It’s an incredible joy to get to be creative every day…

… To take your words and messages and bring them to life in a way that is visually captivating, and communicates an organization’s vision and values to the world. I've spent the last 15+ years diving deep into the world of graphic design and media communications, both as an independent creative and as an in-house design specialist.

Waking up every day knowing that my designs are making a positive impact for my local community and my community around the world makes this the most inspiring career I could ever hope for.

Education and experience:

Currently, my role as Creative Services Lead at Cottage Health continues to expand my communications experience through the conceptualization, design, and production of effective marketing solutions. As the senior designer working in-house as a collaborative member of Cottage's marketing and communications team, I plan, design and manage production of internal- and external-facing communications, conveying Cottage's vision, mission and values.

As owner and lead designer for KM Walker Design, I’m able to capitalize on my extensive experience in corporate/non-profit marketing to offer my clients not only engaging designs, but robust communications strategy, brand development, confidence, message clarity, and dependable customer service. With specialties in event design, branding, and corporate collateral (including key pieces for both print and digital), I serve as my clients’ personal creative tour guide, handling each step of the design process from conception to production.

My past experience includes:

  • Art direction, campaign vision leadership, design project management and rich collaboration with other members of the Cottage Health team on unique external marketing campaigns and informative internal communications (present).

  • Serving a three year term on the Cottage Health Shared Governance Coordinating Council (employee-led governing body), as well as participating on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion communications sub-committee (present).

  • Completing a two-year leadership and management training program called Health Professionals Institute (HPI) — a collaborative educational program developed by Santa Barbara City College and Cottage Health Organizational Development (2019).

  • Marketing and Communications Specialist for World Vision — specialized in corporate and major donor relational fundraising collateral and event promotional material design. Working on World Vision's Corporate and Major Donor Relations team, and having the opportunity to use design to share the incredible stories of need, generosity, transformation and relationship (2016).

  • Serving as Communication Leadership Fellow (2015) at the University of Washington, working alongside faculty and staff in an innovative academic program focused on the future of media and communications.

  • Masters in Communication in Digital Media from the UW School of Communications (2014)

  • Studying in French Polynesia, completing a graduate independent project with the University of Washington Information School on creative storytelling and the role of social media in relation to cultural preservation. (2013)

  • Web Design Professional Certificate from the University of Washington (2012)

  • Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from Westmont College (2008)