who is the marker ninja?

Expert Facilitator & Graphic Recorder | Strategic Visualizer for Complex Projects

With more than 20 years of experience as an IAF Certified™ Professional Facilitator, I specialize in graphic recording, strategic visualization, and facilitating complex, multi-domain projects that deliver measurable results. Organizations across federal agencies, higher education, nonprofits, and private sector turn to me when they need meetings that produce breakthrough outcomes.

What Makes My Facilitation Different

The question I hear most often is "how do you do that?" My approach combines proven facilitation techniques with visual thinking methods that engage every voice in the room. Clients have nicknamed me the "Marker Ninja" after watching me guide 30-person teams toward multi-year visions using strategic visualization, real-time graphic recording, and dynamic facilitation.

My integrated expertise includes:

• Professional Facilitation & Graphic Recording – Visual meeting facilitation that captures ideas in real-time

• Strategic Planning & Visioning – Translating complex concepts into actionable roadmaps

• Change Management & Team Development – Building high-performing teams through proven methodologies

• Design Thinking & Agile Methods – Lean facilitation approaches for modern organizations

• Strategic Communication & Project Management – Connecting strategy to execution

Industries & Organizations I Serve

I partner with organizations facing complex challenges in:

• Federal Government (27 U.S. agencies supported)

• Higher Education Institutions

• Nonprofit Organizations

• Private Sector Companies

Specialized Domains: Systems engineering, IT and information sharing, cybersecurity, data governance, model-based engineering, public health, environmental sciences, military intelligence analysis, STEM workforce development, major systems acquisitions, space exploration, and aviation.

My Facilitation Approach

As one client described it: "sticky notes on steroids with everyone involved." I create meeting experiences—not just meetings—by blending:

• Visual templates and mind-mapping

• Interactive whiteboard exercises

• Hands-on strategy mapping

• Real-time graphic recording

• Inclusive facilitation methods

Every engagement is customized to your outcomes, your team, and your organizational culture.

Results That Matter

Success for me means success for my clients. I build deep trust relationships that deliver:

• Clear vision and strategic direction

• Enhanced team performance and collaboration

• Actionable communication deliverables

• Sustainable organizational change

• High-engagement, productive meetings

Credentials & Experience

• IAF Certified™ Professional Facilitator

• Master's Degree in Public Relations – Michigan State University

• Bachelor's in Organizational Communication – Hope College

• Published Author – Contributor to multiple books on visual facilitation

• Current Projects – Writing books on wellness, trust as competitive advantage, and visual facilitation for strategic planning

Beyond the Boardroom

When I'm not visualizing big ideas for clients, you'll find me competing in track and field, perfecting my cheesecake and margarita recipes, or driving my vintage Porsche along the California coast with my family. I bring together Midwestern sensibility, East Coast drive, and West Coast innovation in everything I do.

Ready to transform your next meeting into a strategic breakthrough?

Let's discuss how visual facilitation and expert meeting design can unlock new possibilities for your organization.

Contact me today to explore how we can work together.