My Dual Career

Equipped with a degree in Visual Communications + Graphic Design from The Art Institute of Philadelphia, I began to become intrigued by creating in non-linear, multi-dimensional space, so I continued my journey at NYU's School of Continuing and Professional Studies to pursue a niche in animation, motion graphics and special effects. I was fortunate to receive plenty of career training by landing positions that pushed me out of my comfort zone and expanded my skillsets, from being an Assistant Art Director at a busy ad agency, an Art Director and in-house video graphics artist at several video production companies, Director of Design for a successful new media start-up, and Creative Director for a conglomerate of 11 companies. Besides gaining management, customer service and sales skills from these in-house positions, I also learned the business and marketing side by running a long-term freelance design business, and eventually forming and co-owning a design studio with two partners.

In the midst of my design career I became intrigued by and decided to pursue a secondary career in fitness, sports training, and nutrition. I received a diploma from the National Personal Training Institute, as well as obtaining many specialized certifications that led to amazing experiences being a positive influence in the lives of clientele of all ages, from preschool gymnasts up through high school and college athletes, Olympic hopefuls, adults and seniors. Having design, marketing, management and sales skills came in handy in promoting my own services as well as supporting the businesses I worked for, including web site and identity design, creating marketing collateral, running online fitness challenges, and ultimately being one of the founders of and managing a multi-location fitness studio – providing all of the above services as well as curriculum design, promotion and hosting of special events, social media marketing, office management, sales and customer service.

During this time I also discovered a passion for martial arts. I was fortunate to train in Kenpo Karate for more than 13 years, receiving a 3rd degree black belt as part of my journey. I was able to continue my blended career by providing fitness instruction as well as video, design, web, and social media marketing services for my 20+ location Kenpo organization, as well as filming, creating and managing their online video library of curriculum and events footage.

A desire to explore other martial arts led me to train in BJJ, CSW, JKD, C-TAC, Muay Thai, Savate, Silat, and ultimately to develop an affinity for FMA (Filipino Martial Arts). As I continue to pursue my love for FMA by training in several different styles, I also continue to blend my passions by providing design, video, and marketing services to martial artists in the FMA realm. A strong belief in the principles of Kaizen and "CANI" (Constant and Never-Ending Improvement), plus a passionate intrigue for new technologies leads me to pursue the exploration of VR and AR for virtual training and event opportunities and an ultimate blending of my design, video, fitness, and martial arts worlds.