I am the Founder & CEO of Cinnovation Studio, a civic education & engagement consultancy. The name Cinnovation blends civics with innovation, reflecting the firm’s mission to explore thoughtful, nuanced ways of integrating existing tools and methods to strengthen community engagement in civic life and decision-making. I have more than 15 years of city planning and community development experience, which includes working across the public and private sectors throughout the U.S. Currently I live near Stuttgart, Germany and continue to work remotely for clients in the U.S. I would like to expand my reach and work with clients throughout Europe (and globally!) My specialty is community engagement, and my expertise spans long range planning; current planning and development review; environmental planning; open space, park, and trail planning; master development planning; and grant writing. Beyond my consulting practice, I have also served as a Planning Commissioner, taught as a lecturer at California State Polytechnic University, have been a speaker at multiple planning conferences, and am co-chair of the American Planning Association Community Engagement Interest Group. In this role, I co-lead a national network of urban planners focused on advancing inclusive, equitable community engagement practices. I produce a monthly newsletter, podcast, and webinars to share tools, stories, and strategies. When I’m not Cinnovating you can find me playing guitar, hiking, rock climbing, exploring old cities and castles in Europe, and learning German. Schön, Sie kennenzulernen (nice to meet you)!