Experience

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  Self employed

  Jan 2006 - Jan 2014

  Professional horticulturalist

  Worked with clients executing and installing high-end gardens, renovations and garden maintenance.Performed proper pruning techniques and seasonal dead heading of perennials, shrubs, and trees while assisting in maintenance, seasonal planting, and installation of perennials, annuals, shrubs and trees.Exercised good judgment and excellent problem-solving skills in the maintenance, integrative pest management, and care of gardens

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  Warren wilson college

  Aug 2006 - Aug 2009

  Tree crew member and horticulturalist

  Tree Crew Boss from August 2008 to May 2009•Managed a crew of six to implement safe and professional practices of arboriculture throughout campus.•Organized the Warren Wilson Tree Climbing Training Week.•Processed data documented from tree jobs performed throughout campus to calculate the money our work had saved the campus.•Organized and lead group trips to climbing competitions.•Maintained a happy and healthy crew by keeping constant communication while on the job site and at crew meetings.Tree Crew & Landscaping Member from August 2006•Practiced proper tree pruning techniques as outlined by ISA standards.•Cultivated the skills necessary for arborist work including; tree health inspection, tree climbing techniques rigging, and knot tying.•Profound knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary for a safe work environment in arboriculture.•Proficient ability with chainsaws, hand pruners, pole pruners, electric pruners, and pole saws. Show less

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  Spannocchia foundation

  May 2008 - Aug 2008

  Heritage breed farm intern

  During my time at Spannoccia, I worked with our heritage breed livestock as assistant caretaker. I also assisted in the processing of our specialty meats, and selling at markets. The Internship Program is dedicated to enriching the lives of young people by providing them with a unique educational experience on a community oriented organic farm in Tuscany, Italy. Tenuta di Spannocchia’s 1100-acre pastoral estate serves as an active model for responsible stewardship through collective effort.

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  National park service

  Dec 2009 - May 2010

  Southeast exotic plant management intern

  Implemented and documented invasive plant management control methods; including manual, mechanical and chemical techniques by use of chainsaws, pole saws, brushcutters, hand tools, and manual and gas powered sprayers.Conducted safe and effective use of herbicides: mixing, application technique, and storageMaintained the life of our chainsaws through proper chainsaw cleaning and care.

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  Ramble & root, llc

  Jan 2011 - Jan 2018

  Founder and lead designer of ramble & root // vegetable garden design & installation

  •Founded Ramble & Root to aid the revival of homegrown locally sourced foods for both residential and commercial benefit through raised beds, urban farms and edible land.•Designed and installed over 150 projects for businesses, restaurants and individual clients; creating and installing personal, healthy, and high yielding organic vegetable gardens.•Provided educational classes, donations, and installations for non-profits to train in creating community-based sustainable and secure food sources. Show less

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  Well bred bakery

  Jan 2011 - Jan 2013

  Farm designer & manager

  •Worked with Judy Glicken, owner of Well Bred Bakery, and Executive Chef, Laura Bogard, in planning, designing, creating, and installing a custom made organic flower and vegetable garden to provide food and flower arrangements for the deli case at Well Bred Bakery in Weaverville, NC •Worked with and managed a two person crew of employees in proper planting, pruning, and harvesting techniques as well as appropriate care, management, and pest control for organic gardening.

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  Backroads

  Mar 2018 - May 2023

  Active travel guide + guest services consultant

  Professional highly-organized, skilled and trusted cultural liaison, active travel guide, educator and sales consultant. Demonstrates exceptional collaboration through effective task management, flexibility and clear written and verbal communication.Works independently and collaboratively to maintain and manage multi-day, multi-site logistics throughout Europe and Hawaii. Forged lasting relationships with subcontractors, vendors and local guides, ensuring a seamless guest experience that was highly curated, culturally immersive and exceptionally memorable. Efficiently and effectively implementes trip logistics in six different countries, including but not limited to travel, lodging, meals, biking and hiking routes, bike repair, interpretation and customer service.Demonstrates creative problem solving in high-stress, fast-paced situations to effectively navigate guest’s expectations and experiences.Creates and delivers engaging interpretive programming for guests specific to the area we were exploring by researching an area’s culture, history, humanities, flora, fona and folklore.Since hiking the Appalachian Trail after high school, I have always had a heart for meeting new folks, hearing their stories and finding the common threads in every walk of life. I have always felt that slowing things down and experiencing a new area and culture by foot or by bike allows for a uniquely immersive experience, truly getting to know the area you are traveling through. Being able to educate and share this passion is one of the greatest aspects of working with Backroads. Show less

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  School of wholeness & enlightenment - sowe

  Jun 2020 - Nov 2021

  Horticultural manager

  Worked closely with Executive Director and Landscape Architect to establish memorable, experiential gardens. Provided leadership, organization and management in all aspects of horticultural design implementation, from installation to garden maintenance. Responsible for hiring and training new team members. Supervised horticulture staff and volunteers, plans and implemented planting designs. Built a positive and inclusive culture within the team using open communication, appreciation, constructive leadership and kindness. Enthusiastic advocate, internally and externally, for developing gardens that create lasting impressions of beauty through design, care and ecological restoration. Have a passion for using native plants to revive and support the local flora and fauna. Show less

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  Lighten

  May 2023 - now

  Director of horticulture

  Works closely with General Manager and Land Steward to design and implement an experiential farm to table garden for guests.Provides leadership, organization and management in all aspects of horticultural design implementation, from installation to garden maintenance. Responsible for hiring and training new team members. Enthusiastic advocate, internally and externally, for developing gardens that create lasting impressions of beauty through design, care and ecological restoration. Has a passion for using native plants to revive and support the local flora and fauna. Show less