👋 👋 Hi . I'm ThomI'm a relentless constructivist — I try to envision the best.I'm a possibilitarian — During 20,000 hours of instruction (30+ years) I infused students and clients with possibility thinking. They wondered, “how might it be possible to help readers?" and then learned strategies for helping humans understand and use their content. Often we addressed contextual challenges (people, process, policy) and found creative solutions to complete communication goals. I'm a believer in everyone's inherent self worth. I'm passionate about stories — I've taught ways to construct life stories and techniques for corporations to tell their stories. For more than 20 years I taught people how to create scene, the building block of narrative writing. I'm schooled in rhetoric — learning (and sharing) how information can be support action.I'm an experienced instructor — I developed and taught classes for University of Maryland’s Prof Writing Program, Johns Hopkins School of Engineering, Georgetown’s Center for Prof Development, and The Graduate School.* (*Government's trainer/originally USDA GradSchool — I received their prestigious Faculty Excellence Award.)I’m a facilitator — I listen deeply for “performance gaps” between goals and actions. We list thoughts, draw processes, identify barriers, and craft action steps.I'm entrepreneurial — In 1996, I founded Info.Design Inc.(a consultancy and think tank) to explore visual and online strategies, and incorporate research that helped people use information. From our "early-web" founding, I worked with colleagues to develop user-focused products.I'm flexible — As the communication/web industry changed, I shifted to provide more personalized instruction. I developed and facilitated workshops for corporations, agencies, and associations. Speaking more, I spoke at a zillion professional meetings, and served as Keynote Speaker (opening or closing) at five professional conventions. I reduced my workload to help my folks. I supported a loving convalescent community: engaging fully with staff, residents, families and support animals.I'm committed — I volunteered as Exec Director for The Center for Plain Language, working to increase the usefulness and efficiency of government, legal, and business documents. We helped craft “The Plain Language Act," legislation requiring usable government communication. I am now committed to supporting residents in my home town as I work to develop a community resource devoted to Health, Engagement, Arts, Re-Collectin’ and Training.I'm always learning.🌻