Turning Ideas into Impact
I lead teams that simplify complex systems and make them usable at scale.
My background across design, engineering, and behavioral health shapes how I approach both people and systems, producing solutions that hold up in real-world conditions.
What People are Saying
"Getting to work with them on a project and then seeing them lead, I was able to learn so much through their example — which made me a better advocate for the users and taught me how to handle ambiguity with grace."
Mia Huynh
Senior Product Designer/Co-worker
"I wholeheartedly recommend Monica for any role that requires a dedicated, results-driven, and inclusive leader. Their passion for art and deep focus undoubtedly contribute to their success and outcomes for the company."
Caro Von Esch
UX Strategist/Direct Manager
"One of the most impactful leaders I’ve had the chance to work with. The leadership of the Frontline Design System team was nothing short of transformative, both for the system itself and for everyone they managed."
Kevin Arbelaez
Web Developer/Direct Report
Career Overview
Want more specifics? Download my resume.
Started my career in print design at a small agency, then moved into a range of enterprise and agency roles, building fluency across visual design, UX, and front-end development. Won 3 design awards for interactive product demos.
Phase 1
Deepen Craft
Stepped away from design to be a substance abuse counselor at a rehab facility. In the high-conflict settings, I developed advanced skills in navigating complex interpersonal dynamics, direct conversations, & emotional safety.
Phase 2
Clinical Work
Returned to design with a behavioral science lens. Embedded human-centered design practices while elevating craft through mentorship, improved processes, and stronger standards. Implimented handoff that reduced bugs by 40%.
Phase 3
Design Leader
Grew high-performing teams while expanding influence org-wide through design thinking, accessibility advocacy, executive alignment and cross-functional leadership. Shifted the team toward more agile ways of working, cutting handoff time by 30%.
Phase 4
Design & Research Manager
Used my mix of design and front-end experience to mature a flagship design system, driving $20M+ in savings. Later led a ground-up effort to consolidate 7 fragmented systems into a single enterprise platform.
Phase 5
Design Systems Manager
During a caregiving sabbatical, pursued coursework in behavioral science and AI-driven design. Designed and launched an ADHD planner grounded in behavioral science, earning 100% five-star reviews.
Present
Caregiving
& Building
Case Studies
Reigniting Engagement
Shifted FUSE to a community model with transparency, automation, and outreach, driving an 80% increase in contributions and stronger cross-product consistency.
Accessibility for
Diverse Hiring
Embedded WCAG 2.1 AA across frontline tools through advocacy, audits, and training, removing barriers for the 19% of potential talent who rely on assistive tech.
Data-Driven Modernization
Targeted high-use apps and replaced flat HTML with modular FUSE components, cutting $42K per year in maintenance and improving UX.
How I Lead
Keep teams focused on real usage, not ideal workflows, so we solve the right problems before scaling solutions.
Treat systems as products, making thoughtful tradeoffs between consistency, flexibility, and speed as needs evolve.
Build strong, cross-functional relationships that make adoption easier, especially in complex or resistant environments.
Create clear, lightweight processes that reduce friction and help teams move forward without getting stuck.
Foster healthy, inclusive teams where people feel safe to speak up, challenge ideas, and do their best work.
Focus on outcomes over output, improving usability, quality, and team velocity in ways that last.
Chit Chat Facts
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I left Banff to go up and down a lot of mountain passes, then through stunning desert to finally arrive in Cuba… (muffled cough) New Mexico.
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Goth teen me had a vision of black carpet. Dad: “If you buy it, I will install it”, thinking I would never. Multiple Arby’s paychecks later, Dad is grumbling installing carpet.
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I worked with Adolescents from 12 to 19 years old in an inpatient rehab facility. Rest assured if I can smoothly negotiate dynamics between teenagers in recovery, dynamics in corporate teams are not a problem.
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It took nine tough days to hike up Kilimanjaro. The view was breathtaking—but it was really, really cold!