I started my first software company in high school. Today, building software is a far more sophisticated endeavor. So much more can be accomplished than even a year ago. And a year from now, the same will hold true. That’s what I love most about how this industry touches all others–the constant, accelerating evolution of ideas and technology.

From Palo Alto startups to organizations such as Oracle and JPL, across 14 states and 3 countries, I’ve learned what differentiates good software from bad. In most cases, managing a few key ingredients well – people, process, communication – makes all the difference. Here at High5LA, this is what we do best.

I grew up in Michigan and am married to a Trojan. I play beach volleyball but these days my exercise comes mostly from keeping up with my son, Ian. Our next adventure together: ice hockey.

Stanford ‘01 BS, MS Computer Science

I love working with smart people. To their big ideas, I bring a particular mix of creativity, organization, and passion that contributes to tangible results.

At the University of Georgia it was the founding of the New Media Institute; at UCLA Anderson it was the 4x expansion of the 15-year-old program Management Development for Entrepreneurs. Here at High5LA, I embrace our partners’ real challenges with a team, the tools, the skill, and experience to surmount them.

My chosen daily meditation – a mindful nod to less is more – is living simply in 605 sq. ft. with Jeff, a SpaceX engineer, and our daughter, Cecilia. When we aren’t feeling the Zen, it’s a clear reminder to be outside exploring.

There is nothing more rewarding to me than being able to take a concept all the way to production and directly impacting our clients by helping them solve problems and improve the user experience.

As a Product Manager, I have been given the opportunity to work with diverse individuals across various industries and countries; most recently implementing an enterprise resource system for one of the biggest utility companies in the US. Delivering a successful product to me means achieving the client’s business outcome while fostering a positive and inclusive work environment and maintaining integrity.

Work-life balance includes hiking for me. I am blessed to have the San Gabriel mountains as my backyard with access to many great hiking trails. My latest hiking accomplishment includes the Annapurna Basecamp Circuit in Nepal and Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. I will need lots of training, but next on my list, Everest Basecamp!