Creative Director
It began simply with the planting of fruit trees in India. The emphasis was on creating awareness, training and other resources needed for success. Another key element of the program was encouraging each person who received help and support to do the same for at least two others.The program grew rapidly in India and spread to Guatemala, Cambodia, Nepal, Costa Rica, Haiti, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, Ethiopia, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. As a result, tens of millions of fruit trees have been planted. But far more important than the number of trees was how it inspired so many people to do more to help themselves and others. After college, I spent 3 years as a full-time volunteer including one year in Allahabad, India, primarily serving at school for children in poverty. Set up their first computer lab. Taught basic computer skills. Documented tree planting projects with video and photography. I regularly welcomed guests and conducted tours of the office. Did public speaking to promote the organization. Connecting with local schools and civic organizations answering questions about the history, mission, and projects.I produced videos about reading storybooks to children in cooperation with the USD259 media department, and local librarians. I taught storytelling, storyboarding, graphics production, sound design and stop motion animation to both elementary and high school students. Resulting in both successful student experiences as well as awards from the KAN Film Festival in Kansas.Facilitated partnerships with local teachers and educational experts to develop video pre-k lessons for parents and care givers. The YouTube channel has over 57,000 subscribers and over nine million views in fifty counties.I worked with local immigrant communities to translate lessons into 14 languages, including Spanish, Hindi, Chinese, French, and Thai.
