My Timeline
Educator - Caregiver - Creator
Where I’ve been, and where I’m headed.
Areas of Proficiency
Where I'm Headed
B.A. Behavioral Health
Grand Canyon University · Up Next
My next step is finishing my bachelor's in behavioral health, building on more than 60 college credits I've already earned. It puts a formal foundation under what I've practiced for years: behavior support, de-escalation, and helping people with disabilities and mental health needs thrive.
M.A. Special Education & Secondary Humanities
Graduate Path · Planned
After my BA, I plan to earn a master's in special education, secondary humanities, or both. The goal is to lead a classroom of my own and bring everything I've learned as a para educator, caregiver, and parent advocate to the students who need it most.
Professional Experience
Educational Para Educator
ESS Education · 2026 – Present
Substitute educational assistant in East Portland schools, with placements across the Parkrose, Centennial, David Douglas, and Reynolds school districts. I provide 1:1 and small-group academic and behavioral support for students with IEPs and 504 plans, implement accommodations, keep daily progress and behavior data, and help students through transitions and sensory challenges, working closely with teachers, specialists, and families.
Caregiver & Special Education Parent Advocate
Full-Time · 2015 – Present
Full-time care and educational advocacy for children with autism, ADHD, and mental health support needs. I've been the parent at the IEP and 504 table from elementary school through high school graduation, working alongside case managers, school psychologists, and teachers, and I built the structured home routines for organization, sensory regulation, and behavior that I now use in the classroom.
Independent Transportation Contractor
Extra Comfort Driver · 2015 – Present
Private-hire driving with 6,000+ completed trips and a perfect 5.0-star rating, including regular service for elderly passengers and riders with disabilities who need mobility assistance. I run every part of the business myself, from scheduling and vehicle care to records and taxes, and I keep every ride calm, safe, and on time.
Founder & Photographer
TL Photography · 2005 – Present
Landscape, architecture, food, and event photography with a focus on Portland's waterfront, bridges, and city light. I handle everything from the shoot to editing, color correction, and delivery, and I maintain a self-hosted, searchable photo archive. My work stays accessible and affordable, with an eye for honest composition over mass production.
Computer Support & Repair
Independent · 2003 – Present
Hands-on hardware repair and troubleshooting across Windows, Linux, and macOS, from drivers and printers to full system rebuilds. Linux is my daily driver, and I write scripts in Bash and Python and build my own self-hosted projects. I like walking people through a fix in plain language so they can handle it themselves next time.
Residential Manager → Program Director
CCI Inc. · 2013 – 2015
Promoted to oversee three residential homes for adolescents and adults, about 15 residents in all. I recruited, trained, and supervised up to 15 staff, wrote individualized Behavioral Support Plans for every resident, ran intake and transition planning, signed off on all incident reports, and served as the 24/7 on-call crisis contact.
Residential Care Provider
CCI Inc. & PMRS · 2010 – 2013
Daily care for adolescents and adults with physical, developmental, and behavioral health disabilities across several group homes. I administered medications, kept detailed health records and progress notes, supported daily living and appointments, and used OIS-certified de-escalation that put dignity and the least-restrictive approach first.
Education & Training
Culinary Arts & Gastronomy
Western Culinary Institute · 2006 – 2008
Completed the core curriculum in professional cooking, kitchen management, sanitation, and food styling. It shaped how I see food as visual art, and I still bring a photographer's eye to every plate.
Visual Arts & Photography
The Art Institute of Portland · 2005 – 2006
A year of drawing, graphic design, and digital imaging that launched TL Photography. My "A Portland Night" series, capturing summer sunsets over downtown, the waterfront, and the bridges, is still a portfolio favorite.
Media Production
Parkrose High School · 2001 – 2005
Produced and directed live-to-tape TV news, running cameras, audio, switching, and editing. I was named Producer of the Year and Director of the Year, and my segment "Check My Ride" won Best Monthly Production.
Certifications
Training · Ongoing
OIS (Oregon Intervention System) certified, plus training in Behavioral Support Plan development, IEP and 504 implementation, medication administration and record keeping, and crisis intervention and conflict resolution.