renewable energy, I’ve invested in training that deepens how I work with people and communities. In 2026, I completed The Embody Lab’s 60-hour Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy Certificate Program.
This training informs how I lead projects, communicate under pressure, and build trust in environments where relationships matter as much as outcomes.
Whether I’m working on a job site in Oregon or a solar installation in Ghana, I aim to bring presence, clarity, and respect to the process.
APPROACH
Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy Certificate – The Embody Lab (2026)
I believe meaningful change doesn’t come from theory alone—it comes from working directly with people, places, and real-world constraints. Whether I’m installing a solar system, restoring a property, or developing a program, my focus is the same: to create practical solutions that hold up over time and support the next generation.