Resume

 
Public Garden & Horticulture Professional
"The role of a creative leader is not to have all the ideas; It's to create a culture where everyone can have ideas and feel that they are valued."
610-324-0519
Narberth, Pennsylvania 19072
Skills
Microsoft Office

Fluency with Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Google+

Proficiency with CRMs

Raiser's Edge, Constant Contact, Mail Chimp

Website & Social Media Management

WordPress

Proficiency with accounting software

Quickbooks

Rudimentary Spanish
Client and contractor relations
Plant curation software

IrisBG- professional software and database for botanical collections.

I’m a horticulturist, curator, and public garden professional with more than twenty years of experience working with plants, landscapes, and the people who care for them.

My work has taken me from private gardens and historic landscapes to large-scale installations and public horticulture. Today, as Plant Curator at Haverford College Arboretum, I focus on living collections, collection development, strategic planning, staff leadership, and the long-term stewardship of a historic campus landscape.

I’m especially interested in how thoughtful horticulture can strengthen a sense of place, whether that means developing a plant collection, caring for an old landscape, planning for its future, or finding new ways for people to connect with it.

Experience
Haverford College Arboretum
Plant Curator2018- Current
  • Co-led the planning, development, documentation, and long-term stewardship of the Arboretum's living collections, including implementation of IrisBG plant records software and Arboretum Explorer.


  • Direct plant acquisitions and collection development with an emphasis on diversity, conservation, sustainability, and strengthening the collections for the future.


  • Co-led development of the Arboretum's five-year Strategic Plan and authored key policies for living collections, standards of care, tree care, IPM, and disaster preparedness.


  • Lead and mentor four horticulturists, seasonal interns, volunteers, contractors, and consultants while coordinating daily operations and long-range priorities.


  • Achieved ArbNet Level III Accreditation through strategic planning, documentation, and collection development.


  • Work directly with donors on gifts to the Arboretum, including commemorative trees and benches, helping identify appropriate opportunities and coordinating their placement within the landscape.


  • Lead tours, presentations, publications, and public programs that connect visitors with the Arboretum and its collections.


Bloom Thyme Design & Gardens, LLC
Owner2009-2018
  • Founded and operated a successful landscape design and installation firm specializing in high-end residential landscapes.


  • Managed design, budgeting, scheduling, purchasing, client relationships, and project management.


  • Led installation crews while coordinating contractors, vendors, and specialty trades.


Aramark
Special Events SupervisorEagles 2017 Season
  • Oversaw premium event spaces at Lincoln Financial Field, including the Tunnel Club, Touchdown Club, and Club Level.


  • Managed teams of up to 10 staff members, coordinating service and operations during high-volume events.


  • Managed logistics across multiple event spaces simultaneously, keeping teams organized and events running smoothly under tight timelines.


PA Horticultural Society Pop Up Garden at the Viaduct
Project Manager; General ContractorDec 2015 - June 2016
  • Directed a multi-disciplinary team in the creation of a temporary urban garden funded by the Pew Center for Arts and Heritage.


  • Managed all project phases, including design, construction, artistic installations, and historical interpretation.


  • Served as the primary liaison among PHS, artists, contractors, and community stakeholders.


  • Ensured project delivery within budget ($450,000) and on schedule, meeting all aesthetic and educational objectives.

Letter of Recommendation

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
Shows and Events Coordinator; Project ManagerNov 2014 - March 2015

The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is an annual event at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in March. It is the world’s largest and longest-running indoor flower show, which brings 270,000 visitors and creates a $61 million economic impact to the city.

  • Managed planning and installation of exhibit gardens for the nation's premier horticultural exhibition.


  • Coordinated designers, contractors, vendors, plant material, logistics, and installation schedules.


  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-profile public garden displays.

Lights, Camera, Bloom!

DreamWorks Animation / Parker 3D
Art Department CoordinatorSept 2014 - Nov 2014
  • Coordinated production schedules, staffing, and workflow for 25–30 scenic artists across three production locations.


The Highlands Mansion & Gardens
Directing Horticulturist2009 - 2013
  • Managed the restoration and maintenance of a 44-acre historic landscape, preserving its ecological and aesthetic value.


  • Developed and led a horticultural outreach program in partnership with Carson Valley School for disadvantaged youth.


  • Coordinated with executive leadership, board members, and staff to ensure program excellence and property preservation.

Letter of Recommendation

David Brothers Landscape Services
Sales Associate; Designer; Horticulturist2011 - 2013
  • Expanded service offerings by building and nurturing client relationships, providing design solutions, and promoting sustainable practices.


  • Focused on native materials and green infrastructure solutions to enhance land use and environmental impact.


  • Developed and edited monthly e-newsletters, contributing to marketing and promotional efforts.
Awbury Arboretum
Supervisor; Designer; Team Leader2008 - 2009
  • Designed and oversaw the installation of original designs for residential clients and public spaces.


  • Implemented a new pricing structure, resulting in a 27% increase in profit with 100% client retention.


  • Partnered with Awbury Arboretum for community outreach and financial viability.


  • Managed and trained apprentice program participants from the local community, fostering skill development and engagement.
Donald Pell Gardens
Production Supervisor2002 - 2007
  • Progressed from Estate Gardener to Project Manager to Production Supervisor.


  • Supervised multiple landscape construction and horticultural crews while coordinating complex installations exceeding $1 million annually.


  • Managed scheduling, purchasing, logistics, quality control, and client communication.


  • Mentored staff while maintaining exceptional horticultural standards.

Letter of Recommendation

Education
Graduate work in Horticulture
Temple University Ambler1998 - 2000
Bachelor of Arts degree
University of Colorado Boulder1991 -1994

Anthropology/Archaeology

Coursework in Liberal Arts
Hartwick College1989 - 1991
College Prep
Mercersburg Academy1986 - 1989