EDUCATION
- Master: Applied Human Ecology in School of Family and Consumer Sciences
Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH
Major: Textiles and Clothing
Cognate: International Business
- Bachelor of Science: Home Economics and Consumer Science
Miami University, Oxford, OH
Major: Retail
- Completed courses in international business and the import and export business
- Completed courses in computer-aided design and the Gerber System
Ball State University, Muncie, IN
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
The Art Institute of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN
Adjunct Instructor (2008 – 2018)
Taught fifteen separate classes in fashion design and fashion merchandising.
- Researched education information in varied formats and taught it to students during classes.
- Evaluated students individually to determine and improve areas of difficulty.
- Demonstrated strong sewing, dripping, patternmaking, marketing, and math skills.
- Delivered scheduled lectures to introductory and upper level students.
- Coordinated student field trips to experience all aspects of the fashion industry.
- Developed and ensured compliance to credit courses in an academic year.
- Taught classes tailored to a concept for the annual fashion show.
- Participated in extracurricular activities with faculty and students.
- Developed and maintained relationships with department faculty members.
Courses Included:
- Fundamentals of Patternmaking
- Intermediate Patternmaking
- Advanced Patternmaking
- Fit Analysis
- Intermediate Construction
- Design Studio Menswear
- Design Studio Women’s Wear
- Advanced Sewing Techniques
- Internship
- Senior Collection: Concept
- Senior Collection: Technical
- Senior Collection: Production
- Fundamentals of Business
- Introduction to Retailing
Student Focused Events
- Studio 101 – Summer fashion design program for high school students
- Assisted in senior fashion show at Indianpolis Children’s Museum
- Fashion design field trip to Chicago, IL
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
Freelance (2018 – Present)
- Patterning and constructing garments for special events for a swimwear company.
- Designing, sourcing, patterning, and constructing garments for pre-professional ballet performances.
- Altering existing garments for ballet costumes.
- Troubleshooting with ballet costume designer on problems with patterns, construction, fabric sourcing, and fit.
Something Wonderful, Indianapolis, IN
Pattern Drafter/Assistant Designer (1996-2004)
- Drafted custom-ordered patterns for high-profile clientele.
- Created and cut all garments according to individual specifications employing varied industrial machinery.
- Assisted with design changes due to pattern changes and fitting problems.
- Reduced production costs caused by design errors, pattern inaccuracies, and fabric overbidding.
- Improved spec sheet clarity and reorganized workroom for greater efficiency.
- Created patterns for bridal gowns, suits, bridesmaids, and special occasion dresses.
- Designed ballroom gowns used in local, regional, and national competitions.
- Accurately cut garments using a wide variety of fabrics ranging from chiffon to alpaca.
- Constructed garments employing varied industrial machinery.
- Researched and evaluated CAD systems for pattern making, pattern grading, and marker making.
Paul Harris, Indianapolis, IN
Manager (1994-1995)
- Supervised, trained, and motivated sales associates in retail environment
- Managed inventory controls, product merchandising, and quality customer service to gain repeat clientele.
- Handled purchase transactions and ensured daily bank deposits balanced.
- Consistently attained management sales goals and met accessories sales goals set for co-managers.
- Active contributor to on-site store team, resulting in district-winning sales competition.
- Assisted in merchandise layout plan for Castleton store.
Gantos, Columbus, OH
Retail Intern (1990)
Retail Intern (1990)
- Maintained sales goals during store remodeling.
- Assisted in merchandising store for the grand reopening.
- Facilitated motivational programs for sales associates.
- Performed market research on customer satisfaction levels.
- Responsible for visual displays, inventory control procedures, customer service, and register transactions.
Parisian, Cincinnati, OH
Visual Merchandising Intern (1989)
- Responsible for visual displays, inventory control procedures, customer service, and register transactions.
Elder Beerman, Sandusky, OH
Retail Intern (1988)
Retail Intern (1988)
- Assisted with designing, establishing, and arranging profit-oriented display scenes for children’s, men’s, shoe, and jewelry departments.
Industry Workshops/Conferences
- Julian Robert’s Workshop – “Subtraction Cutting,” Chicago, IL
- Shingo Sato Workshop – “TR Cutting,” Chicago, IL
- Sandra Ericson Workshop – Designing the Paper Pattern, Indianapolis, IN
- Sandra Ericson Workshop – Draping Beyond Tradition, Indianapolis, IN
- Professional Association of Customer Clothiers Annual Conference, Northbrook, IL
- Kenneth King Workshop – “The Moulage,” Carmel, IN
- Claire Shaeffer Workshop – Couture Sewing Techniques, Carmel, IN
- Sewing Expo, Cincinnati, OH
- ITAA International Textiles and Apparel Association Conference, Columbus, OH
Trade Shows
- Magic Trade Show, Las Vegas, NV
- International Textiles Expo, Las Vegas, NV
- Merchandise Mart Trade Show, Chicago, IL
- Bobbin Show, Atlanta, GA
- Midwest Regional Fabric Trade Show, Maumee, OH
Learning Management Software
- eCompanion
- Blackboard
- Canvas
Computer Programs
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Gerber
- Illustrator
Professional Memberships and Organizations
- Association of Sewing and Design Professionals, Indianapolis Chapter
- Sewing Professionals Network, Indianapolis
- Fashion Group International, Indianapolis Chapter
- ITAA – International Textiles and Apparel Association
- Follow: BOF – Business of Fashion Podcast