I run the Pinhead Institute, a Smithsonian Affiliate, which promotes community appreciation and understanding of the environment by providing science-based, educational experiences that inspire future generations of scientific leadership and create new models for community awareness and action. One of our signature programs sends local High School Juniors and Seniors on 6-10 week science based internships in ecological hotspots around the globe.

EDUCATION | BA Art History, University of Arizona MFA Architectural History, Savannah College of Art & Design

HOW TO GET STARTED | First off, working for a non-profit is a very rewarding career choice. Before working for any non-profit make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. Review the budget, ask about the programs, meet with people who have worked for the organization, meet Board Members. As with any job prospect, do your homework. Finally, working for a non-profit is as much about passion as it is about income. Make sure you believe in the mission of the organization. The challenges and opportunities are endless and the bonuses are often tangible and always rewarding.

MUST HAVE TRAITS | nimble, creative, patient, hard working, passionate

how I got started | Upon returning to Telluride following graduate school, I was hired as the Program Director at the Telluride Historical Museum. Having just reopened after an extensive restoration, I had an extraordinary opportunity to build programs that promote the fascinating history of Telluride. Because of my success in building outreach and educational programs at the museum, I was approached by another local non-profit, the Pinhead Institute, to see if I would be interested in running their science-educational programs throughout Southwest Colorado. Having a background in art, it was a difficult decision to take the risk to leave the Museum to promote science - something I knew very little about. The opportunity to work more hands on with local students and challenge myself in a new field was very compelling. I took the leap and accepted the position with the Pinhead Institute. Little did I know at the time but I would soon be promoted to Executive Director. Although frustrating and exhausting, working for the Pinhead Institute has been quite the learning experience, and I couldn't be happier. I work with extraordinary scientists "leaders in their fields" on a daily basis. I also get to work with students throughout Southwest Colorado. To inspire these students to learn more about the world around them and to explore avenues of learning they never thought possible provides me daily inspiration.

why this job?| I can't say that I was inspired to choose this particular career but I am happy to have taken the challenge and have found a passion for the work I'm doing. I enjoy the daily challenge of working for non-profits and every day I see that the work I do directly impacts people's lives. I couldn't imagine working at a job that I wasn't passionate about; the rewards are endless.

why I love this job!| #1 - The Students. Seeing our local youth inspired by science is indescribable. I love introducing our rural students to leading PhD scientists and experiencing their transformation as they realize what is possible for them beyond their backyard. I love that I get to send students out on working internships with leading institutions. I love that I can inspire an 8 year old to learn about polymers by making "slime." I love that I have college bound students now changing their majors to science after their Pinhead experiences. #2 - Learning. Everyday I learn something new. I hope what makes me successful at this job is that I didn't come to the position with a bias. Because my background is in art, I came to the job with curiosities about all scientific disciplines. This allows me bring a wide variety of scientific fields to our students so that each student might connect with an area they enjoy whether the focus is physics, biology, chemistry, ecology, or botany. I get to learn right alongside the students every day, which keeps me motivated and engaged. #3 - The Scientists. I think I previously held common misconceptions that scientists are weird, anti-social lab-rats. In working with scientists from across the globe, I have found them to be warm, personable, hilariously funny, interesting, and, well, normal. Of course, they are quirky, precise, and, yes, sometimes weird as well. I have to say; I have enjoyed every minute of working with the scientists in our network of "Pinheads". They are brilliant and certainly make my days unpredictable.

my typical day| There is nothing typical about my days. Some days I am in the classroom listening to a PhD give a presentation to fourth graders, some days I am writing grants to keep our operation afloat, some days I am filling water balloons for a demonstration on polymers, some days I am answering an endless stream of emails, some days I am making phone calls to Peru to ensure a high school intern made it to their research station, and other days I am harassing insurance companies to make sure our coverage is in order. As an operation of 1.5 employees, each day is different and you have you wear many hats to get all of the jobs done. I do everything from attending meetings in DC to taking out the garbage - and love every minute of both (well, maybe not so much the garbage).

what they are | As an Executive Director, fundraising is always my biggest challenge. You have to constantly be on the lookout for funding. I am the face of the organization and must think about opportunities for garnering donations every moment. At dinner parties I talk about Pinhead in order to inspire a guest to sponsor one of our programs. I read articles about science funding and research grants online constantly. There is never a break from thinking about it. I am responsible for keeping this organization afloat.

all about growth | I think what is great about non-profit work is that growth is where you create it. While there is no ladder, should additional funding come through, we can expand our program offerings to other regions. The opportunities are endless.

my website| http://www.pinheadinstitute.org