Work History
Owner - Thistle & Bee Botanics
2022 - Present
Thistle & Bee Botanics offers landscape coaching and plant care for residential and business customers. Residential services include one-on-one consultations on DIY softscape installation and maintenance, IPM for indoor and outdoor plants, Willamette Valley natives and the Backyard Habitat Program, and care of tropical plants. Business services include plant sourcing, styling, and ongoing plant care.
Plant ID Assistant - Clackamas Community College
2023 - Present
As the Plant ID Assistant I am responsible for locating and preparing samples for two plant identification courses each term. Work relies heavily on keen identification skills, attention to detail, good time management, and the ability to work independently. Position requires ongoing collaboration with professors, work in all weather conditions, and excellent organizational skills.
Propagator - XPlant Laboratory
2023 - 2024
As a propagator with XPlant Laboratory, I developed a solid understanding of all stages of plant tissue culture. Responsibilities include stock plant management, initiation of plant material into Stage 1, cutting and transferring plants to Stages 2 and 3, and growing Stage 4 plants hydroponically. Primary crops include wasabi, hemp, hops, and tropical foliage.
Tropical Foliage Grower - Fessler Nursery
2023
As grower at Fessler Nursery, I oversaw plant health for six indoor acres of tropical foliage. Responsibilities included vegetative propagation, overseeing fertigation, scouting, plant health diagnosis, plant identification, product pricing, pesticide application, and integrated pest management. During my time here I initiated a program utilizing beneficial insects for pest management, including rearing Dalotia coriaria for inoculated control of a variety of common greenhouse pests.
Quality Control Analyst - Oregon Department of Human Services
2009 - 2022
During my time with the Oregon Department of Human Services I held several roles, primarily related to program policy. In my most recent roll as Quality Control Analyst I completed audits of the SNAP program. Responsibilities included conducting interviews with clients, verifying financial and household information, and preparing reports as prescribed by the USDA. Work required monthly travel, time management, the ability to work independently and as a team, and an in-depth understanding of both Federal and State administrative rules. Other skills included training and providing feedback to staff, facilitation, LEAN process development and implementation, deescalation and conflict resolution, and communicating complex information to a variety of stakeholders.
Education
& Certifications
AAS - Landscape Management
2025, Clackamas Community College
AAS - Horticulture
2025, Clackamas Community College
AAS - Graphic Design
2008, Portland Community College
AA - Oregon Transfer Degree
2005, Clackamas Community College
CC - Horticulture
2024, Clackamas Community College
CC - Landscape Practies
2025, Clackamas Community College
CC - Plant Health management
2024, Clackamas Community College
Organizations
CCC Horticulture Club
President (2024/2025)
Oregon Landscape Contrators Association
Member
Hardy Plant Society of Oregon
Member